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Pine Ridge - Lakota Views
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Pine Ridge - Lakota Views
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The original documents are located in Box 5, folder "Pine Ridge - Lakota Views" 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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.
2-7-75
C
31
Sanity in Wisconsin
loaded weapons-won praise even
IN THE NATION
from the Menominees. The
too late to prevent Kent State, Jack-
son State, Attica and other atrocities
By Tom Wicker
--is that gunfire need not be the auto-
matic recourse of a challenged society.
The settlement by which a Menomi-
Some more militant Indians may
nee Indian force peacefully evacuated
continue to consider the criminal
a Roman Catholic novitiate in Wiscon-
charges unwarranted, and many whites
sin, and under which the 262-acre
in the vicinity of the novitiate are
property is to be deeded to the
apparently angered by the settlement
Menominee nation for $1 and "future
on grounds that the Menominees, in
considerations" appears to have been
effect, seized the property and were
a triumph of good sense and humanity.
rewarded with its ownership. But that
Nobody was killed on either side, the
raises questions no white American
forces of law and order are being offi-
ought to consider without shame-to
cially served, and the Menominees will
whom did these disputed lands origi-
regain possession of a property they
nally belong? By what disreputable
regarded as historically their own.
means did non-Indian property owners
The Menominee settlement, more-
first take title to them?
over, may signal some easing of what
Those are questions that some
American Indians consider the hostil-
American Indians are determined to
ity of the Roman Catholic Church
press to a remarkable conclusion-the
toward them and their claims. At the
renewed recognition by the United
peak of the Wisconsin siege, when it
States of the sovereignty of the 300-
appeared possible that the National
odd Indian nations. That sovereignty
Guard would storm the novitiate and
would include the ownership of lands
the Menominee warriors holding it,
originally recognized in solemn treaties
th Alexian Brothers order of Chicago,
with the Indian nations.
who held title to the property, sought
The United States has not been
the counsel of the Apostolic Delegate
making such treaties-which the Con-
in Washington. His advice was sensi-
stitution decrees as "the supreme law
ble and crucial-that an empty noviti-
of the land"-since 1871, but it has
ate was not worth a single life.
never formally repudiated those made
At about the same time, Governor
before then. In some cases, the validity
Pat Lucey of Wisconsin-who was
of a treaty is in dispute; in many it is
frequently in direct telephone negotia-
not. In practice, however, the United
tion with the Menominees holding the
States long since ceased to treat any
FORD
novitiate-was putting a hard question
Indian tribe as a sovereign nation.
to the Alexians. Did they really want
If it did so recognize the Indians,
him to order force used to regain a
there would be hundreds of independ-
ent nations scattered through more
LIBRARY
property they had all but abandoned?
Particularly when Col. Hugh Simon-
than thirty states, the largest being
son, commanding the National Guard
the 24 million acres: claimed by the
units surrounding the novitiate, had
Shoshone in Nevada, and the huge
said, "There are dedicated people in
tracts of the Sjoux in the Dakotas,
there, who are going to stay until
of the Choctaw and the Cherokee in
they get an honorable agreement. I
Oklahoma, and of the Six Nations in
know there are people who will die
New York. Exactly how such sover-
for this cause."
eignty might work in practice is not
The Alexians did not want to force
clear, although Jim Durham of the
that issue and in the end they partici-
International Indian Treaty Council
pated in the necessary "honorable
observes sardonically that "we'd prob-
agreement"-as did the occupying
ably let Washington handle our foreign
Menominee warriors, who dropped
policy."
their demand for amnesty, and who
Mr. Durham represents the council
have now been charged locally with
-formed last June at "Standing Rock
criminal offenses (misdemeanors
Indian Country"-to anyone who will
except for five felony counts against
listen at the United Nations. His task
the leaders). Title to the novitiate,
there is ultimately to gain what the
however, will be deeded to the whole
council called "recognition and mem-
Menominee nation.
bership of the sovereign Native Na-
Governor Lucey and Colonel Simon-
tions"; more immediately, he seeks to
son seem to have handled this prickly
have an American Indian delegation
matter with intelligence and firmness
received and heard as the "one color
toward both sides. Bringing in the
of Mankind in the world who are not
National Guard at the appropriate mc-
represented in the United Nations
ment enabled the Governor to super-
the indigenous Redman of the Western
sede hostile local authorities without
Hemisphere." That the Indians do not
appearing weak; and Colonel Simon-
consider themselves represented by
son's handling of the Guard-includ-
the United States is something the
ing ordering them to patrol with un-
rest of us might ponder.
Digitized from Box 4 of the Bradley H. Patterson Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
LIST OF THE OGLALA LAKOTA DELEGATION
The following names of Oglala Leaders were chosen at
the last meeting held in Porcupine, South Dakota on
Saturday, July 26, 1975, to accompany the Traditional
Chiefs and Headmen to Washington, D. C.
Four (4) representatives were chosen from each district
on the reservation to carry the voice of our people.
In all due respect, we apoligize for those that were
not able to depict, for we have many, many eligible
and competent Traditional Lakota Leaders on the Pine
Ridge Reservation.
The representatives or delegates consists of; Tradi-
tional Chiefs, Headmen, District Chairmen and Council-
men, and other areas of responsibility for the general
Lakota population.
All of these delegates were life long residents of the
Pine Ridge Reservation and have proven themselves
time and time again, as leaders or spokesmen for the
Oglala Lakota Nation:
Treaty Chiefs, Six (6):
1. Frank Fools Crow
2. David Flying Hawk
3. Luke Weasel Bear
4. Charles Red Cloud
5. Frank Kills Enemy
6. Matthew Bear Shield
Delegates of the districts:
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
Oglala:
1. Frank Star
2. Francis He Crow
3. Russell Loud Hawk
4. Edwin Fills The Pipe
Manderson - Wounded Knee:
1. Eugene White Hawk
2. Morris Afraid Of Hawk
3. Paul Red Star
4. Oscar Hollow Horn
Porcupine:
1.
Jim Iron Cloud
2. Ramsey Red Hawk
3. Oscar Bear Runner
4. Frank Locke
Kyle:
1. Guy Dull Knife
2.
Matthew King
3. Birgil Kills Straight
4. Ray Bull Bear
Batesland - Wakpamni:
1.
Marvin Ghost Bear
2. David Two Lance
3. Dawson No Horse
4. Mario Gonzales
Wanblee:
1. Jimmy Red Willow
2. Selo Black Crow
3. Jake Little Thunder
4. Jacob Yellow Hawk
Pine Ridge:
FORD it LIBRARY
1. Richard Little
2.
Hobart Keith
3. David Long
4. Toby Eagle Bull
Allen:
1. Dan Bad Wound
2. Jim Holy Eagle
3. Albert Red Bear
4. Louie Bad Wound
- 2 -
Sept. 12, 1975
Lakota Treaty Council
To Whom It May Concern:
We, the undersigned, as traditional chiefs and headsmen delegate
responsibility to those other chiefs, headsmen and representatives
of the Oglala Lakota Nation who remain in Washington, D.C. to continue
pursuing our original goals and purposes for coming to Washington, D.C.
i.e. to establish a meeting between ourselves and the President of the
United States.
We are returning to Pine Ridge Reservation to fulfill some prior com-
mitments and will come back to Washington, D.C. next week.
Frank Fools Crow
Chief Frank Fools Crow
Treaty Waved Chief David 1lgmg Flying Hawk Hank
Frank Treaty Chief Frank Kills Evemy Enemy
Treaty Cecilia Spokeswoman Flying Cecilia Hawk Flying Hawk
FORD & LIBRARY
Jackson Tail Jul
Headsmar
Headsman Birgil Kills Straight
Sept. 19, 1975
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES
..e, the undersigned members of the Oglala Lakota Treaty delegation
who are in Washington to effectuate a meeting between oce Chief and
the President of the United States do hereby state in unrevocable
terms that from this day forward we will not engage in any discussions
with Dr. Theodore Marrs under any circumstances.
CHIEFS, HEADMEN, AND DELEGATES OF THE OGLALA LAKOTA TREATY COUNCIL
BradWay Lang Red Hirt
Passell Lond Hank
Charles Sug Sald
Hawk
Johnny Looking Claud
Mathew3 Bearshield
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
EBear Runnet
OF
Bobby kil
United States Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
WASHINGTON. D. C. 20245
IN REPLY RRSER TO:
Tribal Government
Services
SEP 25 1975
MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION
SUBJECT:
"Traditional", Pine Ridge leaders meeting with the
President
PARTICIPANTS: Louis Bad Wound, Larry Red Shirt, Eugene White Hawk,
Zack Bear Shield, Lou Gurwitz (non-Indian attorney),
Ms. Kilberg (White House) and Leslie Gay (BIA)
At Ms. Kilberg's invitation we met together from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
on September 23 in the South Annex to discuss further efforts by the
"traditional Chiefs and Headmen" to meet with the President regarding
the Pine Ridge situation. The meeting was taped by Mr. Bad Wound.
Messrs. Gurwitz, Bad Wound and Red Shirt explained again their view of
the situation and stated that only a meeting with the President could
set a course whereby any real progress would be possible. Some general
discussion followed.
While the respective positions are well known, it was interesting to
note the view that under the treaty the Government would have a
responsibility to resettle those tribal members who found the tradi-
tional way of life and government unacceptable, when they were restored
to Pine Ridge. Such, allegedly, would be a minority, as President
Wilson's support is derived only as a result of fear and his control of
"jobs" arising from the "IRA government", and the return to "tradition-
alism" would do away with his "support." Also, new to me was the
statement that the IRA government was invalid in that only 29.3 percent
rather than the required 30 percent of the eligible voters voted not to
reject it.
Ms. Kilberg stated that the President would not meet with the "traditional"
group. This should be made clear as notwithstanding its views, the IRA
council and President Wilson constituted the legal government. As an
alternative, and she clearly stated it was strictly her thinking, would
the "traditionalists" meet jointly as members of a Presidential
Commission composed of Wilson representatives and those appointed by the
President (not necessarily government people)? She held that possibly
the President would agree to meet with such a group to lay out his views
CONSERVE
AMERICA'S
ENERGY
FORD LIBRARY & 074838
Save Energy and You Serve Americal
2
as to its mission in seeking long term solutions to current Pine Ridge
problems. Interest was shown in this, and it was discussed with the
following conclusion, whereupon the meeting was concluded:
Ms. Kilberg will seek White House and administrative support
for the Commission proposal. If forthcoming, and she
emphasized that no support as yet existed, the proposal
would be put into writing and submitted to the interested
individuals. Mr. Gurwitz indicated that only then could the
"Chiefs and Headmen" respond.
Many groups have studied Pine Ridge, but such a commission has not been
involved. While there is no guarantee of its succeeding, there is no
guarantee it would not produce some beneficial results if its findings
were jointly concluded.
If such a commission holds out some hope to those who consider the
present situation hopeless, then it deserves serious consideration.
cc: Commissioner
Mr. Krenzke
Ms. Kilberg
C. Soller/S. Keep
Mr. Pennington
FORD LIBRARY &
OFFICE
"Dickso 2 picksoms Di Marry
The White House
Washington
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WHD008
WAB055(1039) (2-026611E184)PD 07/03/75 1039
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ICS IPMBNGZ CSP
1975 JUL 3 AM 1151
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6057472283 TDBN ROSEBUD SD 287 07-03 1039A EST
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PMS MRS GERALD FORD, DLR
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WHITE HOUSE
JUL 7 AM ID
MAIL
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WASHINGTON DC 20500
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IN THE NAME OF THE LORD AND ON BEHALF OF TH SIOUX NATION I AM
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REQUESTING THAT YOU URGE YOUR HUSBAND TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO
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PIERRE SOUTH DAKOTA TO MEET WITH 8 SIOUX TRIBAL CHAIRMAN CONCERNING
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THE ILLEGAL SEARCHING OF INDIAN HOMES ON THE PINE RIDGE RESERVATION
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WHERE TWO FEDERAL AGENTS WERE SHOT AND KILLED WE WANT TO AID IN
GERALD
R.
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FINDING THOSE PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE BUT WE ARE DEEPLY CONCERNED OVER
FORD
FORM 0805 PRINTED BY THE STANDARD REGISTER
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THE THREATENING AND SEARCHING OF INDIAN HOMES ON MONDAY NIGHT TURK
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LIBRAR
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BROKEN NOSE A APOSTOLIC CHURCH WORKER WAS RUN OUT OF HIS HOME BY
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FEDERAL OFFICERS ON SATURDAY NIGHT WALLACE LITTLE SENIOR AN ELDERLY
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MAN WAS RUN OUT OF HIS HOME AND IT WAS SEARCHED AND TORN APART HARRY
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AND CECILIA JUMPING BULL WHO LOST TWO SONS DURING THE WARS FOR THIS
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COUNTRY HAD THEIR HOME SHOT AND RIDDLED BY BULLETS SO BADLY THAT THE
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PICTURE OF ONE OF THE DEAD WAR HEROES WHO HOLDS A PURPLE HEART AND
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OTHER CITATIONS WAS RIDDLED WITH BULLETS. INDIAN COSTUMES WORTH
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THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WERE TAKEN BY THESE FEDERAL OFFICERS WITHOUT A
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PROPER SEARCH WARRANT OR ANY OTHER LEGAL DOCUMENT UNLESS THE WHITE
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HOUSE AND DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE TAKE IMMEDIATE STEPS TO CONTROL
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THESE RAMPAGING FEDERAL AUTHORITIES WE WILL BE FORCED TO TAKE ACTION
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OURSELVES WITH THE AID OF CHURCH PEOPLE WHO ARE IN RAGED AT THESE
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ABUSES OF POWER. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO
FORM 0805 PRINTED BY THE STANDARD REGISTER COMPANY
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CALL. ME AS I FIRMLY BELIEVE AND CAN PROVE WHAT I HAVE STATED HEREIN.
