SENATE MEMORIAL 42

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

John Pinto

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO DESIGNATE THE THIRD FULL WEEK IN AUGUST AS "INDIAN ARTS AND CULTURE WEEK".

     WHEREAS, Native American arts and culture are foundation stones of New Mexico's identity and a primary draw for visitors to witness the beauty, depth and pageantry of the state's first residents; and

     WHEREAS, since 1922, Santa Fe Indian market has served as a showcase for the best of Native American arts and crafts and is New Mexico's largest annual cultural event; and

     WHEREAS, an Indian arts and culture week would offer enhanced opportunities for education, civic participation and partnership between local arts and cultural organizations, deepening regional cultural experiences for New Mexico residents and visitors to New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the designation of the third full week in August as "Indian Arts and Culture Week" would acknowledge the contributions of Native Americans to New Mexico as well as the continuing importance of Native American heritage to the cultural vitality of New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, enlivening Santa Fe's annual Indian market through state acknowledgment will exponentially increase the economic, educational and artistic potential of the event and assist the state to sustain, cultivate and grow its annual visitor base; and

     WHEREAS, the designation of the full week before Santa Fe Indian market as "Indian Arts and Culture Week" will help establish Santa Fe Indian market as one of the crown jewels of New Mexico tourism;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the governor be requested to proclaim the third full week of August as "Indian Arts and Culture Week"; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor, the secretary of cultural affairs, the secretary of Indian affairs and the secretary of tourism.

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