Rep. Stansbury Recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ Day

ALBUQUERQUE–Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01), a member of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States, released the following statement recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day before joining celebrations at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and the UNM Kiva Club:

“Today and every day, we celebrate the cultures and traditions of Indigenous peoples across New Mexico and our nation. New Mexico’s Tribes and Pueblos have passed down their languages, traditions, and ways of life across generations, shaping New Mexico’s rich cultural fabric since time immemorial. On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we are lifting up and celebrating the contributions of Indigenous peoples across our state – from our history, cultures, and languages to our arts, economy, environmental stewardship, and entrepreneurship.

“As we celebrate the power and recognize the sovereignty of Indigenous nations, our work continues to confront the difficult and painful history of our nation’s treatment of Indigenous peoples and address the legacies of this history head-on. Indigenous voices must be at the forefront of our policy decisions. I look forward to continued work to defend Tribal sovereignty in full consultation with Tribal governments, to address the needs of our Tribes and Pueblos, and to build a more just, equitable, and sustainable world for generations to come.”

Representative Stansbury cosponsors the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Act (H.R. 5473), which would designate this day as a national holiday. Rep. Stansbury has also introduced and cosponsored numerous pieces of legislation in consultation with Tribal communities to advance federal trust and treaty responsibilities. Rep. Stansbury’s WaterSMART Access for Tribes Act, which would unlock millions of dollars of funding to help address urgent Tribal water management needs, passed the House of Representatives in July.

New Mexico's First Congressional District includes the Pueblo of Sandia and the To’Hajiilee Chapter of the Navajo Nation.