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MY CLOSE FRIEND KAY LEVENBERG CAN CONFIRM THE AUTHENTICITY AND
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HONESTY OF MY PERSON CALL ME IF YOU DESIRE AT 605-7472244 OR
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605-7472427 URGENT
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GOD KEEP YOU IN GOOD HEALTH
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ROBERT BURNETTE PRESIDENT
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ROSEBUD SIOUX TRIBE ROSEBUD SOUTH DAKOTA
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FORM 0805 PRINTED BY THE STANDARD REGISTER COMPANY, U. $ A S.A. U.S.A.
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51-8-75
Re Sioup Deign time coming to Washinatin
new york state Jaymers support t Res olutions mentioned letter
Joyncees
New York State
Jayncees
Mrs. Kathy Austin, Chairperson
American Indian Awareness
2340 Geneva Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
PArsons MD
President Theresa Prozeralik
Administrative Vice President Gayle Roeland
Internal Vice President Betty Kannenberg
External Vice President Wanda Hudak
Executive Secretary Laureen Stephani
Treasurer Carol Vanuga
Past President Kathy Spolsky
Marks
September 3, 1975
Gerald R. Ford, President
United States of America
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
GERALD FORD VIBRARY
Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. President:
The New York State Jayncees, at a recent meeting with the Onondaga Council
of Chiefs, had the opportunity to meet with an elected official of the Pine Ridge
Sioux Tribal Council and an education coordinator for the Oglala people. They
have informed us that a delegation of 6 traditional chiefs and 4 elected represen-
tatives from each district at Pine Ridge are on their way to Washington. We are
asking that the Sioux delegation be recognized as they are the true representatives
of the "people". The New York State Jayncees are in full support of the following
resolutions as we share a deep concern over the continued loss of life, liberty,
and the pursuit of happiness at the Pine Ridge Indian territory.
1. Accurate updating of membership roles of the Oglala Sioux and an
accurate evaluation and committment in follow-up with the 1868
Fort Laramie Treaty provisions.
2. Joint Resolution #133 (supported since it's inception by the NYS Jayncees
and we are pleased to see it has come into existence) This resolution's
15-man commission should be representative of all Indian Nations across
the country. Policies should not be directed at Native Americans as a
whole, since needs and desires vary from Nation to Nation. All policies
should be easily interpreted and meet the approval of all people.
3. Upholding of the 1934 Indian Reorganization Act insuring more voice and
involvement by the "people" in their government as communications at the
present time are nil. Tribal President, Richard Wilson, carries the
whole ball-of-wax with Vice-President, Dr. Jim Wilson (brother) acting
as "brain" for Richard Wilson. A good analogy would be Nixon and Agnew.
An even greater solution would be return to the traditional tribal
government where total democracy would be in council.
4. Indian Claims Commission (1946) - Close examination of it's responsibilities,
In the words of Vine Deloria, Jr., the Indian Claims Commission has settled
less than half of the land and accounting claims filed. It has sidestepped
most of the claims that the tribes have which did not involve lands. The
influence of the Indian Claims Commission has been immense because many
federal policy-makers have assumed that any claims that the tribes have
are being handled by that commission. Such is not true, and dissatisfac-
tion has grown to the point where radical measures have taken place.
Government money being used to defeat the government is certainly comical.
We Jayncees are extremely concerned with the practices of the FBI at Pine
Ridge. Since civic and criminal jurisdiction does not effect Indian territory
in South Dakota, the FBI have no business being there. It seems ironic that when
several famed, bigotted organizations are operating on or near Pine Ridge, that
there should be an investigation being opted against the victims. It is obvious
there is a need for an investigation of the investigators!
The New York State Jayncees feel these people need action in their struggle
for justice.
too long overlooked. We are confident that your sincerity in
"honoring our treaties and committments around the world" will prove beneficial
to the Indian people. We must begin at home. Since the BiCentennial year is
forthcoming, what better way to reinstate our pride in America than to embark on
a new threshold of honesty and fairness in our relationship with Native Americans.
The Silver Covenant Chain (used when Indian people would visit Washington
and polish it together with the President before talks or negotiations would
begin as a symbol of friendship) has not been used since 1890. Thank you for
your attention,
Sincerely yours,
Kathy austin
Kathy Austin (Mrs. Carl)
Chairperson
American Indian Awareness
New York State Jayncees
cc: Dr. J. Marrs
Sen. J. Buckley
Sen. J. Javitts
Rep. M. McHugh
J. Prozeralik
W. Hudak
FORD & LIBRARY GIVE G7VU26
We hold these Truths
New York State
Jayncees Austin, Chairperson
MD
ENGHAMTON SEP-3'75
U.S.POSTAGE
NINE
0
≡ 95 :
American Indian Awareness
N.Y.
DRIMETER
PD156180
2340 Geneva St
LINGHAN UNDERSTATES 1975 3 10a THE
Binghamton, NY 13903
USPO
SEP 8 1975
Gerald R. Ford, President
1600 Pennsylvania Ave
Washington, D. C.
REGISTERED
20006
NO. 6851
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Date:
September 5, 1975
MEMORANDUM FOR: DR. MARRS
FROM:
WARRENS. RUSTAND
SUBJECT: Re: Audience for SIOUX delegation from PINE RIDGE.
The attached is for your appropriate handling.
Thank you.
Telegram from DAVID and JUDITH BANNER, ENWELL, NEW YORK.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
To Dr Marro for handling
The White House
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Washington
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6077542183 POM TDMT ENWELL NY 10 09-03 052 1P EST
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PMS PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES GERALD FORD
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WHITE HOUSE DC 20500
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PLEASE GRANT THE SIOUX DELEGATION FROM PINE RIDGE AN AUDIENCE
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DAVID AND JUDITH BANNER 915 BYFORD BLVD ENWELL NY 1376ø
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ACTION
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SCHEDULE BD.
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DATE RECEIVED
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GERALD 8. LIBRARY FORD
FORM 0805 PRINTED BY THE STANDARD REGISTER COMPANY L. U.S.A.
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SEP 4 1975
MESSAGE
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SPEAKERS BUREAU
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OTHER
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APPOINTMENT OFFICE
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The Lakota Nation's
Relationship with the
United States
FORD
LIBRARY
%
SERAL $
BACKGROUND:
1867- The United States Government came to the realization that it
Historians record that Custer's ride to infamy was a massacre. They failed
was costing them one million dollars to kill one Indian. They came to
to mention that some Indian people have also died on that day defending
the conclusion that it was too costly to pursue this course of action.
their right to live as they chose.
In the spring of 1868, the Treaty was negotiated with the Sioux Nation
CONTACT
and their allies. Red Cloud refused to sign the treaty until the forts
Lakota Treaty Council
Custer's defeat was, to the historians, the beginning of the end for the
were removed from the unceded areas. As early as 1871 it was apparent
c/o Thelma Conroy
Indians in this country and in spite of Wounded Knee (1890 & 1973)
that the United States Government did not intend to honor the terms
Rapid City Indian Service
and the many genocidal acts and policies; today we are alive and well.
Council
of this treaty. At that time Red Cloud went to Washington City to pro-
201 Wright Street
tect the people from the violations of this treaty and was threatened
The Lakota Treaty Council is returning to Little Big Horn on the Cen-
Rapid City, SD 57701
with imprisonment. In terms of the treaty the Indian people were
tennial of this event to give thanks to the Great spirit that today we are
605-342-4772
guaranteed the right to be free on the unceded areas. The policy which
still alive, well and are growing stronger spiritually every day. We are
or evenings 343-0528
the Government was pursuing at the same time was containment to the
growing stronger in the belief that we are the chosen ones, chosen as
reservations in hopes of "civilizing" the Indian people.
caretakers of the western hemisphere. We are chosen by the Great Spirit
to maintain a special relationship with Mother Earth.
In 1875 the U.S. Government tried to enforce this containment to the
reservations, however, because of inclement weather, the Indian people
The Lakota Treaty Council invites all conscientious people to join us in
did not heed the wishes of the Government. In 1876 the Indian people
this day to pay homage to the dead who fell here a hundred years ago
continued to roam the land and to hunt the buffalo as guaranteed them
defending their rights.
under the terms of the Treaty. Large forces of the United States Govern-
TRADITIONAL RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES
ment were sent out to force the Indian people back to the reservations.
JUNE 22, 23, 24, 25, 1976
One of the regiments of the Army was the 7th Cavalry, led by a fool-
SUNRISE CEREMONIES ON THE 25TH
named George Armstrong Custer.
Y
FORD
GERALD
LIBRARY
"Whenever an Indian Reservation has on it good land, or timber, or
minerals", the Commissioner of Indian Affairs stated in his annual
report for 1876, "The cupidity of the White Man is excited, and a constant
struggle is inaugurated to disposses the Indian, in which the avarice and
determination of the White Man usually prevails". Whether such conflict,
when it has occurred in other nations in other ages, can be satisfactorily
resolved seems to depend in large measure upon an innate sense of pro-
portion - a historical tradition which we have conveniently, but falsely,
labeled "Justice". It is the tragedy of our present situation that we
can not find even this sense of propriety, and we are unique among men
of all ages in this inability to perceive values by which we can live.
It would seem that Indians and Whites were somehow destined to be each
other's victims in unique and profound ways.
The time has come when we must examine the two major factors of human
existence which are also two important factors of social existence.
These two factors are law and culture. While we all flippantly convince
ourselves that we understand law and culture, and the manner in which they
appear to describe the interworkings of groups of men, a glance at the
past century's events and present attitudes in many areas should be
sufficient to indicate to us the far from understanding either law or
culture, we still insist on what men should be rather than what they are.
The pity of the thinkers of the last century was that they refused to
analyze their ideology in logical terms or to expend great amounts of
energy observing history to validate the corollaries of their central
doctrine. This has been the constant hidden factor at work crushing the
possibilities of finding a peaceful and just solution to the problems of
South Dakota's Indian people. Unfortunately this concept of civilizing
the Indian people to make them just like us exists today, and we continue
to paddle up the creek of ethnocentrism.
To make the theory work, the Dawes Act of 1887 was passed and Indian people
were told they must be farmers. The allotment process was amended in 1891
so that what little land was left after allotment could be leased to
non-Indians. There is some justification for this, because the 40 acres
given to young people in the Allotment Act was not sufficient for them to
make a living. The result was Government schools. On the two million acre
Pine Ridge Reservation in 1916, only 40 acres were leased to non-Indians.
A year later nearly 80% of the land was leased to non-Indian cattlemen!
The great social experiment of the 19th Century became a systematic
exploitation of people during the early 20th. It was not until the Indian
Reorganization Act of 1934 that things began to change. This Act called
for formally organized and recognized tribal government. During the 1950's,
these newly organized tribal governments were able to turn back "termination".
They also were in an ideal position to exploit the "War on poverty", which
followed, and to gain many advantages denied to other minority groups during
the expansion of social programs in the 60's. A conflict arose when inadequate
tribal constitutions could not cope with the complex contracting and grants-
manship. The grants themselves provided little or none for administration
itself. The constitutions were strengthened and continue to be so.
The poverty programs raised the question of Indian identity - often to a
crisis situation. People were being hired partly because of their education
and partly because of their tribal membership. The two factors seemed to
work toward a common middle ground in which the problem of what it meant to
be an Indian was the central question.
With the rise of Indian Activism in a number of forms, this central question,
which has been avoided for a century, dominated the emotional consciousness
of Indians without finding an intellectual context in which it could relate
to the modern world. People knew they were Indians and tried to develop
a pride in this fact of their existence, but pride too often expressed
itself in anti-white sentiments, not in a reflection of the basic Indian
values which managed to exist for the nearly a century that South Dakota
has been dominated by non-Indians.
The result for the Indian communities was that instead of regaining the
integrity that had been their chief characteristic in former years, the
whole system of belief and faith in tribal institutions was so undermined
that now the activists are shouting for the abolition of tribal government.
GERALD, FORD LIBRARY
- 2 -
One would have to conclude that the process of assimilation has created
a partial creature that in many ways can never again be made into a
whole being. The struggles of the succeeding years, while spectacular
in some respects and disastrous in others, have been simply the events
which could have been expected when central issues were avoided or
approached obliquely.
It must be the obligation of South Dakota. to stop and examine the central
issue of culture and civilization closely and with an openess to accept
the best from both Indian and non-Indian culture. How does one determine
the relative value, worth and reality of culture? What factors are
considered in weighing the values by which men live? Does an expanding
technology give to one group of men a divine right to force upon another
group of men behavior patterns, values, laws and concepts which are
foreign to them?
