ENROLLED SENATE
RESOLUTION NO. 59	By:	Brecheen and Ellis

A Resolution recognizing May 15, 2012, as Choctaw Nation Day at the Capitol; commending the Choctaw Nation's endurance, generosity and historical and contemporary contributions to the State of Oklahoma; and directing distribution.

WHEREAS, the name Oklahoma comes from the Choctaw language, "okla" being the Choctaw word for people and "humma" meaning red, serving as an important symbol of the historic ties between Oklahoma and the Choctaw Nation; and

WHEREAS, the Choctaw people, though still recovering from the Trail of Tears, displayed their humanity, compassion and generosity when members of the tribe raised $170, a fortune at that time, to send to victims of the Irish Potato Famine in 1847.  The gift resulted in an enduring bond between Ireland and the Choctaw Nation and reflects positively on all Oklahomans; and

WHEREAS, members of the Choctaw nation helped the United States and its allies secure victory in World War I as this country's original Code Talkers, using their native language to obstruct German code-breakers by transmitting allied messages in their native language; and

WHEREAS, the Choctaw Nation has dedicated itself to the preservation of its native language and culture, including art, music, dance and traditional games, helping keep alive a rich heritage defining the Choctaws and Oklahoma; and

WHEREAS, the Choctaw people represent the third largest federally recognized tribe in the country with more than 200,000 members, with businesses employing thousands of tribal and non-tribal Oklahomans.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE 2ND SESSION OF THE 53RD OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:

THAT the Oklahoma State Senate recognizes Tuesday, May 15, 2012, as Choctaw Nation Day at the State Capitol.

THAT the Oklahoma State Senate commends the Choctaw Nation's endurance, generosity and historical and contemporary contributions to the State of Oklahoma, and looks forward to a continued mutually beneficial relationship between the Choctaw Nation and the State of Oklahoma.

THAT a copy of this resolution be distributed to Choctaw Chief Gregory E. Pyle.

Adopted by the Senate the 15th day of May, 2012.

	
	Presiding Officer of the Senate