AR HB1487

Amends Arkansas Code § 1-4-101(b) to change the meaning of the blue star above the word "ARKANSAS" on the state flag from commemorating the Confederate States of America to commemorating the heritage and contributions of the Quapaw, Osage, Caddo, and other Native American nations who inhabited Arkansas before European dominion.

Establishes legislative findings recognizing that Arkansas was home to numerous Native American tribes including the Quapaw, Osage, Caddo, Tunica, and Chickasaw, and that the state's name derives from the Native American word "Acansa" referring to the Quapaw Indians.

Acknowledges the Trail of Tears forced migration during the 1830s that brought additional tribes such as the Cherokee through Arkansas, and references the Menard-Hodges Site designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1989 and other sacred site designations under President Clinton's 1996 Executive Order 13007.

Recognizes the Arkansas Archeological Survey's maintenance of ten research stations across the state that preserve the history of Arkansas's original inhabitants and affirms that Native American history and culture are important parts of the state's history.