THE 2013 TEXAS LEGISLATURE PASSED A LAW THAT THE LAST FRIDAY IN SEPTEMBER BE DESIGNATED AS AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE DAY IN TEXAS IN RECOGNITION OF THE HISTORICAL, CULTURAL, AND SOCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS AMERICAN INDIAN COMMUNITIES AND LEADERS MADE.

SIGNED BY GOV. PERRY, FRIDAY, MAY 10 / HB 174 MAKES FRIDAY, SEPT. 27, 2013 FIRST AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE DAY IN TEXAS

THE FIRST OFFICIAL AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE DAY IN TEXAS IS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2013, THANKS TO LEGISLATION AUTHORED BY TEXAS STATE REPRESENTATIVE ROBERTO R. ALONZO OF DALLAS. HOUSE BILL 174, WHICH WAS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR RICK PERRY ON FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013, CREATES AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE DAY IN TEXAS, IN RECOGNITION OF THE MANY HISTORICAL, CULTURAL, AND SOCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS OUR AMERICAN INDIAN COMMUNITIES AND LEADERS HAVE MADE TO THIS GREAT STATE OF OURS.

“I am proud to recognize the American Indians who are the truly native citizens to this great country of the United States. The many historical, cultural, and social contributions our American Indian citizens have made specifically to the great state of Texas have enriched our state tremendously. Similar to the other great holidays we celebrate for Hispanic, African-American, Asian, and Jewish communities it is only fitting to recognize American Indians. After all, our success as a nation has been in large part due to the unique melting pot environment of the American people,” said Rep. Alonzo.

The latest Census data figures indicate that Texas ranks fourth among states with a large Indian population. In Texas, however, that population is still an invisible population. In fact, most citizens of Texas are not even aware of the existence of approximately 120 tribes (represented by its citizens), three federally-recognized Indian tribes, one state recognized tribe, eight federally-funded Indian Education programs in the state, one Urban Inter-Tribal Center of Texas and the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Texas. In short, this population truly does have a presence in the state of Texas. It does deserve this recognition.

Friday, September 27, 2013, the designated day, is devoted to education. School districts with Title VII American Indian Education Programs will be assisted with appropriate culturally relevant information.

Saturday, September 28, 2013 is the inaugural celebration, “ReBirth”. The cultural event will focus on Elders Presentation, Symphony of Drums, and Profile in History.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

SOUTHWEST.JEWISH.CONGRESS

The Southwest Jewish Congress is dedicated to educating the public on Israel and the Middle East, celebrating community cultural and interfaith diversity and initiating programs of mutual interest and concern with the community.

REP. ROBERTO R. ALONZO

Roberto R. Alonzo is a Democratic member of the Texas House of Representatives, representing the 104th District since 1993.

UTA

The UT Arlington Native American Student Association (NASA) promotes culturally relevant activities that foster a closer union, individual tribal traditions and custom. Much of the HB 174 was written on the UT Arlington campus.

AKIN GUMP

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer and Feld LLP, a leading global law firm, and their commitment to diversity, reached out to our AIHD committee.