Recognition for historical contributions and strides in women’s achievements took the spotlight in Shoreview this month as Senator Mary Kunesh was honored by the Harriet G. Walker Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). On Sunday, September 8th, Senator Kunesh, representing the DFL-New Brighton area, was recipient of the esteemed “Women in American History” Award. This accolade, as noted by Senate DFL’s website, is not limited to DAR members but is open to any woman who has made significant contributions across various spheres including education, society, and politics in their community.
In her address to the DAR chapter, Senator Kunesh discussed the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, elucidating the complex history of Native Americans’ fight for citizenship and, subsequently, the right to vote — a battle that persisted even after the Act's implementation. Senator Kunesh captivated the audience with a presentation examining the systemic impediments that prevented Native American citizens from voting in several states for decades post their official recognition as citizens. "Despite their new status as American citizens, it would be decades before all 50 states granted Native American citizens the right to vote," she highlighted, shedding light on an often-overlooked narrative of American history.
Senator Kunesh expressed her gratitude to the DAR for the acknowledgment. "I want to sincerely thank the women of the Harriet G. Walker Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution for their interest in and discussion of this important history," she conveyed. Her speech drew connections between the historical struggles for Native American rights and current issues surrounding voting rights. "It has been 100 years since the Indian Citizenship Act was made law, but the struggle for fully-realized, equal citizenship did not end there," Senator Kunesh told the Senate DFL website.
.jpg){kind=link}