HOUSE MEMORIAL 87

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2016

INTRODUCED BY

Sharon Clahchischilliage

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO DECLARE FEBRUARY 5, 2016 AS "AMERICAN INDIAN DAY" IN NEW MEXICO.

     WHEREAS, New Mexico is home to twenty-three sovereign Native American nations, whose people are citizens of both New Mexico and their sovereign nations; and

     WHEREAS, decades ago, the state of New Mexico in its wisdom set apart a day each year, to be known as "American Indian Day", in recognition of the many contributions of American Indians to the economic and cultural heritage of all the citizens of the United States; and

     WHEREAS, the legislature takes great care to recognize and support the immeasurable contributions that Native American people have made to make New Mexico great; and

     WHEREAS, contemporary life in New Mexico is deeply enriched by cultural, artistic, economic, social, religious and political aspects of its Native American people and communities; and

     WHEREAS, American Indians are the original inhabitants of this state and have overcome great devastation and misfortune; and

     WHEREAS, the experiences of American Indians in New Mexico provide substantial enrichment to the state and are worthy of great esteem;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the governor be requested to declare February 5, 2016 as "American Indian Day" in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of Indian affairs and the governor of New Mexico.

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