US Senate Unanimously Designates November as National Native American Heritage Month

The United States Senate delivered a strong, bipartisan reaffirmation of federal commitment to Tribal Nations on Wednesday by successfully passing a resolution formally recognizing November 2025 as National Native American Heritage Month. This resolution serves to honor the rich cultures, complex histories, and profound contributions that Native Americans have made to the tapestry of the United States.

A Call for Action and Partnership

The measure was championed by the leadership of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs: Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Vice Chairman Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i). The resolution goes beyond mere ceremonial recognition, highlighting the imperative of preserving Indigenous traditions, the necessity of strengthening government-to-government relationships with Tribal Nations, and the core duty of reaffirming federal trust and treaty responsibilities.

Chairman Murkowski underscored the deep historical impact of Indigenous peoples on American society, pointing to specific examples of enduring influence. She cited the Haudenosaunee's system of checks and balances as inspiration for the U.S. Constitution and recognized the valor of Native American Code Talkers, in addition to myriad contributions across agriculture, science, and the arts. Murkowski expressed pride in leading the resolution, emphasizing that honoring Native heritage requires "more than recognition — it means action, partnership, and building on the contributions of Native communities."

Vice Chairman Schatz echoed the sentiment of commitment, stating that the November celebration is an opportunity to recognize American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian peoples and their diverse "cultures, achievements, and contributions to the United States." He further affirmed his dedication to upholding the federal trust responsibility and strengthening self-determination for Native communities across the nation.

Bipartisan Unity on the Floor

The unanimous passage of the resolution was made possible by significant bipartisan backing, illustrating a broad legislative consensus on the importance of this acknowledgment. A large, diverse coalition of senators cosponsored the measure, demonstrating widespread institutional support for Native American issues.

This list of cosponsors included Senators from across the political spectrum: Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Baldwin (D-Wis.), Bennet (D-Colo.), Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Booker (D-N.J.), Cantwell (D-Wash.), Collins (R-Maine), Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Cramer (R-N.D.), Crapo (R-Idaho), Daines (R-Mont.), Duckworth (D-Ill.), Durbin (D-Ill.), Gallego (D-Ariz.), Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Heinrich (D-N.M.), Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), Hoeven (R-N.D.), Kaine (D-Va.), King (I-Maine), Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Lankford (R-Okla.), Luján (D-N.M.), Lummis (R-Wyo.), Markey (D-Mass.), Merkley (D-Ore.), Moran (R-Kan.), Mullin (R-Okla.), Murray (D-Wash.), Padilla (D-Calif.), Peters (D-Mich.), Ricketts (R-Nebr.), Risch (R-Idaho), Rosen (D-Nev.), Rounds (R-S.D.), Schiff (D-Calif.), Schumer (D-N.Y.), Shaheen (D-N.H.), Smith (D-Minn.), Sullivan (R-Alaska), Tillis (R-N.C.), Van Hollen (D-Md.), Warren (D-Mass.), and Wyden (D-Ore.).