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For Immediate Release
October 25, 2024
Contacts:
Hannah Gorski
Utah House Minority Caucus
801-349-0373 | hgorski@le.utah.gov
Utah House Democratic Leader Angela Romero Joins President Biden at Historic Event with Tribal Communities in Arizona
Gila River Indian Community, Arizona—Utah House Democratic Leader Angela Romero joined President Joe Biden and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland today at a historic gathering in the Gila River Indian Community. This event marked President Biden’s first official visit to Indian Country and included a formal apology for the U.S. government’s role in the federal Indian boarding school system. More details about the Biden-Harris administration’s support for Tribal Nations are available here.
Representative Romero, a dedicated advocate for Utah’s Indigenous communities, highlighted the impact of this apology on Native communities. “President Biden’s visit and apology are historic and deeply meaningful, recognizing the generational trauma caused by federal boarding school policies. I am committed to honoring this history and working to support Indigenous communities here in Utah.”
Romero’s ongoing work with Utah’s Indigenous leaders and advocates reflects her commitment to advancing Indigenous family rights and safety. She led the creation of Utah’s Murdered and Missing Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Task Force, which addresses the disproportionate violence facing Indigenous people and advocates for justice for Indigenous families. She continues working to implement the task force’s recommendations to improve protections and support systems for Utah’s Native communities.
In the upcoming 2025 Legislative Session, Romero will champion a state version of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) to prioritize family placements for Native American children. Through partnerships with Tribal leaders and advocacy for meaningful reforms, Romero is dedicated to ensuring that Utah’s Native voices are honored and empowered in policy decisions.
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