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Indian Affairs Coordinator
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1103383
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Indian Affairs Coordinator
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Bradley H. Patterson Files (Ford Administration)
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The original documents are located in Box 3, folder "Indian Affairs Coordinator" of the
Bradley H. Patterson Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 30 of the White House Press Releases at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 16, 1975
ACTION
MEMORANDUM FOR:
THE PRESIDENT
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
FROM:
THEODORE C. MARRS
SUBJECT:
Coordinating Group,
Federal Indian Policy
I. BACKGROUND
Indian relationships to the United States Government
are unique and complex. They revolve around a
responsibility for resources, funds and personal
well-being of what is now estimated as one million
people of whom five hundred thousand are on reserva-
tions. This is based on trust, treaty, law,
Presidential edict, responsibility, tradition and
expectation.
Over the years, policies have varied widely and
inconsistency has been the prevalent characteristic.
In general, programs have been administered with
little regard for Indian aspirations or participation.
In a Presidential message to the Congress in July
of 1970, "self-determination without termination"
became the centerpiece of Indian policy. Minus the
baroque this means responsiveness to Indian tribes
which are willing and able to manage their own
affairs in a given area. You have reaffirmed that
policy position.
"My Administration is committed to
furthering the self-determination of
Indian communities without terminating
the special relationships between the
Federal Government and the Indian people."
(Jan. 4, 1975, signing statement Indian
Self-Determination and Education
Assistance Act)
In January 1975 the Congress established, through
SJ Resolution 133, an American Indian Policy Review
Commission consisting of members of the House,
Senate, and Indian representatives. There are no
Executive Branch members. This commission is
charged to develop a new national Indian policy,
conduct an independent management review of BIA,
issue a report, and terminate activities, no later
than June 1977. This commission will, in all
likelihood, be making proposals to which the
Administration must be prepared to respond.
Recently, several Departments and Agencies have
organized Indian desks but there is no mechanism to
coordinate Federal Indian policy and consult with
Indian leaders. Despite good intentions, definition
and coordinated implementation of policy are lacking.
Because of express need and Congressional activity,
such a mechanism should be established.
II. OPTIONS
Three options are available: A Presidential Commission
on Indian Affairs, a Domestic Council Committee on
Indian Affairs or a Presidential Task Force on
Indian Affairs. All options would include the use
of an appropriately constituted advisory council of
Indian membership and all, to maintain vitality, will
require the continued interest of the President and
senior advisors.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
-3-
Option One: Presidential Commission
Discussion: A Commission would provide an excellent
vehicle for study and research. Due to a good indica-
tion of White House interest and commitment and the
inherent prestige of a Presidential Commission, it
should be welcomed enthusiastically by the Indian
Community. The composition and tenure of the Com-
mission would pose difficult problems as would the
definition of its mandate. The operational tendency
would be to study the problem rather than be action
oriented. Staff tends to proliferate and costs
generally increase above those projected.
Option Two: Domestic Council Committee
Discussion: A Domestic Council Committee would be
prestigious and demonstrate a clear indication of
White House interest and support. With Secretarial
participation, the attention factor would be con-
siderable but experience demonstrates the absence
of direct involvement. Staff needs would be more
modest than a Commission and the composition of
the Committee would be "in house." In late 1974,
there was a rough consensus among the Departments
and Agencies that such a Committee would be desir-
able but the Indian reaction was negative. There
exists a perception that similar committees have
not been particularly effective.
Option Three: Presidential Task Force
Discussion: The Indian Community favors an Inter-
departmental Task Force and the proposal is in
accord with current thinking of the affected depart-
ments and agencies. The composition of the task
force would include the various Indian desks and
they would be direct participants rather than
points of contact. The task force would be action
oriented with a diminished ability to pursue study
GE7ALD FORD LIBRARY
-4-
and research projects. While it is a sub-cabinet
group, a sufficient indication of White House
interest and support will be evidenced by Presiden-
tial directive and the fact that it will be chaired
by the Special Assistant to the President for Human
Resources. The membership of the task force would
have, in large measure, name identification with
the Indian Community. Modest staff needs and cost
would be internalized.
