Summary: HR 6349, introduced by Representatives Stewart, Morales, Donovan, and Cruz on May 16, 2023, and referred to the House State Government & Elections, recognizes the Pokanoket Tribe as the ancient and ongoing stewards of their ancestral homeland, which includes areas now known as Bristol, Warren, Barrington, East Providence, and parts of Providence. The bill highlights the tribe's historical significance, including their governance, diplomacy, and environmental stewardship practices that predate European contact. It acknowledges the tribe's contributions to Rhode Island's founding, their role in the Revolutionary War, and their ongoing efforts in cultural preservation and land stewardship, particularly in light of recent land transfers that honor their ancestral ties.

Additionally, the bill expresses the House of Representatives' commitment to promoting and protecting the Pokanoket Tribe's cultural heritage and sacred lands, while honoring both their ancestors and living descendants. It calls for the transmission of certified copies of the resolution to various state and federal officials, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the tribe's central role in shaping the region's past, present, and future.