John, today is Indigenous Peoples' Day.

Today is a day for acknowledging that Native Americans are the first inhabitants of this land, appreciating the countless contributions Indigenous people have made to our state and country, and raising their stories as we learn the history of our nation.

Montana is home to seven reservations and twelve tribal nations: Assiniboine, Blackfeet, Chippewa, Cree, Crow, Gros Ventre, Kootenai, Little Shell Chippewa, Northern Cheyenne, Pend d'Oreille, Salish and Sioux. Our state is also home to numerous Native Americans of other tribes who keep their heritage alive.

We recommit ourselves to standing side-by-side with Native Americans and advocating for their rights, from being a partner in shining a light on the missing and murdered Indigenous people epidemic, to pushing back on voter suppression efforts aimed at silencing Native American voices.

On Friday, President Biden signed the first proclamation to observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day today, but in order to ensure the significance of the day is celebrated every year, we need Congress to act.

Add your name to join me in calling on Congress to make Indigenous Peoples’ Day a federal holiday across the country.

We can do more to honor the joy and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, and committing a day to celebrate their heritage is one small way to forge a brighter future for everyone.

Thank you,

Laurie