III. RECOMMENDATION
That you approve Option Three which provides for
the establishment, by Memorandum, of a Presidential
Task Force on Indian Affairs (Tab A-Memorandum).
(
concur.)
Approve
Disapprove
It is further recommended that the announcement of
this task force be made at a Cabinet Room meeting
with appropriate representatives of the Indian
Community present.
Approve
Disapprove
GENALD FORD LIBRARY
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 28, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
BILL BAROODY
Bobbi
FROM:
'BOBBIE GREENE KILBERG
As you are aware, Ted Marrs was not able to prepare a Presi-
dential memorandum to the Heads of Departments and certain
other offices on improved coordination in the Indian program
area. The President stated in his July 16 speech to Indian
leaders that he was sending such a memorandum.
After talking with you yesterday, I drafted the attached Presi-
dential memorandum, The memorandum should not be sent,
in my opinion, unless it contains the name of a liaison person
for coordination purposes. Thus, I have listed Brad Patterson
in the memorandum as that individual.
I hope that both the question of Brad's status in regard to the
liaison responsibilities and the matter of sending a memorandum
from the President can be settled quickly.
cc: Jim Connor 1.
Doug Bennett
Art Quern
FORD LIBRARY is 05
Paul O'Neill
Jim Mitchell
July 30, 1976
DRAFT
The President today announced that he has designated
Bradley H. Patterson, Jr., to assist him in the White House
Staff's Office of Public Liaison within the area of American
Indian Affairs.
As the President specified in his remarks to Indian leaders
at the White House on July 16, Mr. Patterson will work with the
responsible Cabinet officers, with the Office of Management and
Budget, with the Domestic Council and with the Office of the
Counsel to the President to promote and encourage improved
coordination of the various Federal agencies and programs that
currently serve the Indian population.
As the Executive Assistant to Leonard Garment from September,
1969 to December, 1974, Mr. Patterson was one of the principal authors
of the Special Message on Indian Affairs of July 8, 1970, and during
those five years has had close experience with policy development
and coordination concerning the various Federal programs which
FCRD
affect Indian economic and social development.
Born on December 5, 1921, in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Mr.
Patterson received his B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University
of Chicago. He has been a federal career executive since 1945, with
July 30, 1976
-2-
experience in the Department of State, as the Assistant Cabinet
Secretary to President Eisenhower, as Executive Secretary of
the Peace Corps and in the Office of the Secretary of the Treasury.
In 1960, Mr. Patterson was given the Arthur S. Flemming
Award as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men in Federal Service.
He is married to the former Shirley DoBos; they reside in
Bethesda, Maryland and have four children.
-30-
FORD LIBRARY
Brad will pick up
@
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 2
Bill -
I am pleased to report to you
that this memorandum has, in fact,
the approval of Paul O'Neill and of
Jim Cannon.
It is ready for your final
OK, and my secretary is ready to
type it in final form if you will
send this draft back to me as
approved by you.
Doug, of course, continues
to concur in the designation.
Brad
FORD is LIBRARY GIVE
OK
DRAFT
August 2, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
WILLIAM J. BAROODY, JR.
When you addressed the assembled Indian leaders at the
White House on July 16, you told them you would shortly
announce the name of a person who would succeed Ted Marrs
in his duties with respect to the American Indian community.
You described these duties as working closely with Cabinet
officers, with OMB, the Domestic Council and the Office of
Counsel to the President "to encourage the improved coordination
of the various Federal agencies and programs that currently
serve the Indian population."
FORD is LIBRARY
I believe that the best choice for this person is Brad Patterson.
Brad worked closely in the Indian Affairs field for five years, did
most of the work on the landmark Special Message of 1970, and is
well known in the Indian community. One or two of the AIM-type
Indian extremists might criticize Brad's appointment, but that is
because they know that he recognizes some of them for what they are:
publicity-seekers, and that he can be tough and say "no" when that
is the only right answer. I consider that a compliment to Brad
and to his professionalism and competence in Indian matters.
page 2
Where Brad is also particularly strong is in his knowledge of
the some 34 offices (in 21 agencies) where Federal Indian affairs
are conducted; he knows the programs and the people in them.
Doug Bennett and I will share Brad's time until November;
Doug and Paul O'Neill concur in my recommendation that you
approve this designation. (A draft press statement is at Tab A.)