Law has always availed to settle and civilize society. We can trace the
absence of much integrity in the law for the past century when applied to
Indians. It has rather been, if one reflects upon the events that have
been reviewed, a curious mixture of sociological theories masquerading as
legal concepts that have dominated Indian affairs. We now come full circle -
Indians are presently repeating the mistakes of the White Man-by attempting
to force law to perform precisely those acrobatics which the Whites of the
1880's and 1890's asked it to do.
We have not learned from history. We need a sense of cooperation and
understanding as we plan for the maximum use of our natural and cultural
resources in this time of unemployment and depression.
It is time for us to sit down together, examine history together, share
our cultural concepts and pick the best from both cultures for our children
and our children's children.
Jim Gillihan
Office of Cultural Preservation
February 6, 1975
-3-
TO:
Oglala Sioux Tribal Council
Pine Ridge, South Dakota
FORD LIBRARY
FROM:
Lakota Treaty Council
Larry Red Shirt
Executive Coordinator
DATE:
April 19, 1976
Mr. Chairman, members of the Council, and members of the Oglala
Lakota Nation, who are present at this meeting here today:
I am honored for the opportunity of addressing this elected Council
of our Nation. First, on behalf of the Chiefs and Headmen of the Oglala
Lakota Nation, I extend a handshake and congratulations to each and every
one of you in your successful venture in this elective system.
As it involves and affects the future of our Nation and the future
of coming generations, I feel it is extremely important to present to this
Council the position and the progress that the Lakota Treaty Council has
made in respect of gaining recognition of the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty.
Before I proceed any further, for the benefit of those present that
do not know or who have forgotten, I would like to explain briefly the
"Interpretation and meaning of the "1868 Treaty" and also the term "Tradition-
alist" as it applies to the members and constituency of the Lakota Treaty
Council.
The Lakota Treaty Council believes and clings to our way of life as
our Forefathers lived it. A way of life, with basic human principles and
doctrines, although humble in its nature, have been recognized by other in-
deginious peoples as one of the greatest in the world. It is our hope that
"truth""itself will peel away the layers of ignorance which is the result of
a hundred years of brainwashing." Thus, we recognize that one of our greatest
tasks is the re-education of our own people.
In the 1860's the "Great Lakota Nation" along with its allies initiat-
ed a resistance (so called Red Cloud's War) that halted the invasion and so-
called "Westward Expansion of the Wasin Icula: Time and time again, the Lakota
proved invincible and victorious. The U.S. Government after realizing that it
was costing them 2 million dollars to kill one Lakota and the fact that the
"Civil War" had just put a big dent in their pocketbook, decided to push for
a peaceful settlement.
Subsequently, both Nations agreed to the terms and entered into a
Treaty. What is to be known as "The 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty."
Even today we are bound to that same Treaty not only by the natural
laws that govern us, but because our Forefathers blessed the Treaty with the
"Sacred Pipe".
Even today the people of the United States Goverment are bound to
that same Treaty because U.S. Law says treaties are "on par and equal to the
constitution" as "Supreme Law of the land".
30
With the strengthening and unification of our people can we take
positive steps to insure that "Divide and conquer" tactics will not work
anymore with the Oglala. We have suffered enough.
We the Lakota Treaty Council invite all true Oglala to lift up
their heads and look to the future of our children and the unborn. The
Lakota people must recognize who the real enemy is, that we may defend
ourselves.
We ask for your support in our struggle to find justice and free-
dom for our people. Support the 1868 Treaty. Though a long hard road
lies ahead of us - we walk forward. with our heads up to confront the many
obstacles as a true Oglala.
With the guidance of Tunkasila, Wakan Tanka we shall win! The strug-
gle goes on.
Ho. Hechetu Yelo.
Pilamaye Pi Yelo.
Ogle Luta
Ogle Luta
Larry Red thit
FORD LIBRARY & 938839
Rabert Heal Rasin Stock Recognition
De Colonization
8656-4467 Torzynch
John 8-656-4491 Luandler
Real
N
SPANI
BERALD LIBRARY FORD
RESOLUTION
We the traditional people of the Oglala Lakota Nation
whose governing body is the Lakota Treaty Council,
formerly known as the Black Hills Claim and Treaty
Council, hereby, declare to the Government of the United
States that we terminate ourselves from the present
Tribal Government.
Since you have failed to live up to your treaty obliga-
tions, while we have kept ours, and have throughout the
success of years since 1868, failed even to so much as
heed our voices and suggestions, which you, yourselves
have sought, we will no longer be a part or party to the
continued provert genocide of our people.
Before United States governmental interference in our
internal affairs, we were capable of managing ourselves.
Today our traditional form of government remains strong,
while the one imposed upon us by your government has
brought only confusion, poverty, death and destruction to
our people.
Therefore, in order to retain our national identity as a
sovereign people, we see no other recourse, but, to follow
our traditional leaders who have determined that we must
return to our own way of governing ourselves. In future
matters we will deal only with the Secretary of State or
the President of the United States himself.
Purpose and intent:
1. This council, formerly known as the Black Hills
Claim and Treaty Council, will be henceforth, be
known as the Oglala Lakota Nation.
2. The Lakota Treaty Council claims the Pine Ridge
reservation under the terms was subsequently
established although we waive no rights under the
terms of the 1868 Treaty.
3. The 1868 Treaty will be enforced on the Pine
Ridge reservation.
4. In addition, the Lakota Treaty Council views
every act or form of legislation passed since
1868, especially the Indian Reorganization Act of
1934 and the Citizen Act of 1924, as illegal
since they were never approved of by 3/4 major-
ity of the adult male Indians as stated in
Article XII of the 1868 Treaty.
5. The Lakota Treaty Council excludes itself from
the Tribal government provided for under the
Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 and is neither
responsible for their debts nor misdeeds. It
feels this form of government as illegal.
6. From this date forward all decisions of this
council, must be agreed upon by 3/4 of the
adult male Indians. The Lakota Treaty Council
will provide a correct enrollment in accordance
with the 1868 Treaty, consisting of male lineal
descendants of those Indians living and who
signed the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868.
7. Let it also be known that the sale of liquor
within the boundries of the Pine Ridge reser-
vation, as well as bootlegging is prohibited.
8. The recent Resolution passed by the Tribal Coun-
cil concerning land use payment is not approved
of by the Lakota Treaty Council. From this point
on all negotiations concerning land will be nego-
tiated by the land owners.
9. The Legal Aides are recognized by this Lakota
Treaty Council to reside and work within the
boundries of the Pine Ridge reservation for an
unlimited time. The American Indian Movement, is
likewise recognized by us, to reside and work
here to support us in our goals.
10. The Lakota Treaty Council will be organized by
seven (7) districts, with three (3) traditional
headmen to represent each district.
The signatures we got here are: Frank Fools Crow, Oglala
Lakota, David Flying Hawk, Luke Weasel Bear, Charles Red
Cloud, Frank Kills Enemy and Matthew Bear Shield.
Frank Forsbrow
Milo Charles Yellow Red Cloud Heir
Frank Fools Crow
Everytt Low Hillie
and Rel Coud
Mils Yellow Heir
Was Hunga 2.
David Flying Hawk
Frank Frank Kills kills Enemy Emeny
Hysing/dant.
Milo Yellow Hair
Milo
3. 2. Withand H may
William H.Mayan
Beneshild
Lake Weasel Bear
Matthew Bear Shield
Cifore
Mile
William HWaym
William H Mayan
-2-
STATEMENT OF THE POSITION OF THE OGLALA BAND OF THE GREAT
TETON NATION, MOBRIDGE, SOUTH DAKOTA, JUNE 1974
Oglala Band of the Great Teton Sioux Nation, pursuant to Article VI
We, the traditional descendants and official representatives of the
do of the September 17, 1852 Treaty of Ft. Laramie with the Sioux, etc.,
issue the following document as a position of policy:
IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN OUR BELIEF AND POSITION THAT ACTS ON BEHALF
OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT, SUBSEQUENT TO THE TREATY OF
AS A SOVEREIGN NATION.
1868, DID NOT DIMINISH OUR INHERENT RIGHT TO GOVERN OURSELVES
IT IS ALSO OUR POSITION THAT ALL ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE UNITED
STATES GOVERNMENT ON THE 1868 TREATY HAVE BEEN ILLEGAL AND
CONTRARY TO THE PRACTICES OF INTERNATIONAL LAW AND THE USUAL
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOVEREIGN NATIONS.
We, the Oglala Band of the GREAT TETON NATION recognize the basic
LARAMIE TREATY. These priorities are:
need to establish a list of priorities in regards to the 1868 FT.
1. RECOGNITION OF THE TREATY
A. We want TOTAL RECOGNITION of the Treaty and nothing less
1. All lands west of the east bank of the Missouri River
and east of the Bighorn Mountains.
2. Dams and revenues derived from them, including recreation
e.g. the Black Hills, etc.
3. people. Reparations for violations and damages to the land and
2. PROPOSED SOLUTIONS
We will take the Treaties to:
A. the World Court
B. the United Nations
C. Official support from Nations throughout the world and rec-
ognition as an independent Nation.
3. PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF SOLUTION
A. Need to establish an organization of national, international
scope to be utilized as a vehicle to implement the recommend-
Treaty Convention.
ations of the various workshops of this First International
B. Establishment of a team of international lawyers and the trad-
ernment and international communities.
itional chiefs and headmen to present solutions to the gov-
4. EDUCATION OF OUR PEOPLE
A. To show that the chiefs are truly recognized as spokesmen of
the people.
B. The practice of living as traditional people.
C. Forcing our tribal councils to take direct action on treaties.
30
SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE
FOR
LONG RANGE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
How the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council can assist the Lakota Treaty Council
to gain recognition on the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty.
1. Resolution of Total Support in gaining recognition of the 1868 Fort
Laramie Treaty as defined and interpreted by U.S. Law, Lakota Law
and International Law.
2. Approve and support the concept of the Presidential Treaty Review
Commission.
3. Reject all overtures to have the Sioux Nation to accept the Black
Hills Claim.
4. Logistical support by the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council when specifi-
cally requested by Lakota Treaty Council.
5. Recognize, acknowledge and support the International Indian Treaty
Council and the efforts of Jimmie Durham in New York City, who is
working deligently to have the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty presented
to an international Forum i.e. United Nations -- Possibly the World
Court.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
30
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
The 1868 Treaty is binding on both Nations as defined under Intern-
aional Law.
I'Kce Wica sa or a "Traditionalist" is a person who has retained his
concept of self and his spiritually through the "Sacred Pipe" despite con-
centrated efforts by the "Wasin Icula" through his socio-religious system
which sought to destroy the culture and religion of the Ikce Wicasa.
Language and Religion has been the sustaining factor which has pre-
served our culture. When the "White Buffalo Calf Maiden" delivered the
"Sacred Pipe" to our people in the dim recesses of history, the central mes-
sage was "When the people no longer believe in this Pipe, they as people will
no longer exist.
Since the inception of the reservation era, the Federal Government has
continually attempted to discredit and destroy the die-hard Traditionalist
who has maintained his identity and his stubborn insistance that the United
States Government honor the terms of the 1868 Treaty. Today, we, the members
of the Lakota Treaty Council stand proud as visible evidence that they have
failed miserably in this attempt.
Subsequent to June 26, 1975 when the land of Oglala Lakota was again
invaded and occupied by forces of the United States Government who with their
sophisticated weaponry subjected many innocent Oglala to unnecessary acts of
intimidation and harassment for the"alleged" killing of two of their trespas-
sing agents. The cries of distress by the people prompted the traditional
leaders to seek alternate solutions to end the violence.
The consensus of the combined leadership of Chiefs, Headmen and Spiritual
leaders was the need for an immediate meeting between the heads of the two
nations to undertake necessary steps to resolve the underlying issues which
fermented these and other acts of violence.
The Traditional leadership felt that all problems could be traced di-
rectly to the continued violations of the terms of the 1868 Treaty by the
United States Government.
A letter was sent to the President and a delegation of traditional
leaders was sent to Washington, D.C., to meet with the President but when they
arrived, they were met with apposition in full force in all areas.
Perseverance and dedication to the task prevailed and the traditional
leadership did meet with the President of the United States and his Aides on
November 10, 1975.
From this meeting the traditional leadership received from the President
the assurance that a Fools Crow-Ford sanctioned Presidential Treaty Review
Commission would be established.
The American Arbitration Association have been accepted by the respect-
ive parties to act as mediators in the forthcoming discussions concerning the
1868 Fort Laramie Treaty and domestic issues.
Although the Lakota people have suffered greatly especially in these
past few years, it is time that the people put aside past differences and unite.
STATEMENT OF THE POSITION OF THE OGLALA BAND OF THE GREAT FORD
TETON NATION, MOBRIDGE, SOUTH DAKOTA, JUNE 1974
GERALD
LIBRARY
We, the traditional descendants and official representatives of the
Oglala Band of the Great Teton Sioux Nation, pursuant to Article VI
do of the September 17, 1852 Treaty of Ft. Laramie with the Sioux, etc.,
issue the following document as a position of policy:
IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN OUR BELIEF AND POSITION THAT ACTS ON BEHALF
OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT, SUBSEQUENT TO THE TREATY OF
AS A SOVEREIGN NATION.
