86R8130 KSM-D
 
  By: White H.C.R. No. 62
 
 
 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
         WHEREAS, Proud members of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of
  Texas are gathering in Austin for Alabama-Coushatta Day at the
  State Capitol on February 27, 2019; and
         WHEREAS, One of three federally recognized tribes in Texas,
  the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe was originally two tribes, the Alibamus
  and the Koasatis, who had a similar culture but lived in adjacent
  lands in Alabama; starting in the 1760s, the two tribes began to
  migrate westward into what is now East Texas; and
         WHEREAS, In 1813, the tribes fought on the side of the
  revolutionaries in the Mexican War of Independence from Spain, and
  the new Mexican government granted them tracts of land in gratitude
  for their service; two decades later, Sam Houston granted the
  tribes land between the Neches and Sabine Rivers in exchange for not
  siding with Mexico during the Texas Revolution; members of the
  tribes served as guides for the Texan army and helped to feed
  refugees who had fled from Santa Anna's troops; and
         WHEREAS, Today, there are 1,200 members of the
  Alabama-Coushatta, half of whom live on the reservation's 10,200
  acres in the Big Thicket of East Texas; the tribe is a fully
  functioning sovereign government, providing a full complement of
  health and human services, and it is responsible for 250 jobs,
  including teachers, doctors, and peace officers; members also
  maintain a health clinic, a day-care center, a solid waste
  facility, three churches, and retail shops; and
         WHEREAS, Home to one of the most scenic recreational areas in
  the Lone Star State, the reservation is visited every year by
  thousands of people who enjoy the fine opportunities for camping,
  hiking, and picnicking; the reservation is also home to the Naskila
  Gaming facility and an annual powwow and music festival; and
         WHEREAS, Celebrating their rich heritage as they work to
  build a better tomorrow, the people of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe
  may indeed take great pride in their unique contributions to the
  history and culture of Texas; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the 86th Legislature of the State of Texas
  hereby recognize February 27, 2019, as Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of
  Texas Day at the State Capitol and extend to the members of the
  tribe sincere best wishes for a memorable and meaningful visit to
  Austin.