Whereas, Michigan has a rich and diverse archaeological heritage spanning more than 12,000 years, as represented by thousands of archaeological sites reported in every county and on the bottom of every bordering Great Lake; and,

Whereas, Protection, preservation, and interpretation of these sites provide tangible links with the past for individuals and communities and offers educational, scientific, and economic benefits for all citizens; and,

Whereas, Each archaeological site is unique and irreplaceable, and it is the policy of the State of Michigan to encourage responsible growth and development to protect significant sites; and,

Whereas, The avocational and professional archaeological communities have traditionally worked together to preserve, study, and protect Michigan's unique archaeological resources such as ancient copper mines, the wrecks of Great Lakes freighters, and Fort St. Joseph in Niles; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim August 11-12, 2006, as Public Archaeology Weekend and encourage all of our citizens to support and participate in the activities planned at Fort St. Joseph and to learn more about and celebrate our state's unique archaeological history.