A resolution recognizing the contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian women, highlighting their service in the military, efforts to break down gender barriers, and work to advance civil rights, has passed the U.S. Senate.
The resolution, led by Senators Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Tom Udall, D-New Mexico, also recognizes the importance of supporting equality, improving safety and ensuring that the interests of these women are well-represented.
Among those honored by the resolution are Inupiat Eskimo sharpshooter Laura Beltz Wright of the Alaska Territorial Guard during World War II, and civil rights advocate Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich of the Tlingit Nation.
“We have been working hard to shine a light on the disproportionate amounts of violence experienced by indigenous women across the U.S.,” Murkowski said. “But as we continue our work to make right those inequities, it is equally important that we recognize the great accomplishments, heritage, culture and contributions of Alaska Native, American Indian and Native Hawaiian women.”
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women are stepping up to serve their communities in a variety of ways, from providing frontline services like healthcare and public safety to representing their communities in the highest levels of government service and Tribal leadership,” Udall said. “Their dedication during this crisis is just the latest example of the truly remarkable contributions of Native women throughout our Nation’s history.”
