SCR 78

2026 Regular Session  ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 78
BY SENATOR OWEN
  A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
To designate Friday, May 29, 2026, as Bonfouca Museum and Research Center Day at the
       Louisiana State Capitol, to recognize the dedication of the Bonfouca Museum and
       Research Center by the Tchefuncta Nation, Chahta Tribe, and to express sincere
       appreciation to the Tchefuncta Nation, Chahta Tribe for the preservation of the
       indigenous history of the tribal nation in historic Bonfouca for the cultural
       enrichment and civic pride of Louisiana citizens.
       WHEREAS, the Tchefuncta Nation, Chahta Tribe will dedicate the Bonfouca
Museum and Research Center at the historic train depot located in Slidell, St. Tammany
Parish, Louisiana on Friday, May 29, 2026; and
       WHEREAS, the museum, one of the oldest documented locations in Louisiana and
West Florida, will preserve and promote the artifacts and history of Bonfouca; and
       WHEREAS, the museum will provide a dedicated space to showcase the history and
related American Indian artifacts for the purposes of education, cultural enrichment, tourism,
economic development, and community representation; and
       WHEREAS, the Bonfouca Museum and Research Center will be beneficial to
Louisiana residents, newcomers, students, and tourist to the area; and
       WHEREAS, the Tchefuncta Nation, Chahta Tribe are descendants of the mound
builders; and
       WHEREAS, the ancestors of the Tchefuncta Nation, Chahta Tribe are buried in
traditional cemeteries throughout the parish of St. Tammany; and
       WHEREAS, the Chahta Tribe fought for the United States of America under
President Andrew Jackson, including in the Battle of New Orleans and throughout West
Florida; and
       WHEREAS, in 1830, the Tchefuncta Nation, Chahta Tribe were the earliest Native
Americans to become United States citizens, with dual citizenship, ratified under Article 14
of the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek; and
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SCR NO. 78  ENROLLED
       WHEREAS, President Andrew Jackson gave special provisions to the hereditary
chief of the Tchefuncta Nation, Chahta Tribe, his heirs, and assigns who did not have to
relocate to Indian territory in Oklahoma.
       THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
recognize Friday, May 29, 2026, as Bonfouca Museum and Research Center Day at the
Louisiana State Capitol, recognize the dedication of the Bonfouca Museum and Research
Center by the Tchefuncta Nation, Chahta Tribe, and does express sincere appreciation to the
Tchefuncta Nation, Chahta Tribe for the preservation of the indigenous history of the tribal
nation in historic Bonfouca for the cultural enrichment and civic pride of Louisiana citizens.
       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
Tchefuncta Nation, Chahta Tribe.
  PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
  SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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