SENATE MEMORIAL 37

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2006

INTRODUCED BY

Leonard Tsosie

FOR THE INDIAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

A MEMORIAL

COMMENDING GOVERNOR JOE GARCIA ON HIS ELECTION AS PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL CONGRESS OF AMERICAN INDIANS AND EXPRESSING THE CONGRATULATIONS OF THE LEGISLATURE AND THE STATE.

     WHEREAS, on November 3, 2005, Joe Garcia, governor of Ohkay Owingeh, was elected president of the national congress of American Indians at its sixty-second annual meeting in Tulsa, Oklahoma; and

     WHEREAS, the national congress of American Indians serves tribes throughout the United States as an advocate with the federal government, keeping the tribes informed about pending federal legislation, and provides a forum for tribal leaders to network, share information, develop solutions to the challenges faced by all tribes and participate in training to make them more effective as tribal leaders and representatives; and

     WHEREAS, Governor Garcia, now serving his third nonconsecutive term as governor of Ohkay Owingeh, is only the second pueblo governor to be elected president of the national congress of American Indians since 1944, when the congress was created; and

     WHEREAS, Governor Garcia will serve for two years as president before having to stand for election again; and

     WHEREAS, Governor Garcia will work with all tribes in the United States so that they speak with one voice on matters that are of common concern to them while working at the federal level to make certain that all legislation affecting tribes recognizes the different needs and capabilities of each tribe; and

     WHEREAS, Governor Garcia's belief that the tribes should be proactive and assertive in relations with the federal government means that the national congress of American Indians will take the offensive and seek results that benefit the tribes rather than express disappointment after policies and legislation are adopted;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that Governor Joe Garcia be congratulated for his election as president of the national congress of American Indians; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Governor Joe Garcia of Ohkay Owingeh be recognized for his leadership in New Mexico and be supported in exerting the leadership necessary to achieve success for Indian tribes throughout the United States; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to Governor Joe Garcia of Ohkay Owingeh.

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