WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representatives Jim Gibbons (R-Nev.), Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.), and Jon Porter (R-Nev.) and Senators Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and John Ensign (R-Nev.) today joined with Governor Kenny Guinn and First Lady Dema Guinn and other distinguished Nevadans in welcoming the Sarah Winnemucca statue to the U.S. Capitol and National Statuary Hall. The Sarah Winnemucca Statue joins Nevada’s other statue of Patrick A. McCarran as the two statues contributed by the Silver State. 
 
“Today is a great day for Nevada here in our Nation’s Capital,” said Rep. Porter.  “I am proud to stand alongside so many Nevadans to unveil the statue of Sarah Winnemucca which completes our States contribution to the Statutory Hall collection in the U.S. Capitol building.  She is an appropriate tribute to the Silver State, and I am proud to honor her memory as the second representative from Nevada, and only the eighth woman ever to be represented in the collection.”
 
“Today, Sarah Winnemucca took her rightful place in Statuary Hall, a gallery honoring great Americans,” stated Gibbons.  “Sarah Winnemucca is known for her tireless dedication to fighting for justice, peace, and equality for all.  Her courage, strength, and achievements represent the best of our history and culture as Nevadans, and I am proud her legacy will be represented in our nation’s Capitol. I applaud all those who assisted in this important effort, including the Winnemucca family and supporters, Governor Guinn and our First Lady, as well as our entire congressional delegation.”
 
“Sarah Winnemucca is Nevada’s second statue here in the Capitol.  Our other statue - Senator McCarran – has been here for 45 years, which I believe marks the first time Sarah Winnemucca ever came in second to anyone.  Sarah’s life story is a story of firsts.  She was the first female Native American to write a book.  She set up one of the first Native American schools in Nevada.  And she was one of the first individuals to navigate the cultures of Native Americans and Whites – adept enough to hold an audience with the President of the United States and return to her roots to teach Paiute children,” said Reid.  “As this statue takes its permanent place, I’m proud that Sarah is the newest face of Nevada in Washington, and that as a state, we have helped ensure her legacy lives on for generations to come.”
 
“Placing the statue of Sarah Winnemucca in the esteemed Statuary Hall is a wonderful way for us to honor all Nevada women,” said Ensign.  “Sarah’s passion for helping people and her commitment to peace are attributes that many women in Nevada’s past and present have shared.” 
 
“The story of Sarah Winnemucca is a testament to the difference one individual can make and the story of her statue's journey to our nation’s Capitol is a testament to the dedication of all those who worked to honor this Nevada pioneer," said Berkley.  "As an advocate for justice, educator and noted author, Sarah Winnemucca blazed new trails for women and native Americans.  Sarah’s courage and brave deeds will inspire future generations who will now have the chance to learn about her remarkable life as a result of this sculpture being added to our national collection.  This beautiful statue also serves as an important reminder of Nevada's rich history and the story of the Paiute people and their struggles.”

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