By Delegates Givens and Ennis (By Request):
H. C. R. 20--"Recognizing the United Cherokee Indian Tribe as an official tribe of the state of West Virginia."
Whereas, Only a small percentage of our entire population has been taught in public schools about the great civilizations of our Native Americans, and too few Americans know that much of our knowledge about botanical medicines and our early pharmacopeia, among other important sciences, came from the American Indians; and
Whereas, Americans should be aware that many Native Americans are living in substandard, indecent and inhumane conditions imposed to some degree upon them by the descendants of the ancestors they once fed, medicated, nurtured and lead safely through the wilderness and fought alongside through several wars; and
Whereas, Through immense courage, hard work and persistence, some Native Americans have broken free from this inherited poverty, frustration and degradation to help turn the eyes of the world upon the tragedy of the American Indian; and
Whereas, Native Americans or ancestors of Native Americans live in all parts of West Virginia and are contributing members of our technological and agrarian society; and
Whereas, Many rivers and streams are named for or were named by our Native Americans in West Virginia, such as Cheat River, Monogahela River, New River, Gauley River, Kanawha River and the Ohio River; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the United Cherokee Indian Tribe is hereby recognized as an official tribe of the State of West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That such recognition is to aid in the education of the general public, and especially of West Virginians because of our Native American heritage in this State, to commemorate the role the Native American has had in the overall State and National development and to recognize that the Native American has a proper and past due place in the greatness and documented history of the United States and of West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the renaissance of the Native American is inevitable in West Virginia and in America, and we believe it will be for the greater good of the country and the world; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates is directed to send a copy of this resolution to representatives of the United Cherokee Indian Tribe.