2025S0088-2 02/11/25
By: Nichols S.R. No. 91
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
welcome the proud members of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas
who are gathering in Austin to celebrate Alabama-Coushatta Day at
the State Capitol on February 18, 2025; and
WHEREAS, One of three federally recognized tribes in
Texas, the Alabama-Coushatta originated as separate tribes, the
Alibamu and the Koasati, who had a similar culture and were part
of the Muscogee Creek Confederacy in the Southeast; in the 1760s,
the two tribes began to migrate into what is now East Texas; and
WHEREAS, In 1813, the tribes participated in the Mexican
War of Independence from Spain, and the newly formed Mexican
government offered them tracts of land as an expression of
gratitude for their service; two decades later, Sam Houston
granted the tribe land between the Neches and Sabine Rivers in
exchange for their assistance in guiding and helping to feed the
Texan army who had fled from Santa Anna's army during the Texas
Revolution; and
WHEREAS, The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas comprises
approximately 1,200 members, half of whom live on the
reservation's 10,200 acres in the Big Thicket area of East Texas;
the tribe is a fully functioning sovereign government with a full
array of health and human services, which provides employment to
hundreds of members who serve as teachers, doctors, and peace
officers, and the community sustains businesses, including a
health clinic, a day-care center, a solid waste facility,
churches, and retail shops; and
WHEREAS, Home to one of the most scenic recreational areas
in the state, the reservation is visited every year by thousands
of people who enjoy camping, hiking, and picnicking; the
reservation is also home to the Naskila Casino and an annual
powwow and music festival; and
WHEREAS, Celebrating their rich heritage as they work to
build a brighter future, the Alabama-Coushatta people may indeed
take great pride in their unique contributions to the history and
culture of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th
Legislature, hereby recognize February 11, 2025, as
Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas Day at the Capitol and extend a
warm welcome to the visiting members of the tribe; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
honor of this special occasion.