WASHINGTON— Today, Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva issued the following statement to commemorate November as Native American Heritage Month:

“This month we celebrate the legacy and contribution of Native Americans, the Indigenous peoples of our country whose rich traditions, community, and history continue impacting every facet of American culture. Not too long ago our country relied on Navajo code talkers to end World War II, and just last year we witnessed history with the election of the first two Native women to the U.S. Congress. Today, and every day, we must continue to recognize the undeniable mark the Indigenous peoples of this country have on our history.

“The American story is the Native American story, yet too often Indigenous communities are left out of the national conversation. This Native American Heritage Month, let’s renew our pledge to honor the legacy of the Native Nations and celebrate Native American contributions that are an integral part of America’s cultural fabric.”

Rep. Grijalva was an original cosponsor on a congressional resolution recognizing November as Native American Heritage Month that was introduced by Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM-01) last week. Click here to read the full text of the resolution.