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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The passing of Cacique Jose Sierra Sr. on August 16, |
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2025, concluded a remarkable life of service to the Tigua people of |
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the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo tribe in El Paso; and |
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WHEREAS, Jose Sierra was born into the YDSP in 1943; over the |
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years, he went on to hold the leadership positions of governor, |
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alguacil, or sheriff, tribal judge, and mayordomo; in 2017, he |
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became cacique, or chief, a lifelong term on the tribal council that |
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represents the highest spiritual authority in guiding the pueblo's |
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ceremonies and traditions; and |
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WHEREAS, Deeply devoted to the well-being of the Tigua |
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people, Cacique Sierra played a key role in the establishment of |
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such community assets as the YDSP Cultural Center, a spice plant, a |
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health care clinic, an early learning center, and new housing; he |
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was also instrumental in securing federal and state recognition of |
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the pueblo, and his efforts contributed to the 2022 U.S. Supreme |
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Court ruling that affirmed the tribe's gaming rights; in addition, |
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he led a delegation to the Netherlands to help secure the |
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repatriation of several sacred artifacts that had been held there |
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since 1882; and |
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WHEREAS, Outside of his service to the pueblo, Mr. Sierra |
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worked for more than three decades as a location scout in the film |
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office of the El Paso Convention and Visitors Bureau, which led to |
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the area's historic neighborhoods, desert landscapes, and |
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landmarks being showcased in cinema; during this time, he met with |
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such celebrities and dignitaries as Johnny Depp, Chuck Norris, and |
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Queen Elizabeth II; and |
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WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Sierra benefited from the |
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love and support of his wife of 61 years, Irma; he was the proud |
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father of their 5 children, and with the passing years, he had the |
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pleasure of seeing his family grow to include 22 grandchildren and |
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29 great-grandchildren; known for his love of traditional cooking, |
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his signature recipes included red chili and Indian bread; and |
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WHEREAS, Admired for his wisdom, generosity, and strength, |
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Jose Sierra leaves behind a legacy of good works that will long |
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resonate in the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo tribe; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas |
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Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of |
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Cacique Jose Sierra Sr. and extend sincere condolences to all who |
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mourn his passing; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of |
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Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Jose |
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Sierra. |