SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 529

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the Miakan-Garza Band of the Coahuiltecan Indians of Texas, whose members have been providing cultural and educational programs and presentations to the children of our state for almost 20 years; and

WHEREAS, The members of the Miakan-Garza Band are direct descendents of Zaragosa Garza, a Cacique of the Mier Band of the Garza Tribe; and

WHEREAS, The Miakan-Garza Band incorporated the Indigenous Cultures Institute in 2006 to promote and preserve the cultures of Native Americans indigenous to Texas and Northern Mexico and maintain their covenant with sacred sites; and

WHEREAS, The Miakan-Garza Band, through the Indigenous Cultures Institute, provides numerous free cultural programs for elementary and high school students, including a summer camp, to make them aware of their rich indigenous history and culture so they can be proud of their heritage, develop positive self esteem, and become productive citizens who contribute positively to society; and

WHEREAS, The Indigenous Cultures Institute seeks to educate and enlighten the Hispanic community concerning the indigenous heritage of the Hispanic by publishing Nakum, a peer-reviewed academic online journal; and

WHEREAS, The Miakan-Garza Band produces the annual Sacred Springs Powwow at Spring Lake by Aquarena Springs in San Marcos to celebrate their indigenous heritage and culture; and

WHEREAS, The Miakan-Garza Band has made enormous and important contributions to the international indigenous communities by translating the required songs and other ancient intertribal songs of the Native American Church that has over 500,000 active members in the United States and Canada, and it has recorded the first and only compact disc of traditional ceremonial songs in the Coahuiltecan language; and

WHEREAS, Members of the Miakan-Garza Band of the Coahuiltecan Indians have made enormous and important contributions to the culture and history of the indigenous people of central and south Texas and they deserve recognition for their accomplishments; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby commend the members of the Miakan-Garza Band for their immeasurable contributions to the State of Texas and for their efforts to preserve their cultural and spiritual heritage and traditions in the State of Texas; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the Miakan-Garza Band as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Zaffirini

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 25, 2013.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate