TITLE: Recognizing April 14, 2025, as San Antonio Mission Indian Descendants Day at the State Capitol.

SUMMARY: Recognizing April 14, 2025, as San Antonio Mission Indian Descendants Day at the State Capitol.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Many proud members of San Antonio Mission Indian Descendants are gathering in Austin on April 14, 2025, in celebration of San Antonio Mission Indian Descendants Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, San Antonio Mission Indian Descendants brings together people whose ancestors lived on area mission lands before, during, and after the mission period of the 1700s; modern-day members of the community gather at these missions for Indigenous celebrations, prayer, and such important life events as baptism, confirmation, and marriage; and WHEREAS, Hundreds of small Native bands inhabited South Texas for thousands of years before the arrival of Spanish explorers; described collectively as Coahuiltecans by the Spanish, these culturally and linguistically diverse Indigenous groups came under pressure from growing colonization; resources dwindled, and when the Franciscan friars established missions along the San Antonio River in the early 18th century, Indigenous peoples built those communities and formed the majority of the population; they transitioned from a nomadic lifestyle, following the rhythms of nature, to the strictly regulated environment of the Franciscans; Native and Spanish cultures combined, fusing into a distinctive South Texas culture; and WHEREAS, Numerous area families have deep ancestral connections to the missions, and San Antonio Mission Indian Descendants works to raise awareness of a rich heritage that continues to inspire and influence a vibrant community today; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby recognize April 14, 2025, as San Antonio Mission Indian Descendants Day at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the visiting delegation; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the organization as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Lujan Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 765 was adopted by the House on April 15, 2025, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House