79S20505 CLE-D



By:  Deshotel                                                     H.R. No. 143







R E S O L U T I O N

	WHEREAS, The East Texas Choctaw Tribe of more than 200 

families exists in Jasper County as a distinct community sharing 

customs and traditions, kinship organization, and religious 

beliefs and practices; and

	WHEREAS, Descendents of James Tyler, the East Texas Choctaw 

are also related to Meredith (Maraday) Tyler, who was born at the 

Clifton Choctaw Reservation in Rapids Parish, Louisiana, in 1864 

and died in Bon Wier, Texas, in 1937; and

	WHEREAS, The Clifton Choctaw Tribe was formally recognized as 

an Indian tribe by the State of Louisiana more than 50 years ago, 

and East Texas Choctaw Tribe members take justifiable pride in 

being descendents of a historical Indian tribe; and

	WHEREAS, Throughout the years, the East Texas Choctaw have 

played an integral role in Texas' development, and the Native 

American tribes who were among the first Texans have greatly 

enriched our shared heritage with their culture; and

	WHEREAS, Given the tribe's valuable contributions to Texas' 

history and diversity, the Texas House of Representatives finds 

that it is appropriate to encourage the East Texas Choctaw Tribe to 

preserve its cultural and spiritual heritage and traditions; now, 

therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 

Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby honor the East Texas 

Choctaw Tribe and commend the tribe's efforts to preserve its 

cultural and spiritual heritage and traditions.