BILL NUMBER: ACR 72	AMENDED
	BILL TEXT

	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  AUGUST 25, 2011
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  AUGUST 15, 2011

INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Alejo
   (Coauthors: Assembly Members Allen, Ammiano, Block, Butler,
Campos, Carter, Davis, Eng, Hall, Roger Hernández, Hueso, Huffman,
Lara, Bonnie Lowenthal, Mendoza, Pan, Perea, V. Manuel Pérez,
Portantino, Solorio, Williams,  and Yamada  
Yamada,   Achadjian,   Atkins,   Beall,
  Bill Berryhill,   Blumenfield,  
Bradford,   Brownley,   Buchanan,  
Cedillo,   Chesbro,   Conway,   Cook,
  Dickinson,   Donnelly,   Feuer, 
 Fletcher,   Fong,   Furutani,  Beth
Gaines,   Garrick,   Gordon,   Grove,
  Hagman,   Halderman,   Harkey, 
Hayashi,   Hill,   Huber,   Jeffries,
  Logue,   Ma,   Mansoor,  
Miller,  Mitchell,   Monning,   Morrell,
  Nestande,   Norby,   Olsen,  
Silva,   Skinner,   Swanson,   Torres,
  Valadao,   Wagner,   and Wieckowski
 )
   (Coauthors: Senators Berryhill, Kehoe, Pavley, Rubio, Wright, and
Yee)

                        JUNE 29, 2011

   Relative to Native American Heritage Month.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   ACR 72, as amended, Alejo. Native American Heritage Month.
   This measure would recognize the month of November 2011 as Native
American Heritage Month, would encourage Californians to participate
in appropriate observances that celebrate and commemorate Native
Americans, and would applaud and encourage the observance of
California Indian nations for their outstanding contributions to this
state.
   Fiscal committee: no.



   WHEREAS, California Native American heritage and the Native
American community contribute immeasurably to our state's history,
and continue to enrich the diversity of our culture by distinguishing
themselves as academics, entrepreneurs, and leaders in all aspects
of our society; and
   WHEREAS, Prior to the European colonization of the Americas, the
indigenous people of California thrived with a vibrant culture and
society; and
   WHEREAS, California Native American heritage predates our
19th-century statehood, and the experiences of California Native
Americans have been marked by moments of triumph and hardship; and
   WHEREAS, California Native Americans have withstood the pressures
to lose their rich cultural knowledge of languages, beliefs, and
traditions that have been passed on from generation to generation;
and
   WHEREAS, California Native American heritage is richly interwoven
with California's diverse cultural and social fabric; and
   WHEREAS, Through their rich cultural traditions and proud
ancestry, California Native Americans have made vital contributions
to the strength and diversity of our society in such areas as law,
medicine, business, education, and the United States Armed Forces;
and
   WHEREAS, California Native Americans have proudly served in the
United States Armed Forces for over 200 years, defending the security
of our state and nation with their lives, including engaging in
World War II and Operation Iraqi Freedom, with honor, determination,
and distinction; and
   WHEREAS, The work of Native American leaders has sought to bridge
racial, socioeconomic, and environmental barriers by empowering and
educating people in order to protect Native American culture and
heritage for future generations; and
   WHEREAS, The California Native American heritage experience has
been studied and taught by academic scholars throughout the state,
and its relevance and importance is exemplified by the creation of
Native American studies departments in our state's university system;
and
   WHEREAS, The Native American studies program exists to broaden the
understanding of students interested in the history, culture,
literature, and contemporary issues of California Native American
heritage; and
   WHEREAS, Baccalaureate degrees in Native American studies are now
offered at six University of California campuses and 10 California
State University campuses; and
   WHEREAS, California Native Americans have faced numerous barriers
to business development, but have overcome those barriers to
persevere and contribute to Native American communities throughout
the state and country, and exemplify Native American entrepreneurship
in such areas as economic development, the food service industry,
health care, and banking finance; and
   WHEREAS, As we celebrate the contributions of California Native
American heritage, let it not be lost on us the tremendous sacrifice,
self-determination, and great continued inspiration to our state of
California Native Americans; now, therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate
thereof concurring, That the Legislature recognizes the month of
November 2011, as Native American Heritage Month, and encourages all
Californians to participate in appropriate observances with
activities that celebrate and commemorate Native Americans as a
symbol of hope and courage to all citizens; and be it further
   Resolved, That this recognition applauds and encourages the
observance of California Indian nations for their outstanding
contributions to this great state; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of
this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.