REFERENCE TITLE: Native American nations; interaction; coordination

State of Arizona House of Representatives Fifty-second Legislature Second Regular Session 2016

HCR 2045

Introduced by Representatives Benally, Cardenas, Espinoza, Gabaldón, Hale, Mendez, Plumlee, Velasquez: Alston, Andrade, Bolding, Fernandez, Friese, Kopec, McCune Davis, Rios, Wheeler

 

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 

supporting state efforts to respectfully interact and coordinate with native american nations in arizona.

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Whereas, Native Americans have been living in the region of Arizona since time immemorial; and

Whereas, 22 sovereign Indian Nations are located within Arizona's borders, constituting approximately one quarter of the land base; and

Whereas, the Native American communities within Arizona maintain their unique cultures and traditions to the benefit and promotion of Arizona's state heritage, culture, tourism, arts and general scientific knowledge; and

Whereas, there were almost 300,000 Native Americans living in Arizona in 2010, constituting over 4% of the population of this state; and

Whereas, the Native American nations of Arizona are sovereign nations with a right to self-determination as recognized by the Supreme Court of the United States, the Congress of the United States and the President of the United States; and

Whereas, the Native American nations of Arizona have autonomy to govern tribal members and manage and protect tribal lands and natural resources within their territory; and

Whereas, the Native American nations of Arizona have partnered with this state to provide energy, water and economic development in this state; and

Whereas, the Native American nations of Arizona substantially contribute to Arizona's economy and tax revenue; and

Whereas, Indian casinos employ thousands of people in Arizona and contribute tens of millions of dollars to the revenues of this state; and

Whereas, a respectful and productive relationship between the State of Arizona and the sovereign Native American nations of this state is necessary for the productive and peaceful future of all.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, the Senate concurring:

That the Members of the Legislature support state efforts to respectfully interact with Native American nations located within the borders of the State of Arizona and to coordinate policy for the mutual benefit of the State of Arizona and Native American nations.