1868, DID NOT DIMINISH OUR INHERENT RIGHT TO GOVERN OURSELVES
IT IS ALSO OUR POSITION THAT ALL ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE UNITED
STATES GOVERNMENT ON THE 1868 TREATY HAVE BEEN ILLEGAL AND
CONTRARY TO THE PRACTICES OF INTERNATIONAL LAW AND THE USUAL
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOVEREIGN NATIONS.
We, the Oglala Band of the GREAT TETON NATION recognize the basic
LARAMIE TREATY. These priorities are:
need to establish a list of priorities in regards to the 1868 FT.
1. RECOGNITION OF THE TREATY
A. We want TOTAL RECOGNITION of the Treaty and nothing less
1. All lands west of the east bank of the Missouri River
and east of the Bighorn Mountains.
2. Dams and revenues derived from them, including recreation
e.g. the Black Hills, etc.
3. people. Reparations for violations and damages to the land and
2. PROPOSED SOLUTIONS
We will take the Treaties to:
A. the World Court
B. the United Nations
C. Official support from Nations throughout the world and rec-
ognition as an independent Nation.
3. PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF SOLUTION
A. Need to establish an organization of national, international
scope to be utilized as a vehicle to implement the recommend-
Treaty Convention.
ations of the various workshops of this First International
B. Establishment of a team of international lawyers and the trad-
ernment and international communities.
itional chiefs and headmen to present solutions to the gov-
4. EDUCATION OF OUR PEOPLE
A. To show that the chiefs are truly recognized as spokesmen of
the people.
B. The practice of living as traditional people.
C. Forcing our tribal councils to take direct action on treaties.
30
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 12, 1976
FORD & LIBRARY 076930
MEMORANDUM FOR:
RICHARD PARSONS
FROM:
TED MARRS
SUBJECT:
BLACK HILLS CLAIM
As I read it, this letter acknowledges a
request which was in terms of a "Presidential
Treaty Review Commission."
Is this also an indication that there will
be such a review by a commission? Our posi-
tion as of now is that the Treaty of Fort
Laramie is valid.
Enclosure
identify
"I
referring
bes
213
A
you
2)
ap
2/4
letter, with
33°C no they rues reg) Now
Traditional Chiefs and Headmen of Aglala Nation of the
Teton Sioux will be in Washington August 11 to remain
until "the government meets their demands". They are
from Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota. Request
meeting with President and Secretary of State.
SCHEDULING ROUTING MEMO
Subject:
Originator: 6 Traditional Chief
To Individual
Processed
Comments
Oglala Sioux Nation
XX W. Nicholson
W. Rustand
Staff to:
H. Donaldson
M. Widner
M. Rawlins
N. Gemmell
FORD LIBRARY &
Return to:
Action:
GPO 560.925
LAKOTA TREATY COUNCIL EN ROUTE TO WASHINGTON, D.C.
LAST EFFORT TO NEGOATIATE WITH U. S. GOVERNMENT
CONTACT: Lakota Treaty Council
(605)348-4393
P. 0. Box 2337
Rapid City, South Dakota 57701
Oglala Communications Center
(605)348-5846
GERALD FORD
Washington, D. C. Contact #
(202)234-1616
An Oglala Lakota delegation of Traditional Chiefs, Headmen, District
Chairmen and other influential representatives of the Pine Ridge Reservation
arrived in Washington, D. C., on Saturday, August 30, 1975. The Oglala
delegation will not leave Washington, D. C., until they have met with the
President of the United States to demand the immediate enforcement of the 1868
Ft. Laramie Treaty, thereby re-establishing the sovereignty of the Oglala
Nation.
Continued economic deprivation and the U. S. Government interference with
religion, culture and the traditional form of government have prompted the
Oglala Nation to take positive actions to halt the gross violations of the 1868
Treaty. Violence, disruption of harmony and the creation of factionalism on
the Pine Ridge Reservation are the result of imposed legislation without the
full consent of the Oglala Nation, as specified in the Treaty.
Past negotiations with the different governmental department have proven
ineffective because of insensitivity, inexperience, disrespect and total ignor-
ance of the problems faced by the Oglala people.
Over-reaction to an alleged incident on the reservation on June 26 by
governmental forces resulted in unnecessary loss of lives, considerable property
damage and endangering the life of every individual on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
Total disregard for individual rights and freedom in the investigative process
conducted by the F.B.I. strengthened the unification of traditional people to
stand as one against further invasion.
The Oglala Nation with the sacred pipe send a prayer and a call for help
to all four directions, to Grandfather the Great Spirit, to Grandmother Earth,
and to all life in between, to stand in support of the actions taken by the
Lakota Nation.
WHEREAS it is B historical Fact that the United States government
by Wliberate purpose and design has violated the articles contained
in : : ing 1868 Treaty of Ft. Lermie; and
WHEREAS said Treaty was negotiated on behalf of the United States
government by a presidential commission;
WE ARE of tha conviction that there exists the need for the president
to appoint a commission with Full authority to act on his behalf, to
meet with the delegates of the Sioux Nation for purposes of reviewing
said Treaty and to take corrective measures pertaining to such violations
The delegates of the Sioux Nation who have come to Washington For
the sole purpose of impressing upon the President of the United States
that a need does exist to review this Treaty, hereby, in chronological
order list the priorities of their mission;
1. The creation of a Presidential Treaty Review Commission, espec-
ially in regard to Articles 1 and 2.
2. The removel of the United States armed forces, such as the Fed-
eral Bureau of Investigation, with their sophisticated weaponry who are
on our lands in direct violation of Article 1 of the Treaty of 1868.
4. We demand amnesty for all Wounded Knee, Custar, Sioux Falls and
related cases.
5. The suspension of the prosecution of Indian people by the United
States Attorney General's Office, including the suspension of all actions
by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Grand Juries, until a
determination is made by the Joint Commission of the United States and
the delegates OF the Sioux Nation in regard to the Treaty of 1868.
6. The suspension of operations of the present Oglala Sioux tribal
council which is an outgrowth of the Indian Reorganization Act [Wheeler-
Howard] of 1934, and is in direct violation of the 1868 Treaty Article
2 which precludes the United States From enacting lews pertaining to the
Sioux Nation.
The fact that many mixed bloods Indians presently reside on the
reservation is another violetion of said Treaty. [Articles 2 and 12 OF
the Treaty of 1868 and Articles7 of the Commissioners proposition to
the Oglala Sioux under the Treaty of 1868, made at the Red Cloud Agency
September 7, 1876.)
Continued violations of said Treaty by the United States govern-
ment does not abrogate said Treaty nor do such acts lend support to
the idea that such acts are legel.
We are the traditional governing body of the Oglala Sioux Nation.
We have come because of the desires of our people to honor Article 1
OF said Treaty. We come in PEACE
FORD
Batesland, South Dakota
January 20, 1975
Attorney General of the United States
Senator James Abourezk
Senator George McGovern
Congressman James Abnor
Dear Sirs:
Lately there has been considerable discussion about the
so-called breakdown of law and order on the Pine Ridge Indian
Reservation. Knifings, shootings, general mayhem and even
murder are becoming common occurrences.
Part of the problem seems to come from the BIA police who
many people claim either support the political faction repre-
sented by Tribal Chairman Dick Wilson or are afraid to con-
front those who have his support. In December, 1974 many
in laints of this nature were aired at hearings conducted by
the La.. -d Order Committee of the Tribal Council. Mr. John
MacDonald of Indian Rights Division of the Department of
Justice attended some of those hearings and took extensive
notes back to Washington. I will not elaborate further on
those complaints in this letter, rather I refer you to Mr.
MacDonald for his summaries. I would point out that the
gist of these complaints is that no one does anything about
them.
What concerns me even more is the apparent partisan pro-
secution engaged in by the U.S. Attorney's Office here in
South Dakota. It has become an historical fact that the U.S.
Attorneys Office indicted countless people during and after
Wounded Knee 1973 on the most frivolous and unsupported grounds.
Not only did they break agreements regarding bond recommenda-
tions but in over a year of prosecutions they have achieved
only six miner convictions (and one plea) while there have
been approximately 40 dismissals and acquittals.
All of these prosecutions were of people opposed to the
tribal government of Dick Wilson. Even though Wilson and his
supporters set up illegal roadblocks, violated U.S. District
Court orders and even threatened the Solicitor General and
head of the U.S. Marshal Service with loaded and pointed weapons
no prosecutions of these people ever occurred.
FCRO
-2-
LIBRARY
I would have hoped that this partisanship would have
ended with the end of Wounded Knee, but unfortunately I
believe that it continues right up to the present day. Let
me cite some recent facts.
Dick Wilson and his goons with armed force took over the
BIA jail in Pine Ridge and released many of the prisoners.
No one was prosecuted or even arrested.
Dick Wilson violated the law by bringing in liquor to sell
on the reservation. No one is prosecuted or arrested.
The Fifth Member of the Tribal Council, Gerald Big Crow,
assaults the BIA Superintendent of the Pine Ridge Reservation
in Nebraska. He is neither arrested nor prosecuted.
That same person conceals and destroys evidence of the
murder of BIA policeman Jess Trueblood and the FBI and the U.S.
Attorneys Office does nothing even though they have substantial
evidence. Approximately 16 FBI agents investigate this
shooting and yet no report has been made and no arrests are
foreseen.
Let me contrast this with what has happened to opponents
of Dick Wilson.
Four goons break into the house of Dave Clifford and Dick
Marshall (the latter, President of a group seeking the impeach-
ment of Wilson) and a fifth goon, Hoss Battleyoun, assaults
the residents. In self-defense Dave Clifford shoots Mr.
Battleyoun. None of those who broke in or assaulted the
residents were arrested or charged by either the tribal court
of the U.S. Attorneys Office.
Dave Clifford is taken into custody and charged with
assault with intent to do great bodily harm within 12 hours
of the incident, before the FBI even finishes their investi-
gation. Mr. Marshall and five other people make complete
statements on the issue of self-defense, yet those charges
are still pending against Mr. Clifford, Mr. Marshall and
their families have been forced to flee to the far corners
of the reservation. The house they lived in is shot up,
firebombed and their vehicles are burned. No one is arrested
or charged.
The Stone family, shot at in their Pine Ridge home by
BIA policeman Jess Trueblood in an unprovoked attack, is
forced toflee to Rapid City for their safety after five people
were wounded. Mr. Trueblood is mysteriously murdered and
then given a hero's funeral by the BIA police.
-3-
Matthew Kills Enemy, the son of Frank Kills Enemy, a
headman and treaty expert for the Wounded Knee defendants, is
suddenly indicted for assault 20 months after the alleged
incident when his father testifies on behalf of the Wounded
Knee defendants at their treaty hearing. The failure to take
any steps until after his father helps the defense appears to
me to be a blatant attempt to punish and intimidate those who
would testify against the government.
In December over 60 cases are brought to the Grand Jury.
Only six receive no bills, all of them relating to Dick Wilson
and his supporters. (It was this same Grand Jury that indicted
Matthew Kills Enemy on the sole testimony of one FBI agent
who investigated the alleged incident. In addition, no
transcript was made of that testimony.
As is now well know, Grand Juries are easily manipulated
by the U.S. Attorney who presents the evidence. The Coalition
to End Grand Jury Abuse, based in Washington, D.C. has docu-
mented evidence as to how this is done. They claim a U.S.
Attorney can either get.or fail to get an indictment based
on how he manipulates the Grand Jurors. I do not believe
the December results of the Grand Jury came about by mere
coincidence.
These incidents and this continuing, consistent pattern
demand that the Justice Department and Congress begin an im-
mediate non-partisan investigation of the U.S. Attorneys
Office.
On this reservation, for the last two years, Dick Wilson
and his supporters violate laws, and even attempt murder,
with complete immunity. They know, and these facts support
this, that they can do just about what they please and the
U.S. Attorneys Office will not intervene. In contrast, the
facts presented here show that on the slightest evidence
opponents of Dick Wilson are continually prosecuted.
I believe that this partisan prosecution is directly
linked with the so-called breakdown of law and order. Until
drastic changes are made Dick Wilson and his supporters, who
are the initiators of this breakdown of law and order, will
continue to do as they please with immunity.
As Secretary of the Law and Order Committee of the Oglala
Sioux Tribal Council, I ask that an investigation be made, and
changes be undertaken so that the Ogalala people can truly have
law and order.
Sincerely,
Marvin Ghost Bear
P.S. I undertake writing this letter, fully expecting to be
harassed by the FBI, the BIA, the CIA and Dick Wilson's
publicly proclaimed goon squad. However, I will not be intim-
idated and will continue to express what Ogalala people know
but are too afraid to say.,
MAY 1 0 1976
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
The Honorable Edward Levi
Attorney General
Washington, D. C. 20530
Dear Mr. Attorney General:
As indicated in a letter to you dated July 24, 1975, a copy of which
is anclosed, the United States Commission on Civil Rights is greatly
concerned with reports of events which have transpired on the Pine
Ridge Reservation in South Dakota since the shooting of the FBI agents
there on June 26. In that letter we requested that you investigate
allegedly improper and illegal activities by the FBI on the reserva-
tion. To date we have received no report that any such investigation
was undertaken.
