California Legislature—2013–14 Regular Session

Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 35

Introduced by Assembly Member Alejo

March 18, 2013

Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 35—Relative to California Native American Heritage Month.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

ACR 35, as introduced, Alejo. California Native American Heritage Month.

This measure would recognize the month of September every year as California Native American Heritage Month, would encourage Californians to participate in appropriate observances that celebrate and commemorate California Native Americans, and would applaud and encourage the observance of California Indian Nations for their outstanding contributions to this state.

Fiscal committee: no.

WHEREAS, Native Americans were the first human inhabitants
of the land that is now the great State of California; and

WHEREAS, California Native Americans have contributed and
continue to contribute immeasurably to our state’s history,
diversity, economy, and culture by distinguishing themselves as
academics, entrepreneurs, and leaders throughout our state; 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 Americans have preserved their
rich heritage, which is among the world’s great cultural treasures,
in the face of adversity; and

WHEREAS, California Native American heritage and culture
is richly interwoven with California’s diverse 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, In spite of a tragic past, Native Americans have
been generous citizens and 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, 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, California tribal governments today employ more
than 52,000 of our fellow citizens and contribute $7.5 billion to
our shared economy; and

WHEREAS, California tribes have generously donated their
time and millions of dollars each year for education, youth
programs, health care services, and other essential social services
that strengthen California; and

WHEREAS, California today is home to the largest population
of Native Americans in the 50 states, including both the rebounding
numbers of our native tribes and others drawn to the Golden State
by its myriad attractions; and

WHEREAS, As we celebrate the contributions of Native
Americans to the great State of California, let us recognize the
success of tribal businesses and the rise of tribal members in all
walks of life as a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of
our native peoples; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate
thereof concurring, That the Legislature recognizes the month of
September every year as California Native American Heritage
Month and encourages all Californians to participate in appropriate
observances with activities that celebrate and commemorate
California 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.