TITLE: Welcoming the members of the Indigenous Nations and the Indigenous Cultures Institute on the occasion of their visit to the Capitol.

SUMMARY: Welcoming the members of the Indigenous Nations and the Indigenous Cultures Institute on the occasion of their visit to the Capitol.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, For millennia, people of Indigenous Nations, the more than 200 Native American groups that populated what is now central and southern Texas and northeastern Mexico before the arrival of the first Europeans, have been good stewards, honoring and protecting this cherished land, including Texas; and WHEREAS, Indigenous People are very spiritual, with a deep and abiding belief in a Creator, and have maintained a powerful spiritual connection to the land for centuries; and WHEREAS, While struggling for survival since the arrival of Europeans in North America, the Indigenous People have remained resilient, determined to protect the lands of their heritage and to preserve their unique cultural identities and transmit them to future generations; and WHEREAS, The Indigenous People have created and maintained the Indigenous Cultures Institute in San Marcos to study and catalog the changes and alterations to the Indigenous People's culture "by their systematic removal from their historic lands; [in which] families were separated and entire tribes were purged; [and] the buffalo herds, which the people held sacred and which had sustained their culture for centuries, were destroyed"; the institute also strives to maintain their covenant with sacred sites by partnering with local community organizations and support groups that are dedicated to preserving the natural environment of sites that Indigenous People consider sacred; and WHEREAS, The Indigenous People remain steadfast in their traditional commitment to protect this great land; additionally, they continue to serve honorably, with distinction, in the military forces of the United States; and WHEREAS, A group representing the Indigenous Cultures Institute and the Indigenous People, comprising more than 200 Native American groups, is visiting the Capitol today, and it is appropriate to take this opportunity to welcome them; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby welcome the members of the Indigenous Nations and the Indigenous Cultures Institute on their visit to the Capitol and offer its appreciation for their dedication to the research and preservation of the culture, arts, traditions, ceremonies, and languages of this population, collectively known as Coahuiltecans, and their contributions to the state and nation in preserving the natural environment of sites in Texas that Indigenous People consider sacred; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the group as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. White of Bell Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2194 was adopted by the House on April 21, 2015, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House