Because of the manner in which FBI agents allegedly handled the recent
murders of Anna Mae Aquash and Byron DeSersa, along with the record of
an extra-ordinary number of unresolved homicides and incidents of terror
and violence which have become unfortunately commonplace, the sentiment
prevails that life is cheap on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Many Native
Americans living there feel that they are not afforded the equality of
treatment or the quality of justice available to other persons through-
out our country.
Report of improprieties by the FBI which reached us are of a serious
nature and if found to be true should be corrected immediately. Those
reports were contained in a memorandum sent to the Staff Director of
the Commission. A copy of that memorandum is enclosed.
We again present our request that you assess the activities of the FBI
on the Pine Ridge Reservation and make your findings known to us as
soon as possible.
For the Commissioners,
ARTHUR S. FLEMMING
Chairman
Enclosures
March 31, 1976
SURD
SUBJECT: Events Surrounding Recent Murders on the Pine Ridge
LIBRARY
Reservation in South Dakota
TO: John A. Buggs, Staff Director
U. S. Commission on Civil Rights
Events surrounding the murder of two Native Americans in separate inci-
dents during the past six weeks on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South
Daketa have again called into question the roles of FBI and BIA police
in law enforcement on the reservation. Numerous complaints were received
by MSRO alleging that these two agencies failed to act impartially or
to respond properly in the aftermath of the two murders which are the
subject of this memorandum, More seriously, the media published allega-
tions that the FBI was perpetrating a coverup to protect guilty persons.
In view of the seriousness of these charges, Dr. Shirley Hill Wite,
Regional Director, and William F. Muldrow, Equal Opportunity Specialist,
from the Mountain States Regional Office were asked to gather first-hand
information on events which transpired. FBI and BIA police officers,
attorneys, tribal officials, and other persons involved in events sur-
rounding these two murders were interviewed on March 18 and 19 in Rapid
City, South Dakota, and on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Additional infor-
mation was gathered through the mail and in telephone interviews.
Following is a brief summary of events which transpired according to
the persons contacted.
Wanblee, a small town OR the northeastern portion of the reservation,
is largely populated by so-called "full blood" or traditionally oriented
Native Americans. This community helped to oust incumbent Tribal Presi-
dent Richard Wilson by a three to one vote against him in the recent
general election on the reservation. The chairman of Pine Ridge Dis-
triet, an area strongly supportive of Wilson on the reservation, was
quoted on January 23 as saying that Wanblee needed "straightening out"
and that people would come to do it.
On Friday evening and Saturday morning, January 30 add 31, according to
Wanblee residents, s,averal carloads of heavily armed persons reported
2
by eye-witnesses to be Wilson supporters arrived in the town. Sometime
Saturday morning shots were fired, allegedly by this group, into the
house of Guy Dull Knife. BIA police in town at the time called for re-
inforcements which arrived promptly but made no arrests of the persons
identified by eye witnesses as the ones who did the shooting.
Shortly following this incident that same day, Byron DeSersa, a resi-
dent of Wanblee, was shot and killed during a high-spead automobile
chase, reportedly by persons recognized by passengers in DeSersa's car
as being the same individuals responsible for terrorizing the town ear-
lier. Attackers jumped out of their cars to chase those who were with
DeSersa and he bled to death for lack of immediate medical attention.
Following DeSersa's death, the FBI, which has jurisdiction over felonies,
was called and two agents arrived that afternoon. Sporadic shooting con-
tinued in the town through Saturday night and two houses were firebombed.
Residents reported that despite their pleas, neither the FBI, the BIA
police, nor the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, who had cross-deputize-
tion powers and was present at the time, did anything to stop the shoot-
ing. Despite the fact that one person had already
an FBI spokesman told District Chairman James Red Willow that the FBI was
strictly an enforcement agency and had no authority to act in a protec-
tive capacity. Saturday evening one person, Charles David Winters, was
arrested for the murder of DeSersa. No attempt was made to apprehend or
arrest the other passengers in Winters' car, even though persons who were
with DeSersa when be was shot claimed that they were chased by Winters'
companions after the shooting and could readily identify their attackers.
Nor have any further arrests been made in connection with the terroriza-
tion of the town over a period of two days. The case is at present being
investigated by a grand jury in Pierre.
The second series of events (about which Wits and Muldrow conducted an
inquiry) began on February 25 when a rancher discovered the partially
decomposed body of a Native American woman beside Highway No. 73 a few
miles east of Wanblee. Two BIA policemen and an FBI agent responded to
the rancher's report and brought the body to the Pine Ridge Hospital
where an autopsy was performed on February 25 by W. O. Brown, M.D., a
pathologist from Scottsbluff, Nebraska, He issued a verbal report that
day to the effect that she had died of exposure. He found no marks of
violence on her body except evidence of a small contusion. The dead
woman's hands were severed and sent to a laboratory in Washington, D.C.,
for fingerprint identification, both the FBI and the BIA claiming that
they had no facilities to do so themselves due to the state of decomposi-
tion of the body.
FORD VIBRARY
3
On the morning of March 3, the body, still unidentified, was buried in
the Holy Rosary Cemetaryast Pine Ridge. The FBI reported that in the
afternoon of the same day they received a report from the Washington
laboratory that fingerprint tests revealed the dead woman was Anna Mae
Picton Aquash, a Canadian citizen wanted in connection with a bench
warrant issued November 25 in Pierre for default of bond on a fire arms
charge. She also was under indictment by a federal grand jury in con-
nection with a shoot out with Oregon police last November 14.
Relatives of Aquash in Canada were notified of her death on March 5, and
news of her identification was released to the media the following day.
Imediately, relatives of the dead woman and others who had known her
expressed their disbelief that she had died of natural causes. On March
9, citizens of the town of Oglala, where she had lived for a time, pub-
liely demanded a full investigation of the circumstances surrounding her
death. Relatives, represented by attorney Bruce Ellison of the Wounded
Knee Legal Committee, requested that the body be exhuesed for further
examination.
On March 9, six days after the body was identified, the FBI filed an
affidavit with the U. S. District Court and received a court order per-
mitting exhumation for "purposes of obtaining complete X-rays and further
medical examination." X-rays had not been considered necessary during
the first examination.
On March 11 the body was exhumed in the presence of FBI agents and
Dr. Garry Peterson, a pathologist from Minneapolis, Minnesota, who had
been brought in by Aquash's family to examine her body. X-rays revealed.
a bullet of approximately .32 caliber in her head. Peterson's examins-
tion revealed a bullet wound in the back of the head surrounded by a
5x5 ca. area of subgaleal reddish discoloration. Incredibly, this wound
was not reported in the first autopsy and gave rise to allegations that
the FBI and/or the BIA police had covered up the cause of her death. The
fact that officers of both agencies examined the body en situs, wrapped
in a blanket beside the road and far from any populated area, yet still
did not suspect foul play, lends credence to these allegations in the
minds of many people. Hospital personnel who received the body at the
hospital reportedly suspected death by violence because of blood on her
head. The alternative to a coverup mentioned was that Brown, the first
pathologist, had donesan extremely superficial and careless examination
as though he thought she was just another drunk Indian who died of ex-
posure. Other persons are of the opinion that Anna Mae Aquash had been
singled out for special attention by the FBI because of her association
with AIM leader Dennis Banks and knowledge she might have had about the
shooting of two FBI agents on the Pine Ridge Reservation last summer.
4
These two incidents have resulted in further bitterness, resentment, and
suspicion toward the FBI. They follow months of turmoil on the reserva-
tion in the aftermath of the FBI shooting incident when allegations were
rife that the FBI engaged in numerous improper activities including il-
legal search procedures and creation of a climate of intimidation and
terror.
A contrast is seen between the Wanblee incident, where a person was killed
and shooting was allowed to continue over a period of two days, and the in-
cident in July when two FBI agents were shot and hearly 300 combat-clad
agents, along with the trappings and armement of a modern army, were
brought in "to control the situation and find the killers." Reservation
residents are this as disparate treatment. This, along with what at the
very least was extremely indifferent and careless investigation of the
Aquash murder, many residents feel reveals an attitude of racism and an-
tagonism on the part of the FBI toward Indian people.
Because of the circumstances surrounding the events mentioned here, along
with the record of an extraordinary number of unresolved homicides on
the reservation, and incidents of terror and violence which have become
almost commonplace, the sentiment prevails that life is cheap on the Pine
Ridge Reservation. The more militant and traditional Native Americans
have concluded that they cannot count on equal protection under the law
at the hands of the FBI or the BIA police. Many feel that they are the
objects of a vendetta and have a genuine fear that the FBI is "out to get
them" because of their involvement at Wounded Knee and in other crisis
situations.
Feelings are running high and allegations of a serious nature are being
made. MSRO staff feel that there is sufficient credibility in reports
reaching this office to cast doubt on the propriety of actions by the FBI,
and to raise questions about their impartiality and the focus of their
concern.
PROPOSED MEETING
We request the meeting with the President and Secretary of
State in Washington, D.C. We will be in Washington, D.C. from
August 11, 1975 for an indefinite period of time until we feel
the Government meets our demands and requests in accordance with
Treaty Law.
ACTION
T/O
SCHEDULE DD.
DATE RECEIVED
AUG 1 1975
MRSS. GE
SPEAKERS BUREAU
OTHER
APPOINTMENT OFFICE
FORD is LIBRARY 038870
July 24, 1975
Traditional Chiefs and Headmen
Oglala Nation of the Teton Sioux
Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota
Gerald Ford
President of the United States
Washington, D.C.
Mr. President:
Greetings. Through this letter we extend a sincere handshake.
With this letter we will talk about our Lakota people, our way of life,
and our destiny.
With one mind, one body, and one Spirit, we send a voice.
We talk about an agreement between a red nation, through our
chiefs, and the white nation, through its United States Government.
An agreement in which it was written:
"From this day forward, all wars between the parties to this
agreement shall forever cease.
"The Government of the United States desires peace and its
honor is hereby pledged to keep it."
"The Indians desire peace, and they now pledge their honor
to maintain it."
Our chiefs understond the historical agreement as saying
that from this day forward our people and your people shall no longer
fight. That all bad feelings for each other would be no more, as
as relatives we will hand and hand walk towards a better relation-
ship and strive for a better understanding between two nations.
We understood it as saying this part of the land as prescri-
bed in the treaty, is set apart for the "absolute and undisturbed
use and occupation of the Indians herein named
Our ancestors tell us that our chiefs wanted for us, the
coming generations, to live in good health and to multiply as a
strong red nation, and thus agreed to the terms of the 1868 Fort
Laramie Treaty. At that time, our chiefs discussed the terms of
the treaty with our people, and after everyone agreed, then the
treaty was signed.
From this day, April 29, 1868, forward, the 1868 Treaty
was made law of the land.
Since then the Government violated the treaty many times,
and we have lost millions of acres of land. We have little land
left, with hardly any room to survive as a nation.
But, instead of being content with all the land you have
taken from us, you still want what little we have left.
You have interfered with our Lakota way of life, our reli-
gion, and the cycle of all life, including all forms of nature.
The way of life that Our Forefather wanted for us to live
in coming generations, and so made the agreement with your ances-
tors and your government you have forgotten or ignored, where we
still hold sacred and honor the treaty.
For many winters and many generations we have suffered
under this alien system (1934 Indian Reorganization Act, etc.)
And each time we call for a meeting with U.S. Government you have
always responded by sending people from different governmental
agencies who have no knowledge, experience, or power to execute
an effective program for the benefit of all. No constructive solution
ever ants. comes out of these negotiations with your governmental assist-
2.
Your armies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI),
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), State, Federal law enforcement, and
your people have once again encroached upon and occupied what little
land we have left. Armed with sophisticated weaponry they are kill-
ing us off one by one.
Because of all the suffering we have gone through, we have
decided that it is our turn to come to Washington as a Traditional
governing body and as a delegation of our people. We can no longer
live under these conditions. We come to meet with you.
We are the Chiefs of a sovereign nation and according to our
Treaty and your Constitution we deal only with the highest official
in the U.S. Government. You are that man.
We are the evidence in flesh and blood of the Chiefs that made
the agreement with your government.
We are direct descendents and relatives of those great Chiefs
of the Teton Sioux.
We come to help you and your people remember the commitments
that your government made to our people in the 1868 Fort Laramie
Treaty. For we have never forgotten.
We come to ask you to live up to your commitments and respon-
sibility to your country, your people, your Constitution and your
religion.
We come in peace and we ask for nothing more than what is ours
already.
Again with friendship we shake your hand.
FORD & LIBRARY 078838
Frank Fools Crow
Charles Red Cloud
Frank brow
Our Redaul
Everytt Lou Hill Witness
Mile Yellows Haire Witness
Milo YellowNair Witness
was H mayon Witness
David Flying Hawk
Frank Kills Enemy
David Thing Hawk
Frank Kills Enemy
Mils Yellow Witness
Mile JellowHin Witness
William H. Meymen Witness
William Honayan Witness
Luke Weasel Bear
Matthew Bear Shield
Bearshield
Michael Cifferent Witness
Mils Jollons Hair Witness
William H Mayus Witness
William H Mayan Witness
Canpa Sa Wi
Anpetu Wikcemna nupa
sam topa
Oglala Lakota Wicasa Itacan
oglala Lakota Oyate
Oglala Oyanke, Wazi Ahanhan
Gerald Ford
Tunkasila Yapi
Washington D.C.