Designation Approved
Disapproved
At the same meeting with Indian leaders you also announced
that you would be sending a memorandum to the heads of these
Departments with Indian responsibilities "directing them to give
priority attention to the coordination of Indian programs".
I have prepared such a memorandum for your signature,
and it is at Tab B. Paul O'Neill and Jim Cannon concur in my
recommendation that you sign it.
LIBRARY &
July 30, 1976
[TABA]
DRAFT
The President today announced that he has designated
Bradley H. Patterson, Jr., to assist him in the White House
Staff Office of Public Liaison within the area of American
Indian Affairs.
As the President specified in his remarks to Indian leaders
at the White House on July 16, Mr. Patterson will work with the
responsible Cabinet officers, with the Office of Management and
Budget, with the Domestic Council and with the Office of the
Counsel to the President to promote and encourage improved
coordination of the various Federal agencies and programs that
FORD LIBRARY & ORRATO
currently serve the Indian population.
a White House Staff officer
As the Enecutive Assistant to Leonard Garment from September,
1969 to December, 1974, Mr. Patterson was one of the principal authors
of the Special Message on Indian Affairs of July 8, 1970, and during
those five years has had close experience with policy development
and coordination concerning the various Federal programs which
affect Indian economic and social development.
Born on December 5, 1921, in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Mr.
Patterson received his B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University
of Chicago. He has been a federal career executive since 1945, with
July 30, 1976
-2-
experience in the Department of State, as the Assistant Cabinet
Secretary to President Eisenhower, as Executive Secretary of
the Peace Corps and in the Office of the Secretary of the Treasury.
In 1960, Mr. Patterson was given the Arthur S. Flemming
Award as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men in Federal Service.
He is married to the former Shirley DoBos; they reside in
Bethesda, Maryland and have four children.
-
FORD LIBRARY
[TAB B]
August 2, 1976
DRAFT
MEMORANDUM FOR:
The Secretary of the Treasury
The Secretary of Defense
The Attorney General
The Secretary of the Interior
The Secretary of Agriculture
The Secretary of Commerce
The Secretary of Labor
The Secretary of Health, Education & Welfare
The Secretary of Housing & Urban Development
The Secretary of Transportation
The Administrator, Community Services Adm.
The Acting Chairman, Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission
The Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency
The AdministratorFarm Credit Administration
The Administrator, General Services Adm.
The Administrator, Small Business Adm.
The Chairman, Civil Service Commission
The Administrator, Veterans Administration
FORD
In order to Insure the effective delivery and efficient operation
LIBRARY
of Federal Indian programs and services, it is necessary to give
priority attention to coordination efforts among the Cabinet Departments,
the Office of Management and Budget, the Domestic Council, the Office
of Counsel to the President, and the White House office of Public-.
Liaison.
Therefore, I am today designating Bradley H. Patterson, Jr.
of my staff to perform the Indian affairs liaison function in the
White House Office of Public Liaison. It will be Mr. Patterson's
page 2
specific responsibility to work with each of you to encourage
the improved coordination of the various Federal agencies and
programs that serve the Indian people. I know that each of you
will work closely and effectively with Mr. Patterson.
He and you together will also help ensure that when federal
actions are P lanned which affect Indian communities, the responsible
Indian leaders are consulted in the planning process.
Gerald R. Ford
CC: The Director, Office of Management and Budget
The Assistant to the President for Domestic Affairs
The Chairman, Civil Rights Commission
The Counsel to the President
The Assistant to the President for Public Liaison
The Secretary to the Cabinet
FORD LIBRARY is 938839
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 4, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
WILLIAM J. BAROODY, JR.
B
When you addressed the assembled Indian leaders at the
White House on July 16, you told them you would shortly
announce the name of a person who would succeed Ted Marrs
in his duties with respect to the American Indian community.
You described these duties as working closely with Cabinet
officers, with OMB, the Domestic Council and the Office of
Counsel to the President "to encourage the improved coord-
ination of the various Federal agencies and programs that
currently serve the Indian population."
I believe that the best choice for this person is Brad Patterson.
