A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING THE COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS TO STUDY A PROPOSAL TO CREATE A STATE COMMISSION ON INDIAN AFFAIRS; AND REQUIRING A REPORT TO THE 57TH LEGISLATURE.

WHEREAS, there is a need to better achieve mutual goals through an improved relationship between the sovereign governments of the Indian tribes of Montana and the state of Montana; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to eliminate the many misunderstandings or misconceptions that exist on both sides by providing a forum for mutual education and discussion; and

WHEREAS, the current structure of a single Coordinator of Indian Affairs is insufficient to address these needs and to facilitate the government-to-government relationship affirmed by Governor Racicot in 1993; and

WHEREAS, other states have created Indian affairs commissions to serve as vehicles for the improvement and advancement of state-tribal relations.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the Committee on Indian Affairs, or another appropriate interim committee, be requested to study a proposal to create a state commission on Indian affairs.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study be conducted in consultation with the Coordinator of Indian Affairs and the Montana-Wyoming Tribal Leaders Council.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Committee, or another appropriate interim committee, report its findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the 57th Legislature.

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I hereby certify that the within joint resolution,

HJ 0012, originated in the House.

Chief Clerk of the House

Speaker of the House

Signed this	day

of	, .

President of the Senate

Signed this	day

of	, .

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 12

INTRODUCED BY C. JUNEAU, G. BECK, R. BUZZAS, B. EGGERS, K. GILLAN, H. HARPER, J. HURDLE, S. KITZENBERG, B. KRENZLER, M. MCCANN, L. MCCULLOCH, G. ROUSH, F. SMITH, C. WILLIAMS

A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING THE COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS TO STUDY A PROPOSAL TO CREATE A STATE COMMISSION ON INDIAN AFFAIRS; AND REQUIRING A REPORT TO THE 57TH LEGISLATURE.