Statement by NOW President Christian F. Nunes
WASHINGTON, D.C. – NOW is proud to honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a day that recognizes the rich history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the United States.
On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to justice, equality, and the rights of all marginalized communities. Indigenous communities have been historically subjected to systemic discrimination, forced removal from their lands, and the erasure of their cultures. They have fought relentlessly to protect their sovereignty and preserve their heritage, often in the face of adversity.
As an organization driven by the principles of intersectional feminism, our fight for gender equality encompasses the diverse experiences, identities, and struggles of all women. Indigenous women, in particular, have borne a disproportionate burden of discrimination and violence. Four out of five Indigenous women experience some form of violence in their lifetime. They also face murder rates more than 10 times the national average.
We stand in solidarity with Indigenous women and communities, advocating for policies that address unique and intersectional challenges, including access to healthcare, education, economic opportunities, and the protection of reproductive rights.
Today is not just a time to acknowledge past injustices but also an opportunity to actively seek remedies for current and future generations. We encourage our members, supporters, and all those who champion justice and equality to educate themselves about the history, cultures, and issues facing Indigenous communities.
Let us not only acknowledge the contributions of Indigenous peoples but also work together so we can secure a brighter future for all.