Tunkasila Yapi:
Hau. Wowapi ki le iyohlogya nape uniyuza pi yelo. Wowapi
ki le un Ikca Wicasa Lakota oyate ki tantahan WO uni ciyaka pi
kte yelo.
Wo tawacin na Cante, na Nagi unki tawa pi ki owotanla nahan
wanjila sa hoye uniciya pi yelo.
Ho. Hekta Wolakota unkeyapi na Lakota Oyate, Ikce wicasa
nahan United States Government na Ska wicasa ki wostan pi yelo.
Tokata kiya oyate unkitawa pi nahan oyate nitawa pi ki
kicizapi sni, okiciyusinke sni, wotakuye iyecel ya napata kici-
yuz mani pi kta ca, Makoce wan le nitawa pica, na oyate zaniya
wico un na wicoicage kta ca, eyapi na woyustan pi yelo.
Ho Lakota Wicasa Itacan hana iwoglakapi na hecetu lapi
canke, wicazo un wowapi wan 1868 Wolakota kun he ya waste pi na
el wicazo un caje oigwa pi yelo.
Ho ca insiya Tunkasila yapi nahan United States Government
ki hecetu yapi canke insiya yawaste pi na el caje oigwa pi yelo.
Ho, letan tokata kiya Wowapi wan ]868 Wolakota ki le Woope
kte yelo eyapi yelo.
Ho, yunka Makoce wan Ki unkayalapi na hanke yas wana ocika
la, oti silya unyanka pi yelo.
Iniyasna Makoce wan cikala el unyankapi ki he ko yacin pi
yelo.
Ikce Wicasa Lakol wicohan, na Ikce Wicasa Lakota ta Canupa
na ta wocekiye, na tokel wico icage kte kun hena ko wana ana-
yapta wacani pi yelo.
Tokel Tunkasila unkita wapi ki cin un kiyapi na Wolakota
wab yb Tunkasila nitawapi ki ob woyustan pi kun he eyaktunjapi
yelo.
Ho, wana waniyetu ota unkakijapi na otehi ka canke omni-
ciye wanji unlapi can wicasa ya takuni slolyapi sni na takuni
wowasake yuha pi sni ca hiyu wicayapi can takuni waste sni yelo.
Unahan wana akicita, na oyate nitawa pi ki makoce unkitawa
pi ki el maza wakan yuha hi yupi: na Lakota Oyate ki kasol unka-
upi yelo.
-2-
Ho, Lakota ki anpetu ki iyohila kakijapi na otehi ka canke
to unki sehanl Washington ta Lakota Wicasa Itacan kun hena upi
ni ye kici omniciye yu hapi kte yelo.
Tunkasila yapi ki oyate nita wa pi na United States Govern-
ment el Wankata hci najin nahan Tunkasila yapi ca kici wounstan
pi ca he un Tunkasila yapi ki he eca kici Omniciye unha pi kte
yelo.
Wicasa Itacan ya 1868 Wolakota wan ob walustan pi na Wi-
casa Itacan ya wicazo un caje oigwa pi kun hena Takojakpaku na
we ctanhan hca ca lena unkiye pi yelo.
Wolakota na Woyustan pi kun hena kiksuye uniciya pi na iwo-
unglakapi kta ca unku pi yelo.
Ho, ake canlwaste ya nape uniyuzapi yelo.
TRADITIONAL CHIEFS AND HEADMEN
Oglala Band of the Teton Sioux
FrankFoolobson
Mils Yellow
Frank Fools Crow
Charles Red Cloud
Everett Low Hill
Mils yellow Here
1.
David Flying Hawk
Frank Frank kills Killa Enemy Enemy
Hyring Kamile
Milayellow Hair
.
Mila Pelfow Hair
3.
William mann
William H Maym
Weasel Bearshild
Luke Bear
Matthew Bear Shield
Michaelf Cifferd
Mils Yellow Hair
William Mayne
William H Maym
LAKOTA TREATY COUNCIL EN ROUTE TO WASHINGTON, D.C.
LAST EFFORT TO NEGOATIATE WITH U. S. GOVERNMENT
CONTACT: Lakota Treaty Council
(605)348-4393
P. 0. Box 2337
FORD
Rapid City, South Dakota 57701
Oglala Communications Center
GERALD
LIBRARY
(605)348-5846
Washington, D. C. Contact
(202)234-1616
An Oglala Lakota delegation of Traditional Chiefs, Headmen, District
Chairmen and other influential representatives of the Pine Ridge Reservation
arrived in Washington, D. C., on Saturday, August 30, 1975. The Oglala
delegation will not leave Washington, D. C., until they have met with the
President of the United States to demand the immediate enforcement of the 1868
Ft. Laramie Treaty, thereby re-establishing the sovereignty of the Oglala
Nation.
Continued economic deprivation and the U. S. Government interference with
religion, culture and the traditional form of government have prompted the
Oglala Nation to take positive actions to halt the gross violations of the 1868
Treaty. Violence, disruption of harmony and the creation of factionalism on
the Pine Ridge Reservation are the result of imposed legislation without the
full consent of the Oglala Nation, as specified in the Treaty.
Past negotiations with the different governmental department have proven
ineffective because of insensitivity, inexperience, disrespect and total ignor-
ance of the problems faced by the Oglala people.
Over-reaction to an alleged incident on the reservation on June 26 by
governmental forces resulted in unnecessary loss of lives, considerable property
damage and endangering the life of every individual on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
Total disregard for individual rights and freedom in the investigative process
conducted by the F.B.I. strengthened the unification of traditional people to
stand as one against further invasion.
The Oglala Nation with the sacred pipe send a prayer and a call for help
to all four directions, to Grandfather the Great Spirit, to Grandmother Earth,
and to all life in between, to stand in support of the actions taken by the
Lakota Nation.
STATEMENT OF THE POSITION OF THE OGLALA BAND OF THE GREAT
TETON NATION, MOBRIDGE, SOUTH DAKOTA, JUNE 1974
We, the traditional descendants and official representatives of the
Oglala Band of the Great Teton Sioux Nation, pursuant to Article VI
of the September 17, 1852 Treaty of Ft. Laramie with the Sioux, etc.,
do issue the following document as a position of policy:
IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN OUR BELIEF AND POSITION THAT ACTS ON BEHALF
OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT, SUBSEQUENT TO THE TREATY OF
1868, DID NOT DIMINISH OUR INHERENT RIGHT TO GOVERN OURSELVES
AS A SOVEREIGN NATION.
IT IS ALSO OUR POSITION THAT ALL ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE UNITED
STATES GOVERNMENT ON THE 1868 TREATY HAVE BEEN ILLEGAL AND
CONTRARY TO THE PRACTICES OF INTERNATIONAL LAW AND THE USUAL
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOVEREIGN NATIONS.
We, the Oglala Band of the GREAT TETON NATION recognize the basic
need to establish a list of priorities in regards to the 1868 FT.
LARAMIE TREATY. These priorities are:
1. RECOGNITION OF THE TREATY
A. We want TOTAL RECOGNITION of the Treaty and nothing less
1. All lands west of the east bank of the Missouri River
and east of the Bighorn Mountains.
2. Dams and revenues derived from them, including recreation
e.g. the Black Hills, etc.
3. Reparations for violations and damages to the land and
people.
2. PROPOSED SOLUTIONS
We will take the Treaties to:
A. the World Court
B. the United Nations
C. Official support from Nations throughout the world and rec-
ognition as an independent Nation.
3. PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF SOLUTION
A. Need to establish an organization of national, international
scope to be utilized as a vehicle to implement the recommend-
ations of the various workshops of this First International
Treaty Convention.
B. Establishment of a team of international lawyers and the trad-
itional chiefs and headmen to present solutions to the gov-
ernment and international communities.
4. EDUCATION OF OUR PEOPLE
A. To show that the chiefs are truly recognized as spokesmen of
the people.
B. The practice of living as traditional people.
C. Forcing our tribal councils to take direct action on treaties.
June 14, 1976
Mr. Brad Patterson
White House
Washington, D. C. 20500
Dear Mr. Patterson:
Greetings.
Enclosed you will find some materials you requested from
the Lakota Treaty Council. A letter and other materials
were sent to the White House this past year which should
give you additional information and better understanding
on the position of the Lakota Nation.
Hau, Hecetu Yelo
Larry Red shirt
Larry Red Shirt
Executive Coordinator
Lakota Treaty Council
Oglala Band of the Teton Nation
Enclosure
CC: Dr. Theodore Marrs
Ms. Bobbi Kilberg
Mr. Tom Colosi
FORD LIBRARY & GERALD
June 14, 1976
Mr. Brad Patterson
White House
Washington, D. C. 20500
Dear Mr. Patterson:
Greetings.
Enclosed you will find some materials you requested from
the Lakota Treaty Council. A letter and other materials
were sent to the White House this past year which should
give you additional information and better understanding
on the position of the Lakota Nation.
Hau, Hecetu Yelo
Larry Red Shirt
Larry Red Shirt
Executive Coordinator
Lakota Treaty Council
Oglala Band of the Teton Nation
Enclosure
CC: Dr. Theodore Marrs
Ms. Bobbi Kilberg
Mr. Tom Colosi
FORD LIBRARY
GERALD R FORD
OGLALA LAKOTA NATION
PRESIDENT
KYLE, SOUTH DAKOTA
of the
MARCH 2, 1976
UNITED STATES of AMERICA
SIR:
At a series of meetings which were held on the following dates i
Rapid City, South Dakota. February 26-27-28-1976, the following actic
was taken by the Lakota Treaty Council revelant to the so-called Blac
Hills Claims case.
The Lakota Treaty Council which is composed of members of the Set
Council Fires of the Teton Sioux Nation with the Yankton and Sissetor
Nations present concurred that the following action be taken to prote
the best interest of the peoples of our respective Nations.
BY EXECUTIVE ORDER: STOP ALL ACTION BY THE INDIAN CLAIMS
COMMISSION IN RESPECT TO THE BLACK HILLS CLAIM UNTIL SUCH
TIME A DETERMINATION IS MADE BY THE FORTHCOMING PRESIDENTIAL
TREATY REVIEW COMMISSION IN RESPECT TO THE 1868 FT. LARAMIE
TREATY. IN ESSENCE, THE ENTIRE JURISDICTIONAL QUESTION.
WE BELIEVE THAT THIS ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN TO PROTECT OUR
INTEREST.
This action was taken by the Chiefs, Headmen, and delegates of t
above named Indian Nations.
This action is being taken in utmost good faith on the part of ou
people that we may prove to all that we will continue to pursue our
goals in a peaceful manner.
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE LAKOTA TREATY COUNCIL
CHAIRMAN FOR THE ABOVE MEETING
BAD WOUND
CC: H. Rowley
A HEADMAN OF THE CGLALA LAKOTA NATION
American Arbitration
Association
TOKD LIBRARY 2 SERVID
Frank Fails brow
CHIEF FRANK FOODS CROW
Cong. Ron Dellums
OGLALA LAKOTA NATION
and the Black Caucus
All signatory Indian
"ation to the 1868 Ft.
Mother MATHEW H nobel KING - NOBLE RED MAN
Laramie Treaty.
CHAIRMAN OF THE INTERNATIONAL
INDIAN TREATY COUNCIL
For
FORD
Your
THE WHITE HOUSE
Info
LIBRARY
WASHINGTON
mation
April 1, 1976
Gentlemen:
On behalf of the President, I should like to acknowledge your
letter requesting the President to issue an "Executive Order
to stop all action by the Indian Claims Commission with respect
to the Black Hills Claim until such time as the Presidential
Treaty Review Commission makes a determination concerning the
1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie.
The Indian Claims Commission was created by the Act of August 13,
1946, 25 U.S.C. $ 70. In this Act, the Congress granted to the
Indian Claims Commission the exclusive authority to hear and
determine claims against the United States by tribes, bands or
other identifiable groups of American Indians.
The so-called Black Hills Claim, now bearing Indian Claims
Commission Docket Number 74-B, was filed in the Indian Claims
Commission on August 15, 1950, by the Sioux Tribes of the Rosebud,
Standing Rock, Pine Ridge, Crow Creek, Lower Brule, Cheyenne River,
Santee, and Fort Peck Reservations. These tribes, representing
the Sioux Nation of Indians, requested additional compensation
for the lands (including the Black Hills) and other interests
obtained by the United States from the Sioux under the Act of
February 23, 1877.
In its most recent ruling on the Black Hills Claim, the Indian
Claims Commission, on February 15, 1974, determined that the
Act of February 28, 1877, constituted a taking of Sioux property
under the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution and
that the land taken had a value, in 1877, of $17.1 million. On
June 25, 1975, the United States Court of Claims reversed, in
part, the Commission's decision. The court ruled that a previous
judicial determination prevented the Commission from determining
that the Sioux lands had been taken by the United States in
violation of the Constitution. The court stated that the Indian
Claims Commission could award damages to the claimants only under
the theory that the Act of February 28, 1877, constituted a
violation of standards of fair and honorable dealings. Legis-
lation has since been introduced in Congress which, if passed,
would, in effect, cancel the ruling of the Court of Claims and
reinstate the determination of the Indian Claims Commission.
