Reference Title: Navajo treaty day

A JOINT RESOLUTION

PROCLAIMING JUNE 1, 1998 AS NAVAJO TREATY DAY IN ARIZONA.

Whereas, the Navajo-United States Treaty of 1868 represents a significant chapter in history in which the Navajo people joined together to leave prisoner-of-war confinement at Hwéeldi (Fort Sumner, New Mexico) and begin the "long walk" home; and

Whereas, the United States National Archives and Records Administration has preserved the United States government's copy of Naaltsoos Sání; and

Whereas, the Navajo Nation Council, working with the Navajo language program at Northern Arizona University, requested that the university secure the loan of the treaty from the National Archives and Records Administration for display at Northern Arizona University for one year beginning on June 1, 1998; and

Whereas, Northern Arizona University is committed to providing educational opportunities and related services to American Indian students and tribes and to engaging in research on state and federal American Indian policy issues; and

Whereas, Northern Arizona University President Clara M. Lovett has committed to having the university display the 1868 treaty for one year; and

Whereas, the presence of the Navajo-United States Treaty of 1868 on Northern Arizona University's campus will serve as a catalyst for substantive discussions about American Indian history, current issues and future cooperation.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring:

1. That the members of the Forty-third Legislature and the Governor of the State of Arizona proclaim June 1, 1998 as Navajo Treaty Day in Arizona and encourage the citizens of Arizona to take this opportunity to promote awareness of the history and meaning of the Treaty of 1868.

2. That the Secretary of State transmit copies of this Resolution to the President of the Navajo Nation and to the Arizona news media.

APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR MAY 26, 1998.

FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE MAY 27, 1998.