1992 SESSION 5005L
92-2719
04
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 2
INTRODUCED BY: Sen. Cohen of Dist. 24
REFERRED TO:
A RESOLUTION proclaiming October 12, 1992 as Native American Day, which day also commemorates the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christopher Columbus.
ANALYSIS
This resolution designates October 12, 1992 as Native American Day.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
EXPLANATION: Matter added appears in bold italics.
Matter removed appears in [brackets].
Matter which is repealed and reenacted or all new appears in regular type.
5005L
92-2719
04
SR 2
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the year of Our Lord one thousand
nine hundred and ninety-two
A RESOLUTION
proclaiming October 12, 1992 as Native American Day, which day also
commemorates the 500th anniversary of the arrival
of Christopher Columbus.
Whereas, on October 12, 1992, the people of America and New Hampshire will observe the 500th anniversary of the "discovery" of North America by Christopher Columbus, despite the fact that the continent had been home to many Indian nations prior to the arrival of Columbus, and
Whereas, the European nations and, later, the United States government acquired this land from the Indians by military conquest and treaty negotiations, and also through the use of massacres, starvation, and induced disease, resulting in the nearly total genocide and annihilation of the indigenous population; and
Whereas, what now exists as New Hampshire was formerly populated by the Abenaki, Pennacook, Sakoki, Pigwacket, and Micmac nations; and
Whereas, the great Abenaki leader and medicine man Passaconaway, who had authority over much of what is now New Hampshire, made peace with the white settlers, while other Indians taught valuable survival skills to the settlers; and
Whereas, the early white settlers in New Hampshire refused to trade goods with the indigenous people, instead abducting them and selling them as slaves in Europe; and
Whereas, Native Americans had culture, religion, and value systems long before October 12, 1492; and
Whereas, Native Americans, or Indians, the original inhabitants of the lands that now constitute the United States, have made and continue to make an essential and unique contribution to our nation, and the indelible imprint of Native American culture on our society has enriched us all; and
Whereas, we are now at a time in our history in which respect for the environment is being rediscovered as being essential to our survival; and
Whereas, Americans of 1992 recognize that we can learn much from the history, culture, and values of the American Indian, which remain valuable and pertinent to our future; and
Whereas, Americans of 1992 recognize that ethnic pride and cultural diversity enriches our national character, now, therefore be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That in recognition of the continued survival of Native Americans and in appreciation of the vitality of their culture and values and the important contributions they make to the America of today and tomorrow, October 12, 1992, is hereby proclaimed Native American Day, which day also commemorates the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christopher Columbus.