ENROLLED
2017 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 227
BY REPRESENTATIVE COX
A RESOLUTION
To recognize the Natchitoches Tribe of Louisiana as an Indian tribe.
WHEREAS, the Indian Removal Act of 1830 forced many Indians living east of the
Mississippi River to sell their lands and move to less fertile lands on a Western reservation
that would not be taken from them; and
WHEREAS, the five tribes most affected by the Indian Removal Act of 1830 through
the loss of lives, homes, and land were the Chickasaw, Creek, Choctaw, Seminole, and
Cherokee; and
WHEREAS, the Indian Removal Act of 1830 caused Indians living in the South to
embark on what became known as the "Trail of Tears" from 1830 to 1842; and
WHEREAS, as a result of the Indian Removal Act of 1830, many small groups of
the five tribes escaped and crossed the Mississippi River into Louisiana and settled near the
central and western part of Louisiana in the present-day parishes of Rapides, Vernon,
Natchitoches, and Calcasieu, which was referred to as "No Man's Land" or "Rio Hondo"; and
WHEREAS, the Natchitoches Tribe of Louisiana exists today, and the tribe has full
documentation of bloodlines of all tribal members, as well as many documented sources
regarding the activities of the tribe; and
WHEREAS, it is imperative that the state of Louisiana recognize Indian tribes within
its borders, to support their tribal aspirations, to preserve their cultural heritage and improve
their economic conditions, and to assist them in the achievement of their just rights.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby recognize the Natchitoches Tribe of Louisiana as an
Indian tribe of the state.
Page 1 of 2 HR NO. 227 ENROLLED
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Congress of the United States and the United
States Bureau of Indian Affairs are hereby memorialized, requested, and urged to take such
steps as are necessary to effect the formal recognition of the Natchitoches Tribe of Louisiana
as an Indian tribe, and to acknowledge that the rights of the Natchitoches Tribe of Louisiana
are no less than those of other Indian tribes in the United States, and, accordingly, to take
such executive or congressional action as may be appropriate.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the
president of the United States, the presiding officers of the Senate and the House of
Representatives of the Congress of the United States, each member of the Louisiana
congressional delegation, and the director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States
Department of the Interior.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Page 2 of 2