[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 10094]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       2016 SMITHSONIAN FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL CELEBRATING THE BASQUE

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the first day of the 
2016 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which is featuring the Basque.
  Since 1967, the Smithsonian's Center for Folklife and Cultural 
Heritage has honored cultural traditions during its annual festival and 
celebrated the individuals who help keep important traditions alive. 
The festival has featured participants from all 50 States and more than 
100 countries, and this summer, the festival will showcase Basque 
culture in Washington, DC.
  The Basque migrated to the United States from an ancient and free 
culture located in the Pyrenees between France and Spain. In the late 
1800s and early 1900s, the gold rush in Nevada and California drew the 
Basque out West. They became well-known for their strong work ethic and 
skill for business. As the western mines attracted workers from across 
the United States and around the world, innovative Basques capitalized 
on the opportunity to raise sheep and sell sheep products to miners. 
During this time, the sheep industry in Nevada grew exponentially.
  Following World War II, Nevada's Basque population soared, with a 
majority of Basques settling in northern Nevada. The Basque brought 
with them traditional dances in colorful costumes, music, their unique 
language, and cuisine that remains a hallmark in the State of Nevada. 
Communities throughout the State have benefited from the innovation of 
the Basque settlers and the traditions they and their descendants have 
kept alive.
  Over the years, the Basque have become a part of Nevada communities, 
established businesses, and served our Nation as doctors, lawyers, 
scientists, and teachers. The sons of Basque parents, Paul and Robert 
Laxalt, are among those who have earned a place in Nevada history, 
becoming well-known for their strong Basque roots and accomplishments. 
Paul dedicated his life to public service by serving as the Governor of 
Nevada and as a U.S. Senator, and Robert was a successful writer who 
captured the Basque experience in the American West in books such as 
``Sweet Promised Land'' and ``The Basque Hotel.''
  The importance of the Basque's impact on Nevada history is 
exemplified by the William A. Douglass Center for Basque Studies at the 
University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada's land grant university. The center 
maintains an extensive collection of Basque oral history and provides 
students the opportunity to gain expertise in Basque culture and 
tradition. The center, along with so many others in the State of Nevada 
and throughout the Nation, have worked hard to keep the rich history 
and spirit of Basque culture and tradition thriving in the United 
States.
  I am pleased the Smithsonian Folklife Festival will celebrate this 
incredible culture for this year's festival, and I welcome the Nevadans 
who have traveled to Washington to participate in the 2016 Smithsonian 
Folklife Festival.

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