SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 602
WHEREAS, More than 200 Native American groups,
collectively known as Coahuiltecans, populated what is now
central and southern Texas and northeastern Mexico before the
arrival of the first Europeans, and they have been good stewards,
honoring and protecting this cherished land; and
WHEREAS, Indigenous people have a rich spiritual
tradition, with a deep and abiding belief in a Creator, and have
maintained a powerful spiritual connection to the land for
centuries; and
WHEREAS, While struggling for survival since the arrival
of Europeans in North America, indigenous people have remained
resilient and have been determined to protect the lands of their
heritage and to preserve their unique cultural identities and
transmit them to future generations; and
WHEREAS, Indigenous people have created and maintained the
Indigenous Cultures Institute in San Marcos, Texas, to study and
catalog the changes to their culture brought about by their
removal from their historic lands and by the destruction of the
buffalo herds, which the Coahuiltecan people held sacred and
which had sustained their culture for centuries; and
WHEREAS, The Indigenous Cultures Institute is committed to
researching and preserving the culture, arts, traditions,
ceremonies, and languages of this population and is also
partnering with local community organizations and support groups
that are dedicated to preserving the natural environment of sites
that indigenous people consider sacred; and
WHEREAS, Indigenous people remain steadfast in their
traditional commitment to protect this great land; additionally,
they continue to serve honorably and with distinction in the
military forces of the United States; and
WHEREAS, Indigenous people and their cultures laid the
foundation of our Texas history; many of the landmarks that we
hold dear are sacred sites, and place names throughout the state
reflect their indigenous origins; and
WHEREAS, A group representing the indigenous people and
the Indigenous Cultures Institute is visiting the Capitol today,
and it is appropriate to take this opportunity to welcome them;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
Legislature, hereby welcome the members of the delegation
representing the Coahuiltecan people and the Indigenous Cultures
Institute on their visit to the Capitol and extend to them
appreciation for their many contributions to the state and
nation; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
them as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
Menéndez
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 21, 2015.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate