HOUSE MEMORIAL 4

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2014

INTRODUCED BY

Roberto "Bobby" J. Gonzales

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION IN

WASHINGTON, D.C., TO ADVOCATE FOR THE DESIGNATION OF THE NATIONAL "NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY" AS A LEGAL PUBLIC HOLIDAY.

     WHEREAS, Native Americans were the original inhabitants of the land that is now the United States; and

     WHEREAS, historically and today, the experience of many of those original inhabitants and their descendants is characterized by devastation and misfortune; and 

     WHEREAS, the Native American legacy and Native American contemporary life are reflected by attributes and achievements that have enriched this country's cultural, artistic, economic, social, religious and political landscapes; and

     WHEREAS, Native Americans' historic and contemporary experiences and their substantial enrichment of this country deserve attention; and

     WHEREAS, many states have honored Native American heritage by designating a day to honor Native Americans; and

     WHEREAS, in 2009, the United States government established the fourth Friday of every year as national "Native American Heritage Day"; and

     WHEREAS, the designation of "Native American Heritage Day" as a legal public holiday would provide more opportunity for programs and events that educate all Americans about the United States' indigenous cultures, correct misunderstandings about Native Americans perpetuated by media and underscore the importance of respect for all people; and

     WHEREAS, the federal declaration of "Native American Heritage Day" as a legal public holiday would prompt states to take similar measures to observe the holiday, thereby encouraging widespread commemoration of Native American history and celebration of Native American contributions to the United States;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the members of the New Mexico congressional delegation be requested to advocate in congress for making "Native American Heritage Day" a legal public holiday; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the members of the New Mexico congressional delegation.

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