This resolution formally recognizes the rich heritage, culture, and significant contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women across the United States.
Lisa Murkowski
Senator
AK
This resolution formally recognizes the rich heritage, culture, and significant contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women across the United States. It celebrates their historic achievements in areas such as military service, science, the arts, and civil rights leadership. The bill also emphasizes the importance of continued investment to overcome barriers these women face in accessing justice, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Resolution Honors Native Women: Celebrates $11.2 Billion Economic Impact and Calls for Investment in Justice and Healthcare
This resolution is essentially a formal, congressional high-five to American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women across the country. It’s not a law that changes regulations or taxes, but rather a declaration recognizing their incredible history, culture, and ongoing contributions to the U.S. The core message is that these women have been—and continue to be—pivotal forces in everything from tribal sovereignty to space exploration.
The Economic and Military Footprint
For those of us tracking the economy and jobs, the bill drops some serious numbers. It highlights that businesses owned by Native women employed over 72,000 workers and generated more than $11.2 billion in revenue as of 2024. That’s real economic power that supports communities nationwide. Furthermore, the resolution specifically honors their service in the military, noting that over 4,400 are currently serving and more than 43,000 are veterans, recognizing trailblazers like Minnie Spotted Wolf, the first Native American woman to enlist in the Marines.
Trailblazers and Culture Keepers
The resolution reads like a history book of impressive firsts, which is key to understanding the cultural impact. It acknowledges women like Susan La Flesche Picotte, likely the first Native American to earn a medical degree, and Mary Golda Ross, the first Native American engineer at NASA who worked on the Gemini and Apollo programs. These aren't just historical footnotes; they are examples that directly challenge stereotypes and show the deep contributions of Native women across specialized, high-impact fields. By formally recognizing these figures, the resolution helps ensure their stories are centered in the national narrative.
A Call for Future Investment (Without the Check)
While this resolution is mostly commemorative, it does conclude with a significant call to action that touches on real-world needs. It states that the U.S. should “keep investing” in these women to help them overcome current barriers related to accessing justice, healthcare, education, and economic growth. This is the part that speaks directly to everyday challenges. It’s an acknowledgment from Congress that these communities still face systemic hurdles—like inadequate healthcare access or barriers to justice—and that more needs to be done. While the resolution itself doesn't allocate any money or mandate specific policy changes (it’s non-binding), it sets a clear marker for future legislative priorities, affirming the importance of security and support for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women.