I am so proud to be a member of Ho-Chunk Nation.

This Indigenous Peoples' Day, I wanted to share how important this holiday is to me. It’s a time to celebrate our vibrant and diverse Native cultures, traditions, and their significant additions to the United States.

Native Americans’ stories are intertwined with our nation’s history; but far too often, our unique and diverse stories, cultures, and challenges are overlooked or ignored. And for far too long, people like me have not been represented in our government.

How will the challenges unique to Native communities be recognized and addressed without Native voices in the room? It’s high time we had representation in Congress – which is why I am so proud that my friend and colleague Rep. Haaland and I were sworn in this year as the first Native American women in Congress.

We may be the first, but we will not be the last. The 116th Congress is the most diverse in our nation’s history, and I won’t stop fighting to continue that trend.

Today, we celebrate our diverse Native cultures, traditions, and contributions to this country – but we also renew our dedication to ensuring equality and representation for all.

It means so much to have you with me.

- Sharice