HR0177 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0177 LRB094 11412 JAM 42306 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of this body are pleased and honored to recognize a group of individuals who have contributed greatly to the heritage and education of the children of our nation; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois shall set apart a day known as "American Indian Day" in recognition of the many contributions of the American Indians to the economic and cultural heritage of all the citizens of the United States; and

WHEREAS, American Indian Day is also held to honor all American Indians and Native Americans who have fought, served, and worked to make the United States the greatest country in the world; and

WHEREAS, The years before the arrival of Christopher Columbus saw the rise of an advanced agriculturally based Indian civilization with true urban centers, monumental public works, and ruling classes; and

WHEREAS, During the period of European colonization, American Indian societies and tribes within the present continental United States were integrated through interconnecting political, economic, social, and religious obligation and support systems provided by extended families or kinship groups; and

WHEREAS, Through European colonization, most tribes were forced to sell their lands, moved to new territory, and subjected to forced acculturation programs by the federal government; many other tribes remain on reservations or tribal lands within their old homelands, where they retain many of their cultural patterns and traditional values; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we honor American Indians for their contributions to American heritage, and for their optimism and pride in this great nation, we do hereby declare September 1, 2005, and each September 1 thereafter, as American Indian Day in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be displayed at the Chicago Cultural Center and a suitable copy be delivered to Cleatus Lee Murdaugh of the Southern Cherokee Tribe.