Joe Baca: “this week marks a monumental event in our national history. We celebrate the opening of the National Museum of the…”

“this week marks a monumental event in our national history. We celebrate the opening of the National Museum of the American Indian. We celebrate the Native American culture, tradition, and rich heritage that they have contributed to this great Nation. This is a great tribute to the first Americans. We must not stop here. We must do more. We must do more to ensure that we honor our government's trust responsibility and protect tribal sovereignty. I have stood by Native Americans and fought for their sovereignty since I was first elected to the assembly in California. We must do more to provide tribes with resources to fulfill their basic needs. Tribes receive only about one-third of the money they need for vital programs. This is unacceptable. We must do more to end the health disparities for Native Americans We must do more to protect Native American lands. Government entities must work together to meet the needs of Native Americans, making a brighter future for all of our people. Native Americans must be treated with the respect they deserve. That is why I have introduced H. Res. 167 to create a federally recognized holiday for Native Americans and instruct schools to teach about Native Americans, the role they have in our American history. Let us remember our Native Americans who have made a great contribution to this Nation and this country.”