Brad worked closely in the Indian Affairs field for five years,
did most of the work on the landmark Special Message of 1970,
and is well known in the Indian community. One or two of the
AIM-type Indian extremists might criticize Brad's appointment,
but that is because they know that he recognizes some of them
for what they are: publicity-seekers, and that he can be tough
and say "no" when that is the only right answer. I consider
that a compliment to Brad and to his professionalism and
competence in Indian matters.
Where Brad is also particularly strong is in his knowledge of
the some 34 offices (in 21 agencies) where Federal Indian
affairs are conducted; he knows the programs and the people
in them.
FORD & LIBRARY
Doug Bennett and I will share Brad's time until November;
Doug and Paul O'Neill concur in my recommendation that you
approve this designation (A draft press statement is at Tab A).
Designation Approved
Disapproved
page 2
At the same meeting with Indian leaders you also announced
that you would be sending a memorandum to the heads of
these Departments with Indian respo nsibilities "directing
them to give priority attention to the coordination of Indian
programs".
I have prepared such a memorandum for your signature,
and it is at Tab B. Paul O' Neill and Jim Cannon concur
in my recommendation that you sign it.
FORD LIBRARY is GERALD
The President today announced that he has designated
Bradley H. Patterson, Jr. to assist him in the White House
Office of Public Liaison within the area of American Indian
Affairs.
As the President specified in his remarks to Indian leaders
at the White House on July 16, Mr. Patterson will work with the
responsible Cabinet officers, with the Office of Management and
Budget, with the Domestic Council and with the Office of the
Counsel to the President to promote and encourage improved
coordination of the various Federal agencies and programs that
currently serve the Indian population.
As a White House Staff officer from September, 1969 to
GERALD FORD VIORARI
December, 1974, Mr. Patterson was one of the principal authors
of the Special Message on Indian Affairs of July 8, 1970, and
during those five years has had close experience with policy
development and coordination concerning the various Federal
programs which affect Indian economic and social development.
Born on December 5, 1921, in Wellesley, Massachusetts,
Mr. Patterson received his B.A. and M.A. degrees from the
University of Chicago. He has been a federal career executive
since 1945, with experience in the Department of State, as the
page 2
Assistant Cabinet Secretary to President Eisenhower, as
Executive Secretary of the Peace Corps and in the Office
of the Secretary of the Treasury.
In 1960, Mr. Patterson was given the Arthur S. Flemming
Award as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men in Federal Service.
He is married to the former Shirley DoBos; they reside in
Bethesda, Maryland and have four children.
ESALD FORD JBKARD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM FOR:
The Secretary of the Treasury
The Secretary of Defense
The Attorney General
The Secretary of the Interior
The Secretary of Agriculture
The Secretary of Commerce
The Secretary of Labor
The Secretary of Health, Education & Welfare
The Secretary of Housing & Urban Development
The Secretary of Transportation
The Administrator, Community Services Adm.
The Acting Chairman, Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission
The Administrator, Environmental Protection
Agency
The Adminstrator, Farm Credit Administration
The Administrator, General Services Administratic
The Administrator, Small Business Administration
The Chairman, Civil Service Commission
The Administrator, Veterans Administration
In order to insure the effective delivery and efficient operation of
Federal Indian programs and services, it is necessary to give priority
attention to coordination efforts among the Cabinet Departments, the
Office of Management and Budget, the Domestic Council, the Office of
Counsel to the President, and the White House office of Public Liaison.
Therefore, I am today designating Bradley H. Patterson, Jr. of
my staff to perform the Indian affairs liaison function in the White House
Office of Public Liaison. It will be Mr. Patterson's specific responsibility
to work with each of you to encourage the improved coordination of the
various Federal agencies and programs that serve the Indian people. I
know that each of you will work closely and effectively with Mr. Patterson.
He and you together will also help ensure that when federal actions
are planned which affect Indian communities, the responsible Indian
leaders are consulted in the planning process.
Gerald R. Ford
GERALD FORD CIBRARY
cc: The Director, Office of Management and Budget
The Assistant to the President for Domestic Affairs
The Chairman, Civil Rights Commission
The Counsel to the President
The Assistant to the President for Public Liaison
The Secretary to the Cabinet
GERALD FORD VIBRARY