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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 18, 2025; 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 more than 1,300 members of the |
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Alabama-Coushatta, about half of whom live on the tribe's |
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10,200-acre reservation in the Big Thicket of East Texas; the tribe |
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is a fully functioning sovereign government, providing a full |
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complement of health and human services, and it employs some 250 |
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people, including teachers, doctors, and peace officers; members |
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also 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, The Alabama-Coushatta reservation encompasses |
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scenic recreational areas, and the area is visited every year by |
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outdoor enthusiasts 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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Casino and an annual powwow; and |
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WHEREAS, Celebrating their rich heritage as they work to |
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build a bright future, 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 the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize February 18, 2025, 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. |