Native American Heritage Month Op-ed

Senator Jon Tester, Vice-Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee

485 words
Native Americans maintain vibrant cultures and traditions and hold a deeply rooted sense of
community.
These words ring true and with a rare bit of bipartisanship, they were entered in the
Congressional Record last week as Congress passed a Resolution declaring November Native
American Heritage Month.
As Vice-Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, I believe its critical that folks across
the country recognize the contributions Native Americans have made and continue to make
across our nation.
Native Americans have moving stories of tragedy, triumph, and perseverance that need to be
shared with future generations.
Thats why this resolution honors the countless generations of Native Americans that shaped the
world we live in today.
But this resolution is not enough.
I am from the high plains of northcentral Montana, where talk is cheap, and people are judged by
their actions.
In order to properly honor Indian Country, more must be done by folks on the ground with the
help of Congress to increase opportunity and create good-paying jobs in Native American
communities.
That is why I am working on issues important to Native American families that will increase
self-governance, promote tribal sovereignty, strengthen Indian communities, and ensure the
federal government upholds its trust responsibilities.
Im working to right the wrongs done by the Carcieri Supreme Court decision to ensure all tribes
can take land into trust and Ive introduced the Native American Voting Rights Act to ensure
Indian country has a voice in our elections and government.
But, more than anything, Congress must do more to improve education in Indian Country so
every student has a path to a good-paying job.
That's why Ive introduced a bill that will recruit and retain more quality teachers to Native
American schools, and Im fighting to invest over $150 million into BIE schools which are
chronically underfunded allowing children to fall behind.

We must also ensure that the education children receive is culturally relevant, and thats why I
introduced legislation that will expand native language programs to better connect students with
their rich heritage and help keep their traditions and culture alive.
Ive also introduced a bill to improve and expand afterschool programs for Indian children to ensure these
kids keep learning beyond the classroom.

If we can get these things done it will increase graduation rates and put more students on the path
to collegemaking them even more prepared to enter the workforce.
But I need help, and I cant do it alone. Increasing self-determination and opportunity in Indian
Country needs to be driven by folks on the ground. And you have my word that I will be your
partner in that fight.
So during Native American Heritage Month join me in urging folks in Congress to follow their
words with action and do right by Indian Country.
Jon Tester is a third generation Montana farmer and the Vice-Chairman of the Senate Indian
Affairs Committee.