Delia Ramirez: “(English translation of the statement made in Spanish by Mrs. Ramirez is as follows:) In commemoration of Native…”

“(English translation of the statement made in Spanish by Mrs. Ramirez is as follows:) In commemoration of Native American Heritage Month, I rise to honor my constituent, Nelly Lema, a community leader committed to preserving the culture and history of the native Kichwa people of Ecuador. As the President of the Kichwa Community of Chicago, Nelly has built community and strengthened the cultural identity for the Kichwa people who today call Chicago home. Through cultural performances, workshops, culturally competent classes, civic dialogue, and policymaking, she has emboldened the Kichwa people to preserve the language, traditions, and identity of their people. Sharing space with Kichwa musicians, artists, and elders who contribute their talents and knowledge, she fosters a welcoming space for her community to feel recognized, seen, and valued. Nelly's efforts remind us of the importance of uplifting diasporic Indigenous Latine communities, both in the United States and globally. Mr. Speaker, I commend and thank Nelly for her incredibly necessary work as a cultural steward and community leader. Mr. Speaker, En conmemoracion del Mes de la Herencia Nativa Americana, deseo honrar a mi constituyente, Nelly Lema, una lider comunitaria comprometida con la preservacion de la cultura y la historia del pueblo nativo Kichwa de Ecuador.…”