2
The Black Hills Claim is now before the Commission for a
determination of how much compensation, if any, the Sioux re-
ceived from the United States under the 1877 Act. This is one
of the last steps in the litigation and, therefore, the
Commission is close to reaching its final determination in
this claim. In recent hearings, the Congress clearly indicated
its desire that all claims pending before the Indian Claims
Commission be finally determined without further delay. Under
these circumstances, it would be improper for the President
to take the action you request.
Sincerely,
R.D.Parsme
Richard D. Parsons
Associate Director and Counsel
Domestic Council
Lakota Treaty Council
Oglala Lakota Nation
Kyle, South Dakota
FORD & LIBRARY
SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE
FOR
LONG RANGE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
How the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council can assist the Lakota Treaty Council
to gain recognition on the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty.
1. Resolution of Total Support in gaining recognition of the 1868 Fort
Laramie Treaty as defined and interpreted by U.S. Law, Lakota Law
and International Law.
2. Approve and support the concept of the Presidential Treaty Review
Commission.
3. Reject all overtures to have the Sioux Nation to accept the Black
Hills Claim.
4. Logistical support by the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council when specifi-
cally requested by Lakota Treaty Council.
5. Recognize, acknowledge and support the International Indian Treaty
Council and the efforts of Jimmie Durham in New York City, who is
working deligently to have the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty presented
to an international Forum i.e. United Nations -- Possibly the World
Court.
TO:
Oglala Sioux Tribal Council
Pine Ridge, South Dakota
FROM:
Lakota Treaty Council
Larry Red Shirt
Executive Coordinator
DATE:
April 19, 1976
Mr. Chairman, members of the Council, and members of the Oglala
Lakota Nation, who are present at this meeting here today:
I am honored for the opportunity of addressing this elected Council
of our Nation. First, on behalf of the Chiefs and Headmen of the Oglala
Lakota Nation, I extend a handshake and congratulations to each and every
one of you in your successful venture in this elective system.
As it involves and affects the future of our Nation and the future
of coming generations, I feel it is extremely important to present to this
Council the position and the progress that the Lakota Treaty Council has
made in respect of gaining recognition of the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty.
Before I proceed any further, for the benefit of those present that
do not know or who have forgotten, I would like to explain briefly the
"Interpretation and meaning of the "1868 Treaty" and also the term "Tradition-
alist" as it applies to the members and constituency of the Lakota Treaty
Council.
The Lakota Treaty Council believes and clings to our way of life as
our Forefathers lived it. A way of life, with basic human principles and
doctrines, although humble in its nature, have been recognized by other in-
deginious peoples as one of the greatest in the world. It is our hope that
"truth" itself will peel away the layers of ignorance which is the result of
a hundred years of brainwashing. Thus, we recognize that one of our greatest
tasks is the re-education of our own people.
In the 1860's the "Great Lakota Nation" along with its allies initiat-
ed a resistance (so called Red Cloud's War) that halted the invasion and so-
called "Westward Expansion of the Wasin Icula: Time and time again, the Lakota
proved invincible and victorious. The U.S. Government after realizing that it
was costing them 2 million dollars to kill one Lakota and the fact that the
"Civil War" had just put a big dent in their pocketbook, decided to push for
a peaceful settlement.
Subsequently, both Nations agreed to the terms and entered into a
Treaty. What is to be known as "The 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty."
Even today we are bound to that same Treaty not only by the natural
laws that govern us, but because our Forefathers blessed the Treaty with the
"Sacred Pipe".
Even today the people of the United States Goverment are bound to
that same Treaty because U.S. Law says treaties are "on par and equal to the
constitution" as "Supreme Law of the land".
The 1868 Treaty is binding on both Nations as defined under Intern-
aional Law.
I'Kce Wica sa or a "Traditionalist" is a person who has retained his
concept of self and his spiritually through the "Sacred Pipe" despite con-
centrated efforts by the "Wasin Icula" through his socio-religious system
which sought to destroy the culture and religion of the Ikce Wicasa.
Language and Religion has been the sustaining factor which has pre-
served our culture. When the "White Buffalo Calf Maiden" delivered the
"Sacred Pipe" to our people in the dim recesses of history, the central mes-
sage was "When the people no longer believe in this Pipe, they as people will
no longer exist.
Since the inception of the reservation era, the Federal Government has
continually attempted to discredit and destroy the die-hard Traditionalist
who has maintained his identity and his stubborn insistance that the United
States Government honor the terms of the 1868 Treaty. Today, we, the members
of the Lakota Treaty Council stand proud as visible evidence that they have
failed miserably in this attempt.
Subsequent to June 26, 1975 when the land of Oglala Lakota was again
invaded and occupied by forces of the United States Government who with their
sophisticated weaponry subjected many innocent Oglala to unnecessary acts of
intimidation and harassment for the"alleged" killing of two of their trespas-
sing agents. The cries of distress by the people prompted the traditional
leaders to seek alternate solutions to end the violence.
The consensus of the combined leadership of Chiefs, Headmen and Spiritual
leaders was the need for an immediate meeting between the heads of the two
nations to undertake necessary steps to resolve the underlying issues which
fermented these and other acts of violence.
The Traditional leadership felt that all problems could be traced di-
rectly to the continued violations of the terms of the 1868 Treaty by the
United States Government.
A letter was sent to the President and a delegation of traditional
leaders was sent to Washington, D.C., to meet with the President but when they
arrived, they were met with apposition in full force in all areas.
Perseverance and dedication to the task prevailed and the traditional
leadership did meet with the President of the United States and his Aides on
November 10, 1975.
From this meeting the traditional leadership received from the President
the assurance that a Fools Crow-Ford sanctioned Presidential Treaty Review
Commission would be established.
The American Arbitration Association have been accepted by the respect-
ive parties to act as mediators in the forthcoming discussions concerning the
1868 Fort Laramie Treaty and domestic issues.
Although the Lakota people have suffered greatly especially in these
past few years, it is time that the people put aside past differences and unite.
With the strengthening and unification of our people can we take
positive steps to insure that "Divide and conquer" tactics will not work
anymore with the Oglala. We have suffered enough.
We the Lakota Treaty Council invite all true Oglala to lift up
their heads and look to the future of our children and the unborn. The
Lakota people must recognize who the real enemy is, that we may defend
ourselves.
We ask for your support in our struggle to find justice and free-
dom for our people. Support the 1868 Treaty. Though a long hard road
lies ahead of us - we walk forward with our heads up to confront the many
obstacles as a true Oglala.
With the guidance of Tunkasila, Wakan Tanka we shall win! The strug-
gle goes on.
Ho. Hechetu Yelo.
Pilamaye Pi Yelo.
Ogle Luta
Ogle Luta
Larry Red thirt
bourezk Blasts Gun-Running Probe of Son
By Jerry Oppenheimer
allegations about his son and de-
state, blow up BIA buildings and take
and carbines were transported to the
Abourezk's son could not be reach-
one in the BIA and the Justice De-
Washington Star Staff Writer
clared that they were part of a
"action" at Mt. Rushmore between
young Abourezk's home from
ed for comment yesterday. But the
partment."
FBI is investigating allega-
"smear campaign" to discredit him
July 1 and July 5.
Omaha, Neb., by "an acting mem-
senator, who said the FBI report
Late yesterday Abourezk met in his
ade by an informant that the
because of his longtime criticism of
THE REPORT went on to allege
ber" of the American Indian Move-
"was handed to me by an Indian
office - at his request - with two
Sen. James Abourezk, D-S.D.,
Bureau of Indian Affairs policies and
that Abourezk's son, Charles, 23, a
ment, whose leaders have been tar-
from a West Coast tribe," called the
officials of the FBI's intelligence
oring guns for an American
FBI actions. involving Indians in
student at a community college on
gets of FBI investigations and
allegations an "outrage."
division. The senator said he de-
faction that planned to carry
South Dakota.
the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation,
federal prosecutions.
"I know Charlie's not a gun runner
manded that they "either prove or
ence in South Dakota during
The FBI report said that the Indian
site of the violent Wounded Knee
The report said the information
and that's what he's being accused
disprove the unfounded allegations"
rth of July weekend.
group, called the "Dog Soldiers,"
uprising several years ago, was "in-
was supplied last month by a source
of," he said.
about his son.
enator, who yesterday made
was "on the line" to assassinate the
"with whom insufficient contact has
volved" with the Dog Soldiers.
Abourezk said he was told, he mat-
e to The Star a copy of the
governor of South Dakota, snipe at
According to the unnamed inform-
been made to determine reliability,
ABOUREZK described the con-
estigative report, denied the
tourists on interstate highways in the
tents of the FBI report as "rank gos-
ter was still under investigat on even
ant quoted in the report, M16 rifles
but who is in a position to furnish
reliable information."
sip distributed to practically every-
though the report said the allegations
See INDIAN, A-9
Wednesday, June 23, 1976
The Washington
senator has been a vocal
The FBI report said the
INDIAN
critic of FBI activities in-
Dog Soldiers were sched-
volving the American In-
uled to meet June 25 at the
dian movement. He recent-
home of a woman in Rapid
Continued From A-1
ly joined with others,
City, S.D., where they will
were made almost a
including the Canadian
receive "final assign-
month ago. "You would
government, in calling for
ments" for alleged violent
think they could have veri-
an investigation into the
activities throughout the
fied them by this time," the
unusual circumstances sur-
state on the Fourth of July
senator added.
rounding the FBI's han-
weekend. "Currently some
Abourezk said he also
dling of the slaying of a
Dog Soldiers from the
asked the FBI officials why
young woman active in the
Northwest territory are in
the raw investigative report
movement at Wounded
the state of South Dakota
received such wide cirucla-
Knee. The Justice Depart-
watching the movements of
tion. He said the FBI offi-
ment is probing the FBI's
public employes at public
cials told him that the re-
role in the case.
buildings, the report con-
port was given "standard
tinued.
circulation" within the bu-
ACCORDING TO the FBI
The informant said that
reau and the Justice
report, the Dog Soldiers
among the activities to be
Department and also was
were described by the in-
carried out by the Dog Sol-
made available to the In-
formant as "pro-AIM
diers were the blowing up
terior Department, which
members who will kill for
of the boilers in a county
CHARLES AI
administers the BIA.
SEN. JAMES ABOUREZK
the advancement of AIM
courthouse, apparent vio-
Unavailable fo
The report, in teletype
Calls allegations 'outrage'
objectives.' The report said
lence at the state capitol in
form sent by FBI Director
that the Dog Soldiers, with
Pierre, the blowing up of
The report I
Clarence M. Kelley, also
approximately 2,000 mem-
turbines at a dam and an,
Soldiers would
was distributed to the the
they ever heard of the Dog
bers, "have been in train-
assault on the state peni-
with the weapo
U.S. Marshals Service and
Soldiers was in the FBI re-
ing" since the Wounded
tentiary at Sioux Falls to
being stored a
the Secret Service, accord-
port. An aide to the senator
Knee incident in 1973.
"assassinate an inmate."
home in South
ing to the copy obtained by
said that Dog Soldiers was
The Star.
the name given to original
AN FBI SPOKESMAN
Indian warrior groups.
declined comment on the
Abourezk said he at-
investigation last night.
tempted to reach his son
Abourezk contended in an
yesterday to ask him about
BARGAINS GALO
interview that he was
the FBI allegations, but
"pretty well convinced"
was unsuccessful because
that the allegations con-
his son does not have a tele-
cerning his son and the dis-
phone and could not be
at your nearby
semination of the report
reached through friends.
were an "attempt to de-
The young Abourezk is
stroy my credibility, to get
known to be active with
"THRIFTY"
at me through Charlie."
militant Indians on the Pine
He said he felt a smear
Ridge Reservation. The
campaign was being waged
senator said his son has
against him, particularly
BELL'S
been working as a tribal
DEWAR'
by BIA officials, because as
lawyer.
12-year-old
chairman of the Senate
"White
subcommittee on Indian af-
EARLIER THIS YEAR it
SCOTCH
SC
fairs he has long been a.
was disclosed that Abou-
critic of that bureau's poli-
rezk's son was using food
214
cies.
stamps while attending col-
Abourezk also is chair-
lege, claiming that he was
13.99
BELLS
man of the American In
below the poverty income
dian Policy Review
level. In response to news
HALF GALLON
Commission, which, he
accounts, his father said
said, intends to recommend
that, "I suppose that every
86 proof
major changes in the struc-
parent wishes at one time
ture of the BIA and Ameri-
or another that he had more
can Indian policy in gener-
control over his adult chil-
al, in a report scheduled to
dren, but Charlie, like most
I
be filed in January.
adults, wants to run his own
"The BIA sees this as a
life.'
GR
threat to themselves,"
Abourezk contended that
FORD
Abourezk declared.
because of the publicity
Theodore Krenzke, direc-
about his son receiving food
tor of the BIA's Office of In-
stamps, "I'm sure he
dian Services, said the FBI
wouldn't store guns in a
report routinely came
place obviously being
across his desk recently
watched by the FBI and
"but it wasn't anything we
others. The allegations are
requested. It came here as
utterly ridiculous.
a result of the BIA's law en-
Besides the BIA, the
forcement unit's relation-
ship with the FBI."
