2015 Senate Joint Resolution 71
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: Proclaiming November as Native American Heritage Month in Wisconsin.
Whereas, there are 566 federally recognized American Indian tribes, with each tribe holding rich and unique cultures, traditions, histories, and practices that contribute to the diversity and development of this nation; and
Whereas, the United States Census Bureau has reported that over 5,000,000 Americans claim Native American identity, and more than 53,000 Wisconsinites identify as Native American; and
Whereas, there are 11 sovereign nations of Wisconsin, including the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the Forest County Potawatomi Community, the Ho-Chunk Nation, the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, the Lac Du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, the Mole Lake Sokaogon Chippewa Community, the Oneida Nation, the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, the St. Croix Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians, comprising a sizeable and important demographic in the United States; and
Whereas, Native American populations predate Wisconsin statehood by an estimated 10,000 years, with archaeologists finding evidence of their past lives across the state; and
Whereas, according to Benjamin Franklin, even the idea of our federal government, in which certain powers were given to a central government and all other powers reserved for the states, was borrowed from the system of government used by the Iroquoian League of Nations; and
Whereas, Native Americans have influenced every facet of American life, including their service as guides in the early exploration of this hemisphere, after which their trails became the roads and railroads over which the settlers would expand; half of our states having Native American names; and their impact on agriculture, ecology, conservation, education, sports, and our core value of respect for mankind; and
Whereas, Native Americans have thrived in spite of unique historical persecution, and their accomplishments, sacrifices, culture, and legacy should be acknowledged; and
Whereas, our country took those affirmative steps in 1990, when then- President George H. W. Bush declared November as National American Indian Heritage Month, and this legislature has an opportunity to engage the public about Native American history and issues and extend a bridge of understanding and solidarity to Native nations; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the legislature hereby proclaims November Native American Heritage Month in Wisconsin.
