ACR 35, as amended, 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.
P1 1WHEREAS, Native Americans were the first human inhabitants
2of the land that is now the great State of California; and
3WHEREAS, California Native Americans have contributed and
4continue to contribute immeasurably to our state’s history,
5diversity, economy, and culture by distinguishing themselves as
6academics, entrepreneurs, and leaders throughout our state; and
7WHEREAS, Prior to the European colonization of the Americas,
8the indigenous people of California thrived with a vibrant culture
9and society; and
P2 1WHEREAS, California Native Americans have preserved their
2rich heritage, which is among the world’s great cultural treasures,
3in the face of adversity; and
4WHEREAS, California Native American heritage and culture
5is richly interwoven with California’s diverse social fabric; and
6WHEREAS, Through their rich cultural traditions and proud
7ancestry, California Native Americans have made vital
8contributions to the strength and diversity of our society in such
9areas as law, medicine, business, education, and the United States
10Armed Forces; and
11WHEREAS, In spite of a tragic past, Native Americans have
12been generous citizens and proudly served in the United States
13Armed Forces for over 200 years, defending the security of our
14state and nation with their lives, including engaging in World War
15II and Operation Iraqi Freedom, with honor, determination, and
16distinction; and
17WHEREAS, The work of Native American leaders has sought
18to bridge racial, socioeconomic, and environmental barriers by
19empowering and educating people in order to protect Native
20American culture and heritage for future generations; and
21WHEREAS, California Native Americans have faced numerous
22barriers to business development, but have overcome those barriers
23to persevere and contribute to Native American communities
24throughout the state and country, and exemplify Native American
25entrepreneurship in such areas as economic development, the food
26service industry, health care, and banking finance; and
27WHEREAS, California tribal governments todaybegin delete employend deletebegin insert supportend insert
28 more thanbegin delete 52,000end deletebegin insert 60,000end insert of our fellow citizens and contribute $7.5
29billion to our shared economy; and
30WHEREAS, California tribes have generously donated their
31time and millions of dollars each year for education, youth
32programs, health care services, and other essential social services
33that strengthen California; and
34WHEREAS, California today is home to the largest population
35of Native Americans in the 50 states, including both the rebounding
36numbers of our native tribes and others drawn to the Golden State
37by its myriad attractions; and
38WHEREAS, As we celebrate the contributions of Native
39Americans to the great State of California, let us recognize the
40success of tribal businesses and the rise of tribal members in all
P3 1walks of life as a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of
2our native peoples; now, therefore, be it
3Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate
4thereof concurring, That the Legislature recognizes the month of
5September every year as California Native American Heritage
6Month and encourages all Californians to participate in appropriate
7observances with activities that celebrate and commemorate
8California Native Americans as a symbol of hope and courage to
9all citizens; and be it further
10Resolved, That this recognition applauds and encourages the
11observance of California Indian Nations for their outstanding
12contributions to this great state; and be it further
13Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies
14of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
O
98