S*0856 Concurrent Resolution, By Elliott
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING THE WACCAMAW INDIAN PEOPLE FROM HORRY
 COUNTY, THE PEE DEE INDIAN NATION OF UPPER SOUTH CAROLINA FROM DILLON COUNTY,
 THE WASSAMASAW TRIBE OF VARNERTOWN INDIANS FROM BERKELEY COUNTY, AND THE
 EASTERN CHEROKEE, SOUTHERN IROQUOIS, AND UNITED TRIBES OF SOUTH CAROLINA FROM
 RICHLAND COUNTY ON BEING GRANTED STATE RECOGNITION BY THE BOARD OF THE STATE
 COMMISSION FOR MINORITY AFFAIRS.

   05/17/05  Senate Introduced, adopted, sent to House SJ-9
   05/18/05  House  Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence HJ-57

CONGRATULATING THE WACCAMAW INDIAN PEOPLE FROM HORRY COUNTY, THE PEE DEE INDIAN NATION OF UPPER SOUTH CAROLINA FROM DILLON COUNTY, THE WASSAMASAW TRIBE OF VARNERTOWN INDIANS FROM BERKELEY COUNTY, AND THE EASTERN CHEROKEE, SOUTHERN IROQUOIS, AND UNITED TRIBES OF SOUTH CAROLINA FROM RICHLAND COUNTY ON BEING GRANTED STATE RECOGNITION BY THE BOARD OF THE STATE COMMISSION FOR MINORITY AFFAIRS.

Whereas, in February 2005, the Waccamaw Indian People from Horry County, the Pee Dee Indian Nation of Upper South Carolina from Dillon County, the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians from Berkeley County, and the Eastern Cherokee, Southern Iroquois, and United Tribes of South Carolina from Richland County on being granted state recognition by the Board of the State Commission for Minority Affairs based upon criteria approved by the General Assembly; 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 their deep reverence for the Earth; and

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

Whereas, the Native American 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 Revolutionary War through Operation Iraqi Freedom; and

Whereas, Native American Indians have made distinct and important contributions not just to South Carolina but also to the United States and the rest of the world in many fields, including agriculture, medicine, music, language, and art, and additionally have distinguished themselves as inventors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and scholars; and

Whereas, statewide recognition of the contributions of Native American Indians to South Carolina and the nation will encourage self-esteem, pride, self-awareness, and respect in all Native American Indians; and

Whereas, statewide recognition also allows all South Carolinians from various backgrounds to demonstrate their respect of and admiration for Native American Indians for the richness and value of their contributions to the political, cultural, and economic life of the State. Now, therefore,

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

That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution congratulate the Waccamaw Indian People from Horry County, the Pee Dee Indian Nation of Upper South Carolina from Dillon County, the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians from Berkeley County, and the Eastern Cherokee, Southern Iroquois, and United Tribes of South Carolina from Richland County on being granted state recognition by the Board of the State Commission for Minority Affairs.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Waccamaw Indian People from Horry County, the Pee Dee Indian Nation of Upper South Carolina from Dillon County, the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians from Berkeley County, and the Eastern Cherokee, Southern Iroquois, and United Tribes of South Carolina from Richland County.