H*4756 Concurrent Resolution, By G.R. Smith and Willis
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE PIEDMONT AMERICAN INDIAN
 ASSOCIATION/LOWER EASTERN CHEROKEE NATION OF SOUTH CAROLINA ON THE OUTSTANDING
 HONOR OF BEING RECOGNIZED AS A TRIBE BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA COMMISSION FOR
 MINORITY AFFAIRS.

   01/27/16  House  Introduced, adopted, sent to Senate
                     (House Journal-page 80)
   01/28/16  Senate Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence
                     (Senate Journal-page 11)

TO CONGRATULATE THE PIEDMONT AMERICAN INDIAN ASSOCIATION/LOWER EASTERN CHEROKEE NATION OF SOUTH CAROLINA ON THE OUTSTANDING HONOR OF BEING RECOGNIZED AS A TRIBE BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA COMMISSION FOR MINORITY AFFAIRS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly are pleased to learn that the Piedmont American Indian Association (PAIA)/Lower Eastern Cherokee Nation of South Carolina has been granted recognition as a tribe on June 19, 2015, on behalf of the Palmetto State; and

Whereas, the ancestors of today's Native American Indians inhabited the land of present day South Carolina; and

Whereas, Native American Indians have traditionally exhibited respect for our finite natural resources through a deep reverence for the Earth; and

Whereas, many ancestors suffered and perished in the lands to which their descendants now maintain a powerful spiritual connection, as is evidenced by their customs and legends; and

Whereas, Indian people are resilient and determined to preserve, develop, and transmit their unique cultural identities to future generations; and

Whereas, Native American Indians have served with valor in all of the nation's wars from the Revolutionary War through current operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world; and

Whereas, Native American Indians have made distinct and important contributions to the United States, South Carolina, and the rest of the world in many fields, including agriculture, medicine, music, language, and art, and they have distinguished themselves as inventors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and scholars; and

Whereas, such statewide recognition of the contributions of Native American Indians to the United States and South Carolina will encourage self esteem, pride, self awareness, and respect in Native American Indians; and

Whereas, such statewide recognition will allow South Carolinians of all backgrounds to demonstrate their respect of and admiration for Native American Indians for the richness of their contributions to the political, cultural, and economic life of the State of South Carolina; and

Whereas, in recognition of these contributions, the National Museum of the American Indian was established within the Smithsonian Institution as a living memorial to the Native Peoples and their traditions. Now, therefore,

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

That the members of the General Assembly, by this resolution, congratulate the Piedmont American Indian Association/Lower Eastern Cherokee Nation of South Carolina on the outstanding honor of being recognized as a tribe by the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs for presentation to the tribe.