Michigan Senate Passes HB4854, Celebrating Cultural Rights for Native Communities

LANSING, MI December 20, 2024– Today, the Michigan Senate proudly passed House Bill 4854, a significant step towards recognizing and restoring the cultural rights of NativeAmerican communities in Michigan. This landmark legislation allows Native children to wear items of spiritual cultural significance during graduation and other significant ceremonies.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the members of the Anishinaabek Caucus for theirtireless efforts and unwavering commitment to this vital issue. Their leadership has beeninstrumental in ensuring that the voices of Michigan’s Native communities are heard and respected. We especially wish to thank caucus Secretary Julie Dye, a citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and member Dr. Nichole Keway Biber, a tribalcitizen of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, and for their relentlessadvocacy and support throughout the legislative process. Their efforts and testimony have been invaluable in advancing this critical cause.

Julie Dye emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating, “This is meaningful and restorative for Michigan Native Communities. Our children can no longer be deniedtheir right to wear eagle feathers and other items of spiritual cultural significance as part of their educational achievement celebrations.”

Additionally, we acknowledge the Michigan Educational Justice Coalition for their steadfast support of this bill. Their dedication to educational equity and justice has played acrucial role in bringing this legislation to fruition.

Chi miigwetch to Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks for bringing it to the floor today and Speaker of the House Joe Tate for bringing it to the floor last week. This bill is off toGretchen Whitmer’s desk to be signed and represents a significant victory for Native families and communities across Michigan. It reaffirms our

commitment to cultural preservation and the rights of our children to celebrate their heritagewith pride.

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