PRINTER'S NO. 2653
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
580
Session of
2017
INTRODUCED BY CRUZ, YOUNGBLOOD, DONATUCCI, SIMS, KINSEY,
DiGIROLAMO, HENNESSEY, NEILSON, DRISCOLL, BAKER, READSHAW,
PASHINSKI, BIZZARRO, SCHWEYER, MILLARD, KORTZ AND
CALTAGIRONE, OCTOBER 26, 2017
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
OCTOBER 26, 2017
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the week following the second Monday in October as
"Indigenous Peoples Week" and the month of October 2017 as
"Indigenous Peoples Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, In the United States, Native American Indians,
Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians are recognized as indigenous
peoples; and
WHEREAS, Indigenous peoples have inhabited the land that is
now known as Pennsylvania and the United States since time
immemorial; and
WHEREAS, The original inhabitants of Pennsylvania include the
Erie, Iroquois, Lenape, Munsee, Shawnee and Susquehannock Native
American Indian tribes; and
WHEREAS, Of the 50 states, this Commonwealth has one of the
most robust Native American Indian histories; and
WHEREAS, Many of the foods we eat and the medicines and
remedies we use were introduced by indigenous peoples; and
WHEREAS, More than one highway in this Commonwealth follows
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an original Native American Indian trail; and
WHEREAS, The culture and society of indigenous peoples have
contributed to agricultural development, medicinal discoveries,
environmental preservation, commerce, governmental institutions
and structure, music, language, art and many other facets of our
country, Commonwealth and cities; and
WHEREAS, Most Native American Indian tribes were forced to
leave Pennsylvania during the 1700s when indigenous peoples were
being displaced by colonial expansion; and
WHEREAS, Those indigenous peoples not displaced by
colonialism were forced to assimilate into European society; and
WHEREAS, From the 1800s through the 1900s, the race of many
southern and northern Native American Indians was mislabeled,
resulting in the dilution of their identities; and
WHEREAS, There are no federally recognized Native American
Indian tribes or reservations in this Commonwealth today; and
WHEREAS, Many indigenous peoples living in our counties,
cities, townships, boroughs and towns have persevered through
great adversity, trauma and tragedy to maintain their cultural
and ethnic identities; and
WHEREAS, According to 2016 United States Census Bureau
estimates, out of a population of approximately 12.8 million,
almost 64,000 Pennsylvanians identify solely as Native American
Indian and Alaska Native or solely as Native Hawaiian and Other
Pacific Islander; and
WHEREAS, Indigenous peoples and their cultures are to be
respected and honored across this Commonwealth and the nation;
and
WHEREAS, The importance of educating the residents of this
Commonwealth about the heritage, history, art, archeology and
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traditions of indigenous peoples and communities in this
Commonwealth is acknowledged; and
WHEREAS, By celebrating and honoring indigenous peoples, we
reaffirm our commitment to appreciating their unique cultural
heritage and ethnic identities; and
WHEREAS, Properly recognizing indigenous peoples and their
contributions to and influences on this Commonwealth and the
nation throughout history is necessary to rectify historical
inaccuracies; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
week following the second Monday in October as "Indigenous
Peoples Week" in Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
month of October 2017 as "Indigenous Peoples Month" in
Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives encourage all
Pennsylvanians to acknowledge and celebrate the cultures and
values of indigenous peoples and to continue efforts to promote
the well-being and growth of Pennsylvania's indigenous
community.
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