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CONGRATULATING THE WASSAMASAW TRIBE OF VARNERTOWN INDIANS OF SOUTH CAROLINA ON THE HIGHEST HONOR OF ITS RECOGNITION AS A "TRIBE" BY THE SOUTH CAROLINA COMMISSION FOR MINORITY AFFAIRS ON OCTOBER 9, 2009.
Whereas, the ancestors of today's Native American Indians inhabited the lands of the 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 descendents 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 to future generations their unique cultural identities; 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 all South Carolinians of all backgrounds to demonstrate their respect of and admiration for Native American Indians for the richness of their contribution to the political, cultural, and economic life of the State of South Carolina; and
Whereas, 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 Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly congratulate the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians of South Carolina on the highest honor of its recognition as a "Tribe" by the South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs on October 9, 2009.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians.
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