East Idaho Times

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, both representing Idaho, have expressed their approval following the Senate's passage of a resolution that designates November 2024 as National Native American Heritage Month. The resolution also recognizes the Friday after Thanksgiving as Native American Heritage Day.

Senator Crapo highlighted the importance of the resolution, stating, "In addition to honoring the remarkable achievements of Native Americans and their ancestors, the resolution emphasizes Congress’s reaffirmation of tribal self-governance and the government-to-government relationship between the United States and Native American governments." He acknowledged the influence of Idaho's Native American Tribes on state and national history and expressed pride in celebrating their heritage.

Senator Risch also commented on the significance of this month, saying, "Native American Heritage Month celebrates the profound contributions of Idaho’s Native communities to our great state. I’m proud to recognize the national importance of our Tribal Nations alongside my colleagues in the Senate."

The resolution was introduced by Senate Indian Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Schatz from Hawaii and Ranking Member Lisa Murkowski from Alaska. It received co-sponsorship from several senators across different states, including Tammy Baldwin, Michael Bennet, Richard Blumenthal, Cory Booker, Laphonza Butler, Maria Cantwell, Susan Collins, Catherine Cortez Masto, Kevin Cramer, Steve Daines, Tammy Duckworth, Deb Fischer, Martin Heinrich, George Helmy, John Hickenlooper, Mazie K. Hirono, John Hoeven, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Tim Kaine, Angus King, Amy Klobuchar, James Lankford Ben Ray Luján Ed Markey Jeff Merkley Jerry Moran Markwayne Mullin Patty Murray Alex Padilla Jacky Rosen Mike Rounds Chuck Schumer Jeanne Shaheen Krysten Sinema Tina Smith Dan Sullivan Jon Tester Chris Van Hollen Mark Warner Elizabeth Warren Roger Wicker Ron Wyden.

For those interested in learning more about Idaho's Native American Tribes' history and culture can visit various tribal museums or explore online resources provided by tribal websites such as cdatribe-nsn.gov and nezperce.org. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Museum at Fort Hall offers historic photos and artifacts for viewing. Additionally,the National Park Service provides information about significant cultural sites within Nez Perce National Historical Park through its website.