Chambana Sun

Illinois Sen. Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) introduced a proposal that would declare November as Native American Heritage Month. 

The bill would recognize the impact that Native Americans have had on history.

"Native Americans have a rich and diverse culture, and their contributions and influences deserve to be recognized. I’m thrilled to see this legislation advance so we can pay tribute to those who laid the foundation for our country," Bennett wrote in a Facebook post Apr. 24.

Native Americans were the first occupants of the United States and have made an impact on American culture through cuisine, medical practices, literature and art. Having a month dedicated to Native American heritage would allow Americans to recognize how they have contributed to the country, highlight their successes and explore the challenges they have faced throughout history to the present. 

Native Americans discovered America long before Christopher Columbus' ship landed in the Bahamas. The ancestors of modern Native Americans hiked across a "land bridge" from Asia over 12,000 years ago. That land bridge is present-day Alaska.

By the time European settlers arrived, it is estimated that 50 million Native Americans already lived in North America, and 10,000 of them lived in the present-day United States. As European settlers continued to arrive, it pushed many Native Americans down south. 

“Native American Heritage Month would be an opportunity for Illinoisans to learn more about its history and celebrate their culture and traditions,” Bennett said on his website. 

Senate Bill 1689 had bipartisan support and passed through the Senate. It has moved to the House of Representatives. 

Bennett is a Democrat of the Illinois Senate and represents the 52nd district. He has served as a member of the Senate since he filled Mike Frerich's vacancy after resigning in 2014 to move on to the role of treasurer of Illinois.