This month marked the completion of the 2018 Midterm Elections. November also marked the 25th consecutive year in which the United States has celebrated Native American Heritage Month. Making it appropriate that during this past election, the nation voted two Native American Congresswomen into the House of Representatives. According to National Geographic, nearly 12,000 people have been elected to the US Congress since its founding in 1789. However, until now, not a single one of those representatives has been a Native American woman.
Deb Haaland
Deb Haaland
Congresswoman elect for New Mexico, Deb Haaland is a member of the Native American tribe Laguna Pueblo. The National Parks Service “indicates that ancestors of the pueblo’s current residents have been in residence [in New Mexico] since at least 1300 A.D.” The Laguna Pueblo made their homes on American soil at least 489 years before Congress was even created. Yet, it took 230 years of Congressional existence before Native American woman gained representation.
“I stand in solidarity with survivors and survivor advocates and women’s human rights defenders who are working to prevent and end violence against women and girls.”
“It is a tumultuous time […] I’m just ready to work hard and make sure we can get things done.”
– Deb Haaland
Sharice Davids
Sharice Davids
Similarly, Congresswoman elect Sharice Davids is a member of the Ho-Chunk tribe. The name “Ho-Chunk” is derived from the word “Hochungra.” It’s a term the tribe used to describe itself, meaning “People of the Big Voice.” Ironically, their people had no voice in Congress until now.
“The latest reports on climate change make it clear that we must take immediate action to protect our planet and our future.”
“Our immigration system is broken […] fearmongering is not going to fix it. We need bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform – not empty words and scare tactics.”
– Sharice Davids
Regardless of personal political affiliations, most of us would agree that diverse representation is key to maintaining a healthy Democracy. Congratulations to both the newly elected congresswomen.
