Title
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING OKLAHOMA HOUSE BILL 2261 AMERICAN INDIAN ARTS AND CRAFTS SALES ACT OF 1974; MODIFYING DEFINITIONS
Body
WHEREAS, the Cherokee Nation since time immemorial has exercised the sovereign rights of self-government on behalf of the Cherokee people;
WHEREAS, the Cherokee Nation is a federally recognized Indian Nation with a historic and continual government to government relationship with the United States of America;
WHEREAS, Cherokee Nation Citizen and Oklahoma State Representative Chuck Hoskin has introduced HB 2261, which defines “American Indian tribe” as any Indian tribe federally recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and further, defines “American Indian” as a citizen or enrolled member of an American Indian tribe and adds performing arts and literature to the list of authentic arts and crafts;
WHEREAS, HB 2261 unanimously passed the Oklahoma State House of Representatives and has been introduced to the Oklahoma State Senate by Cherokee Nation Citizen and Oklahoma State Senator John Sparks;
WHEREAS, the Oklahoma State Senate passing HB 2261 will protect Indian artists and consumers by closing a loophole in Oklahoma that allows people to falsely claim to be American Indian artists;
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CHEROKEE NATION, that the Tribal Council of the Cherokee Nation fully supports House Bill 2261, and urges the Oklahoma State Senate’s passage.