Political Quotes

“I deeply appreciate my friend and colleague from New Mexico leading this Special Hour and yielding me time to join in recognizing November as Native American Heritage Month, a time for us to reflect on and celebrate the rich histories and diverse cultures of our Nation's indigenous peoples. It is said that cultural heritage is the sum total of the unique ways of living of a culture handed down from generation to generation, be they customs, practices, places, objects, artistic expressions, language, and values, all amounting to a distinct identity and integrity as a people. By that measure, most Americans have some familiarity with the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples of the continental United States and Alaska. It is indeed gratifying to listen to my colleagues speak of the rich diversity within our continental United States, from New Mexico to Florida to Washington and Wisconsin. As we celebrate the heritage, identity, and integrity of these great peoples this month, I want to highlight that of another indigenous peoples of our country, the Native Hawaiians. Because of Hawaii's geographical distance from the U.S. mainland and our unique history with the United States, most Americans are not aware of the almost 600,000 among us who identify, in whole or in part, as Native Hawaiian. Some 50 percent still live in my home State of Hawaii, and I am deeply humbled to represent a native group with such a deep and rich heritage all its own.…”