Title: Recognizing that the land that is now known as the United States of America was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples known as Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Natives.
Policy area: Native Americans

Summary:
This resolution honors the legacy of Indigenous peoples who inhabited the land before the establishment of the United States. It also calls on state and local governments to encourage formal land acknowledgements before public or ceremonial events.

[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 709 Introduced in House (IH)]

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117th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 709

  Recognizing that the land that is now known as the United States of 
America was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples known as Native 
            Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Natives.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            October 8, 2021

 Ms. Norton submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
                   the Committee on Natural Resources

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Recognizing that the land that is now known as the United States of 
America was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples known as Native 
            Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Alaska Natives.

Whereas a land acknowledgment is a formal statement that recognizes and respects 
        indigenous peoples as the original and traditional stewards of a given 
        geographic area and the enduring relationship that exists between 
        indigenous peoples and their ancestral lands;
Whereas a formal statement of a land acknowledgment is a proper method to 
        recognize the traditions of indigenous peoples and ancestral land;
Whereas a land acknowledgment is a practice that honors and respects 
        contemporary indigenous peoples' connection to their ancestral lands;
Whereas a land acknowledgment is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to 
        Tribes who first resided in this country;
Whereas a land acknowledgment serves as a reminder and a reflection on the 
        impacts of colonialism, past and present;
Whereas a land acknowledgment recognizes indigenous peoples' voices that have 
        been devalued in past contexts;
Whereas a land acknowledgment is a way to show both gratitude and appreciation 
        for those who were first on the land and encourages a broadening of 
        awareness of indigenous peoples; and
Whereas it is encouraged that formal land acknowledgments be performed at 
        introductions of public and ceremonial events: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) honors the legacy of indigenous peoples who inhabited 
        the land before the establishment of the United States of 
        America and continue to live in relationship with their 
        ancestral homelands today, and recognizes their significance 
        and ongoing contributions to the United States; and
            (2) calls on State and local governments to encourage 
        formal land acknowledgments, whether verbal or written, before 
        public or ceremonial events.
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