Title
A JOINT COUNCIL RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE STATE OF TENNESSEE TO SUFFICIENTLY FUND PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC SITES
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WHEREAS,the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Cherokee Nation have exercised the sovereign rights of self-governance on behalf of the Cherokee People since time immemorial; and
WHEREAS,the Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are federally recognized Indian Nations with a historic and continual government to government relationship with the United States of America: and
WHEREAS,the Joint Council unites the Legislative Branches of government of the Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, representing approximately 294,000 Cherokee people throughout the United States of America; and
WHEREAS,both the Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians share a distinct history, culture and heritage; and
WHEREAS,a significant part of that history is the tragedy of the forced removal of Cherokee citizens from their ancestral home in the southeastern United States to Indian Territory, now Oklahoma, known as the "Trail of Tears";
and
WHEREAS, the Tennessee Park Service has done a commendable job of maintaining and preserving the Red Clay Park and Ft. Loudoun Park and other Cherokee historical and cultural places:
WHEREAS,sufficient funding is necessary to preserve these valuable Cherokee historical and cultural places;
WHEREAS,it would be beneficial for all American citizens to enjoy the preservation of the history and culture of Cherokee people.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Joint Council of the Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians does hereby encourage the State of Tennessee to sufficiently fund the preservation and operation of the Red Clay Park, Ft. Loudoun Park and other Cherokee historical and cultural sites in Tennessee.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall be the policy of the Joint Council of the Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians until it is withdrawn or modified by subsequent resolution.
Submitted by: Jack Baker, Cherokee Nation Council Representative