The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved a bipartisan resolution led by U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) recognizing the leadership, resilience, and enduring contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women.
Passed during Women’s History Month, the resolution highlights the vital roles Native women have played in shaping communities nationwide through their work in public service, education, culture, business, science, and the arts.
“Native women have made incredible contributions to our communities and country, and this month, we celebrate and recognize their impacts on American history,” said Vice Chairman Schatz. “The Native Hawaiian women we commemorate in this resolution are among many more who deserve our recognition and gratitude year-round.”
Murkowski emphasized the longstanding leadership of Native women across generations. “Native women have always been leaders, guiding their families and strengthening communities across Alaska and throughout Indian Country. They are the bearers of language, culture, and tradition and remain the foundation of those communities,” she said.
She added that the resolution honors Native women from Alaska and across the country, including Laura Beltz Wright, Mary Jane Fate, Katie John, and Elizabeth Peratrovich, who “left lasting legacies through military service, civil rights advocacy, businesses, and the protection of Indigenous lands and traditions.”
“Through this resolution, we honor all Native women,” Murkowski said. “During Women’s History Month, I thank my Senate colleagues for supporting our resolution, recognizing Native women and their continued impact across America.”
The resolution drew broad bipartisan support, with dozens of senators joining as co-sponsors, reflecting a shared acknowledgment of the critical role Native women continue to play in strengthening Tribal nations and communities across the United States.
Full text of the resolution can be found here.
