1. Whereas: Tennessee is known for its millennia of Native American Indian history; and

2. Whereas: There are approximately 50 Native American Indian historical sites in Tennessee, not including historical markers, of interest to state residents, Native American Indians and out-of-state tourists; and

3. Whereas: There is a need for educational material on Native American Indian history and geography in the State of Tennessee; and

4. Whereas: There is a need for tourism material on Native American Indian history and geography in the State of Tennessee; and

5. Whereas: If the Commission of Indian Affairs is to continue as a viable state agency there is a need for it to successfully complete a community project that will contribute to the welfare and benefit of the state; and

6. Whereas: The purposes of the commission include "Research and find local, state and federal resources of funding and other assistance for the implementation or continuation of meaningful programs for Indian citizens of the state" and "Assist Indian communities in social and economic development" (TCA 4-34-102.2 and 5); and

7. Whereas: The powers and duties of the commission include "Encourage and implement coordination of applicable resources to meet the needs of Indians in Tennessee" and "Cooperate with and secure the assistance of the local, state and federal governments or any agencies thereof in formulating any programs that the commission finds necessary or beneficial to Indians in Tennessee" (TCA 4-34-103.4 and 7);

   Therefore be it Resolved by the Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs

   1. That the Commission endorse and support the writing of grants for the development of a Native American Indian tourism map project to produce an annotated map designed to educate and attract tourists to Native American Indian historical sites around Tennessee; and

   2. That the Commission develop this project in conjunction with the state Historical Commission and Department of Tourist Development; and

   3. That the Commission's proposed project sponsor and financial manager will be the Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs, with the chairperson as acting Executive Director of the project as provided in TCA 4-34-108; and

   4. That no monies from any grants received for this purpose shall accrue to the Commission of Indian Affairs as a whole or be paid to any individual commissioner for any services provided; and

   5. That the Commission and individual commissioners shall receive maps and a commemorative plaque for their personal disbursal.

submitted to the TNCIA for consideration
by tom kunesh, june 2007