Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata yesterday attended a legislative hearing of the Natural Resources Committee’s Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States (SCIP).
She has cosponsored legislation introduced by Congressman Kaiali’i Kahele: The Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole Protecting Family Legacies Act.
Congressman Kahele’s legislation updates the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920 (HHCA) to reflect the actions of the State of Hawaii which have already been passed and signed by the Governor of Hawaii in 2017, to provide the official consent of the Congress in completing the updated definition of an eligible successor to an HHCA residential, farming or ranching homestead lease in Hawaii.
“As a Pacific Islander, I have a personal stake in advocating for a strong relationship between the federal government and the local island people,” Uifa’atali said. “We were here before we worked out our various deals with the United Sates and if we take the right attitude, we will be here long into the future. The goal of today’s hearing and every SCIP hearing we hold is to protect and uphold the traditions and livelihoods of our indigenous peoples.”
The congresswoman went on to say, “I would argue the United States remains the greatest country on earth, but it only does so by celebrating and respecting the myriad cultures that make up our nation and by paying special care to preserving the traditions of those who came before us. This isn’t just about protecting a few special interest groups. Indigenous peoples are Americans, and our well-being allows us to continue to contribute that richness of culture and strength which benefits the whole country.”
The Subcommittee also examined legislation introduced by Natural Resources Committee Chairman Raul Grijalva, Dean of the House Congressman Don Young of Alaska, and Congressman Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska, each of whom represent substantial Native American communities in their states and districts. Each of those legislative efforts is of particular importance to the Tanana Tribal Council in Alaska, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona, or the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.
