SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 602

WHEREAS, More than 200 Native American groups, collectively known as Coahuiltecans, populated what is now central and southern Texas and northeastern Mexico before the arrival of the first Europeans, and they have been good stewards, honoring and protecting this cherished land; and

WHEREAS, Indigenous people have a rich spiritual tradition, 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, indigenous people have remained resilient and have been determined to protect the lands of their heritage and to preserve their unique cultural identities and transmit them to future generations; and

WHEREAS, Indigenous people have created and maintained the Indigenous Cultures Institute in San Marcos, Texas, to study and catalog the changes to their culture brought about by their removal from their historic lands and by the destruction of the buffalo herds, which the Coahuiltecan people held sacred and which had sustained their culture for centuries; and

WHEREAS, The Indigenous Cultures Institute is committed to researching and preserving the culture, arts, traditions, ceremonies, and languages of this population and is also 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, Indigenous people remain steadfast in their traditional commitment to protect this great land; additionally, they continue to serve honorably and with distinction in the military forces of the United States; and

WHEREAS, Indigenous people and their cultures laid the foundation of our Texas history; many of the landmarks that we hold dear are sacred sites, and place names throughout the state reflect their indigenous origins; and

WHEREAS, A group representing the indigenous people and the Indigenous Cultures Institute is visiting the Capitol today, and it is appropriate to take this opportunity to welcome them; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th Legislature, hereby welcome the members of the delegation representing the Coahuiltecan people and the Indigenous Cultures Institute on their visit to the Capitol and extend to them appreciation for their many contributions to the state and nation; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for them as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.

Menéndez

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 21, 2015.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate