Title
ACT RELATING TO THE NAMING OF THE BONNIE KIRK VILLAGE
Body
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CHEROKEE NATION:
Section 1. Title and Codification
This act shall be known as "The Bonnie Kirk Village (???? ???) Naming Act of 2021."
Section 2. Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to provide a designation of the name "The Bonnie Kirk Village (???? ???)" to the homes built for elder, Cherokee speakers, located at 16403 US-62 HWY in Tahlequah. The homes should henceforth be referred to legally and informally as "The Bonnie Kirk Village (???? ???) or Niquidayi Gaduhv."
Section 3. Legislative History
LA-18-11, Title 61 C.N.C.A. ? 1, et seq., Building and Facility Naming Act of 2011
Section 5. Substantive Provisions
1. The Building and Facility Naming Act of 2011, Title 61 C.N.C.A. ? 1, et seq., requires that the names of Cherokee Nation buildings may only be designated or redesignated by Act of the Council of Cherokee Nation.
2. Bonnie Pigeon Kirk, from Marble City, accomplished much in her life. She grew up in a Cherokee speaking household with parents who only spoke Cherokee at home, with seven siblings who all spoke Cherokee as well. She spent her last 12 years working at the Cherokee Immersion School where she found a home with other Cherokee speakers looking after Cherokee children. Anyone who knew or met her can attest to her giving nature, and she gave what she had, be it language for Cherokee learners or guests wanting coffee and food at the grounds. The support and kindness she offered was constant, always present, every day. She never spoke of being Cherokee, she lived being Cherokee. To those values, beliefs, and ways that are Cherokee, ???? embodied them throughout her life, and it was the totality of those ideals she wanted to ensure survived for all future Cherokee generations.
Section 6. Provisions as cumulative
The provisions of this act shall be cumulative to existing law.
Section 7. Severability
The provisions of this act are sev...
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