(Seattle, WA) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) issued the following statement on Indigenous People’s Day.
“As we take time to observe this Indigenous People’s Day, may we honor and celebrate the Native peoples that are such an integral part of our history, culture and future—especially here in Washington state.
“Importantly, I’m glad to see President Biden acknowledge the painful history and horrors Indigenous people have endured for generations through efforts to displace, assimilate, and eliminate Native cultures and communities in the first ever White House proclamation designating today officially as Indigenous People’s Day.
“As we recover from a pandemic that has led to devastating health and economic consequences in Indian Country, we must continue working to right the wrongs of our history by recognizing Indigenous peoples’ inherent sovereignty, honoring Tribal treaty rights, and making long overdue investments in Tribal communities—I will continue to stand firm as a voice for Washington state’s Tribal governments and people.”