Recognizing National Native American Heritage Month and celebrating the heritages and cultures of Native Americans and the contributions of Native Americans to the United States.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 911
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Native Americans
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-25: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-10T12:13:33Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 911) aims to formally recognize National Native American Heritage Month (observed each year from November 1 to November 30) and Native American Heritage Day. It celebrates the heritages, cultures, and contributions of Native Americans to the United States, emphasizing their historical role as the original inhabitants and their ongoing influence on American society.
Key Provisions
- Recognition of Heritage Month and Day: The House of Representatives supports the observance of National Native American Heritage Month and Native American Heritage Day, as established by the Native American Heritage Day Act of 2009 (a law that designates the Friday after Thanksgiving as this day).
- Call to Action: Urges people across the United States to participate in appropriate programs and activities to honor Native American achievements, traditions, and stories.
- Background Affirmations: Highlights key facts, such as:
- The 2020 Census estimate of 9.7 million Americans identifying as American Indian or Alaska Native.
- Native Americans' vibrant cultures, indigenous languages (which influence English names for places and people), and stories of tragedy, triumph, and perseverance.
- Contributions in fields like agriculture, medicine, music, art, invention, entrepreneurship, spirituality, and scholarship.
- High per capita service in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the critical role of Native American code talkers in World Wars I and II, who used indigenous languages as unbreakable codes.
- Influence on the U.S. Constitution, including concepts like freedom of speech, separation of powers, and checks and balances.
- U.S. commitment to Tribal self-governance, self-determination, and improvements in health care, law enforcement, housing, and socioeconomic status for Native Americans.
- Strengthening of the government-to-government relationship between the U.S. and Indian Tribes.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution introduces no changes to existing laws. It is a non-binding expression of congressional support that reaffirms prior legislation, such as the Native American Heritage Day Act of 2009, without creating new legal requirements or obligations.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Encourages public education and awareness about Native American history and contributions, potentially fostering greater cultural appreciation and community engagement through events and programs. It may inspire storytelling and preservation of indigenous languages and traditions for future generations.
- On Government Agencies: Prompts federal agencies, such as the Census Bureau or those involved in Tribal relations, to align with the recognition, though it imposes no mandates. It reinforces ongoing commitments to Tribal self-determination and resource improvements.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but it underscores the U.S.'s domestic recognition of indigenous peoples, which could indirectly support global discussions on indigenous rights and cultural preservation.
- Overall, the resolution has symbolic rather than enforceable effects, promoting unity and respect without allocating funds or altering policies.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Native Americans and Tribal Nations: Directly honored, with emphasis on their self-governance, cultural preservation, and contributions; benefits include heightened visibility and potential for stronger advocacy.
- General Public and Educational Institutions: Encouraged to participate in observances, leading to broader societal awareness.
- U.S. Congress and Federal Government: Sponsors (bipartisan group including Reps. Grijalva, Cole, and others) and committees (e.g., Oversight and Government Reform) demonstrate political support for Native issues.
- Military and Veterans' Groups: Acknowledges Native American service members, potentially influencing recognition efforts for code talkers and current personnel.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it carries no force of law but builds on existing statutes like the 2009 Act, reinforcing the federal government's trust responsibilities toward Tribes without creating enforceable rights or duties.
- Constitutional: Highlights Native American influences on foundational principles (e.g., free speech and separation of powers), subtly affirming the Constitution's roots in diverse cultural exchanges, though this is interpretive rather than legally binding.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan congressional unity on cultural recognition, signaling ongoing support for Tribal sovereignty and self-determination amid broader debates on indigenous rights. It could politically bolster efforts to address socioeconomic disparities in Native communities, such as health and housing, without partisan controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Grijalva, Adelita S. [D-AZ-7]
Cosponsors (7)
Rep. Cole, Tom [R-OK-4], Rep. Fedorchak, Julie [R-ND-At Large], Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14], Rep. Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large], Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-25: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-11-25: Submitted in House
- 2025-11-25: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing National Native American Heritage Month and celebrating the heritages and cultures of Native Americans and the contributions of Native Americans to the United States. — issued 2025-11-25 — PDF (4 pages)