CO HJR1007

Summary of HJR26-1007: Honoring Native American Veterans

• Colorado General Assembly formally honors the disproportionately high military service, sacrifice, and patriotism of Native American veterans who have served in every major U.S. conflict for over 200 years

• Acknowledges Colorado sits on Indigenous lands of the Arapahoe, Cheyenne, Ute, Ute Mountain Ute, and Navajo peoples, and recognizes the historical costs to Native Americans including cultural suppression and confinement to reservations

• Documents specific contributions including: 12,000+ Native Americans in WWI, over one-third of able-bodied Native men ages 18-50 serving in WWII, 400+ Code Talkers from 33+ tribes, 42,000 in Vietnam (90% volunteers), and approximately 31,000 currently on active duty

• Notes Native American veterans experience higher rates of homelessness and substance abuse, with limited access to culturally sensitive VA medical care and facilities near rural reservations

• Commits the General Assembly to addressing unique hardships faced by Native American veterans, service members, and Gold Star families while upholding responsibilities to support Indigenous communities