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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Proud members of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of |
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Texas are gathering in Austin for Alabama-Coushatta Day at the |
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State Capitol on February 7, 2023; and |
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WHEREAS, One of three federally recognized tribes in Texas, |
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the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe was originally two tribes, the Alibamus |
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and the Koasatis, who had a similar culture but lived in adjacent |
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lands in Alabama; starting in the 1760s, the two tribes began to |
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migrate westward into what is now East Texas; and |
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WHEREAS, In 1813, the tribes fought on the side of the |
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revolutionaries in the Mexican War of Independence from Spain, and |
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the new Mexican government granted them tracts of land in gratitude |
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for their service; two decades later, Sam Houston granted the |
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tribes land between the Neches and Sabine Rivers in exchange for not |
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siding with Mexico during the Texas Revolution; members of the |
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tribes served as guides for the Texan army and helped to feed |
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refugees who had fled from Santa Anna's troops; and |
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WHEREAS, Today, there are 1,200 members of the |
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Alabama-Coushatta, half of whom live on the reservation's 10,200 |
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acres in the Big Thicket of East Texas; the tribe is a fully |
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functioning sovereign government, providing a full complement of |
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health and human services, and it is responsible for 250 jobs, |
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including teachers, doctors, and peace officers; members also |
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maintain a health clinic, a day-care center, a solid waste |
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facility, three churches, and retail shops; and |
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WHEREAS, Home to one of the most scenic recreational areas in |
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the Lone Star State, the reservation is visited every year by |
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thousands of people who enjoy the fine opportunities for camping, |
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hiking, and picnicking; the reservation is also home to the Naskila |
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Gaming facility and an annual powwow and music festival; and |
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WHEREAS, Celebrating their rich heritage as they work to |
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build a better tomorrow, the people of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe |
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may indeed take great pride in their unique contributions to the |
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history and culture of Texas; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize February 7, 2023, as |
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Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas Day at the State Capitol and |
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extend a warm welcome to the visiting members of the tribe. |