KRENZKE, whose ini-
tials appear on the report
Move to Rec
as having read it, contend-
ed that, "We prefer that a
Hits a Sn.
report like that not be
circulated because it was
PHILADELP'
not based on any evidence.
- The valid
I don't know that it really
tions calling
should have been circulat-
of Mayor
ed."
not be C
He emphasized that the
15-day
distribution of the FBI
by th
information, which went as
offi
far as the BIA's Portland,
Ore., area office, was "not SC
intended to embarrass any-
to
one."
p
Both Abourezk and
3
Krenzke said that the first
$
MEMORANDUM
OF CALL
TO:
Brad
YOU WERE CALLED BY-
YOU WERE VISITED BY-
Bad Wound
OF (Organization)
PHONE NO.
PLEASE CALL
CODE/EXT.
WILL CALL AGAIN
IS WAITING TO SEE YOU
RETURNED YOUR CALL
WISHES AN APPOINTMENT
MESSAGE
605
348-5300 -
RECEIVED BY
DATE
8/5
TIME
STANDARD FORM 63
GPO : 1900-c43-16-80341-1 332-389
63-108
REVISED AUGUST 1967
GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Wingspriad
Rune
8/11-12
GERALD R. LEBRARY FORD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Bad Wound s Trads
all Trimble + No feds
25
Chuck Trinkle + 4 NCAI
Hank advers
nee Touche &
Sit Mills
Jun Dualans AIM 9TCow NYC
Veru Bellecaret
John Truble NTCA
Rick Baker
Calosi r staff
Our hyous
Bill hozour -Grand
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Bad Wound
Red Willow
Pud Shurt
Kells Traight
Jun group
Vine Delove
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Alot a new treaty
TTr Congress
jouetty establish 9
lawing To over
the 1868 Treaty.
FORD is LIBRARY 070038
whatever A to
1868 Treaty only
Would reasine the
question whats do
THE WHITE HOUSE
laugue WASHINGTON had the
Jones
Rever from by.
which Conguas
boused the 1868 Tasty
of the Constitution
Question Artict II
Subseque & to that testy?
What went wrong
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
the land under that
Can we 100 ceacquire
treaty?
Caracas /Fif
hidey Peoples
FORD LIBRARY & GERALD
MEMORANDUM
OF CALL
TO:
Brad
YOU WERE CALLED BY-
YOU WERE VISITED BY-
Mr. Rosenstock
OF (Organization)
US Mission to U.N.
PHONE NO.
PLEASE CALL
CODE/EXT.
WILL CALL AGAIN
IS WAITING TO SEE YOU
RETURNED YOUR CALL
WISHES AN APPOINTMENT
MESSAGE
I
(212) 656-4468
RECEIVED BY
DATE
on
9/3
TIME
6:30
STANDARD FORM 63
GPO :1969-c48--16-80341-1 332-389
63-108
REVISED AUGUST 1967
GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6
-
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 10, 1976
GERALD FORD LIBRART
Dear Louie:
Since the President's memorandum of August 26, designating
me to help in the coordination of Indian policies and programs,
I have reviewed very carefully the papers and background con-
cerning the request of the traditional chiefs and headmen for a
"Presidential Treaty Review Commission". I have gone over
the notes of our two-day meeting at Harper's Ferry in June
and the earlier meeting and luncheon we had with Chief Fools
Crow here at the White House. I have re-read Larry Red Shirt's
letter of June 14, 1976 where, in the attachment, he indicates
he wants the President to "approve and support the concept of
the Presidential Treaty Review Commission".
What I am still trying to get clear and I need your help in
doing this -- are specific details about the precise functions
of such a Commission, its authority, responsibilities, member-
ship, funding, reporting deadline and the proposed procedures
for holding sessions.
I must explain that there are very strict standards for staff
work which all modern Presidents impose here within the
White House. Before a Presidential decision is made, a mem-
orandum must go to the President spelling out exactly what is
being requested, the pros and cons of why it is needed, and very
specific descriptions of what the President is being asked to
approve. Laws or other authorities must be indicated to show
that the President has the power to take the requested action
and to show that if he creates some body or institution, even a
temporary one, he has the further authority to fund it.
This may seem a bit elaborate, but I assure you it is an ess-
ential aspect of the modern Presidency. The Congress, the
General Accounting Office or the Courts are very quick to object
to any Presidential action which is not within the law; President
Ford insists on making sure, ahead of time, that he is never put
in that position. That means memoranda which are in writing
and which are prepared with great precision.
-2-
My careful review of your proposal for a "Presidential
Treaty Commission" gives me practically nothing on the basis
of which to prepare such a memorandum to the President.
In addition to the questions raised above, there are others
which come to mind about your proposal: would such a Commission
for example, review Indian treaties generally or be limited to
the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty? In either case, what would be
such a Commission's relationship with the elected Tribal leaders,
generally or with those of the Pine Ridge Sioux? What would be
the Commission's relationship with Task Force I of the American
Indian Policy Review Commission, which currently is reviewing
all the Indian treaties?
FORD
What is lacking in Mr. Red Shirt's letter, and in the letter to
LIBRARY
the President from the traditional chiefs and headmen of July
24, 1976, are any specifics of this sort.
As you know, Mrs. Kilberg and I have already informed the
traditional chiefs at our Harper's Ferry meeting that a Treaty
Review Commission could not assume a treaty-negotiating role,
since that is proscribed by Congress pursuant to 25 USC 71.
With respect to implementation, specifically, of the Treaty of
Fort Laramie of 1868, you remember that we have called to
the attention of the traditional chiefs and headmen the letter to
them from the Assistant to the President of January 8, 1974. This
letter and its detailed attachment answered a series of fifteen
questions which the chiefs propounded about the 1868 Treaty --
pointing out that the United States has "never disclaimed or
declared invalid the 1868 Treaty as a whole" but that "portions
have been modified, revoked, superceded or satisfied: -- in most
cases by the Congress or the Courts. That letter was an ex-
haustive discussion of the Treaty of 1868 and its aftermath (other
than the pending Claims Commission action )and I honestly don't
think there is anything the Executive Branch can add to it.
Mr. Richard Parsons, I notice, has also responded to the Lakota
Treaty Council on April 1, 1976 that the President cannot, as
they suggested, stop the Indian Claims Commission action with
respect to the same Black Hills Case.
In view of these facts, my colleagues in the White House and I
are quite unclear as to what the functions of a Presidential
Treaty Review Commission would be that have not already been
handled in laws in Claims cases or in past correspondence.
-3-
This letter is therefore a request for your assistance; please
consult with your associates and respond in writing and in
detail about the need, the authority, the make-up, and the
functioning of the proposed Treaty Review Commission. I
assure you in return that we here, together with the Secretary
of the Interior and the Attorney General -- who also would
naturally be consulted by the President on this matter --
will then go over your material carefully and will get a
Presidential decision, as you have requested.
Back Sincerely,
Bradley
H.
Patterson,
Jr.
Mr. Louis Bad Wound
Pine Ridge Reservation
South Dakota
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 13
Morrie -
FYI.
Louis accepted this very
gracefully.
Please inform the interested
members of your staff.
Bad
FORD LIBRARY is CERALD
BS r Please seed a capy
TO abenden AD- + to
Pine Redge Supervituded for their
wife abc. Bread
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 13
Bill -
Just to keep you informed
on a private basis.
Prod
FORD LIBRARY &
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 13
Chuck -
Just for your private information ---
keeping you informed.
Incidentally -- re your query about
Indian Action Teams, OMB tells me there is
no deferral or recission pending on any such
item. If you hav e any more info about it,
let me know
Re Salt Lake City, tentatively I plan
to be with you Wed-Thurs-Fri and if it is OK
with you, would be happy to give a talk on
Thursday, any time you say.
Paul
GERALD R 11984917 FORD
BHP-3
RESTRICTED USAGE
RE: Presidential Treaty Review Commission
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 21, 1976
Dear /s/
The President has asked me to thank you for your recent letter
to him about the idea of a Presidential Treaty Review Commission.
I have held several meetings with the members of the Lakota
Treaty Council, the most recent of which was September 10 with
Mr. Louis Bad Wound here in the White House.
At that time I gave Mr. Bad Wound a letter which asks his help
in defining precisely what the functions and authorities of a
Treaty Commission would be. Since you are sincerely interested
in this matter, I am enclosing a copy of that letter. We are
looking forward to Mr. Bad Wound's reply and hope then to be
able to present the matter to the President.
One should note that with respect to the Treaty of 1868, it
was the Congress rather than the Executive which unilaterally
made changes in that treaty. If any additional redress (other
than the very important Black Hills claim still pending before
the Indian Claims Commission) is to come concerning that treaty,
the Congress will probably have to be source of same.
We will keep in touch with Mr. Bad Wound and see what can be
done.
In the last six years a multitude of new legislative and execu-
tive actions have dramatically changed Indian policies and
programs for the better. I know you share our pleasure that
this is the case.
We appreciate hearing from you.
Sincerely yours,
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
Bradley H. Patterson, Jr.
Cut 9/20/76 - ckb
///s///
Proofed mah/ckb
///////
///////
(Rec. 9/20/76)
Enclosure
BHP:/s/
BHP-3
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 10, 1976
Dear Louie:
Since the President's memorandum of August 26, designating
me to help in the coordination of Indian policies and programs,
I have reviewed very carefully the papers and background con-
cerning the request of the traditional chiefs and headmen for a
"Presidential Treaty Review Commission". I have gone over
the notes of our two-day meeting at Harper's Ferry in June
and the earlier meeting and luncheon we had with Chief Fools
Crow here at the White House. I have re-read Larry Red Shirt's
letter of June 14, 1976 where, in the attachment, he indicates
he wants the President to "approve and support the concept of
the Presidential Treaty Review Commission".
What I am still trying to get clear and I need your help in
doing this are specific details about the precise functions
of such a Commission, its authority, responsibilities, member-
ship, funding, reporting deadline and the proposed procedures
for holding sessions.
I must explain that there are very strict standards for staff
work which all modern Presidents impose here within the
White House. Before a Presidential decision is made, a mem-
orandum must go to the President spelling out exactly what is
being requested, the pros and cons of why it is needed, and very
specific descriptions of what the President is being asked to
approve. Laws or other authorities must be indicated to show
that the President has the power to take the requested action
and to show that if he creates some body or institution, even a
temporary one, he has the further authority to fund it.
This may seem a bit elaborate, but I assure you it is an ess-
ential aspect of the modern Presidency. The Congress, the
General Accounting Office or the Courts are very quick to object
to any Presidential action which is not within the law; President
Ford insists on making sure, ahead of time, that he is never put
in that position. That means memoranda which are in writing
and which are prepared with great precision.
-2-
My careful review of your proposal for a "Presidential
Treaty Commission" gives me practically nothing on the basis
of which to prepare such a memorandum to the President.
In addition to the questions raised above, there are others
which come to mind about your proposal: would such a Commission
for example, review Indian treaties generally or be limited to
the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty? In either case, what would be
such a Commission's relationship with the elected Tribal leaders,
generally or with those of the Pine Ridge Sioux? What would be
the Commission's relationship with Task Force I of the American
Indian Policy Review Commission, which currently is reviewing
all the Indian treaties?
What is lacking in Mr. Red Shirt's letter, and in the letter to
the President from the traditional chiefs and headmen of July
24, 1976, are any specifics of this sort.
As you know, Mrs. Kilberg and I have already informed the
traditional chiefs at our Harper's Ferry meeting that a Treaty
Review Commission could not assume a treaty-negotiating role,
since that is proscribed by Congress pursuant to 25 USC 71.
With respect to implementation, specifically, of the Treaty of
Fort Laramie of 1868, you remember that we have called to
the attention of the traditional chiefs and headmen the letter to
them from the Assistant to the President of January 8, 1974. This
letter and its detailed attachment answered a series of fifteen
questions which the chiefs propounded about the 1868 Treaty --
pointing out that the United States has "never disclaimed or
declared invalid the 1868 Treaty as a whole" but that "portions
have been modified, revoked, superceded or satisfied: in most
cases by the Congress or the Courts. That letter was an ex-
haustive discussion of the Treaty of 1868 and its aftermath (other
than the pending Claims Commission action )and I honestly don't
think there is anything the Executive Branch can add to it.
Mr. Richard Parsons, I notice, has also responded to the Lakota
Treaty Council on April 1, 1976 that the President cannot, as
they suggested, stop the Indian Claims Commission action with
respect to the same Black Hills Case.
In view of these facts, my colleagues in the White House and I
are quite unclear as to what the functions of a Presidential
Treaty Review Commission would be that have not already been
handled in laws in Claims cases or in past correspondence.
This letter is therefore a request for your assistance; please
consult with your associates and respond in writing and in
detail about the need, the authority, the make-up, and the
functioning of the proposed Treaty Review Commission. I
assure you in return that we here, together with the Secretary
of the Interior and the Attorney General -- who also would
naturally be consulted by the President on this matter --
will then go over your material carefully and will get a
Presidential decision, as you have requested.
Ready
Patterson,
Jr.
Mr. Louis Bad Wound
Pine Ridge Reservation
South Dakota
2
A PROGRAM
FOR
THE PINE RIDGE INDIAN RESERVATION **
-0-
December 10, 1976
** Provided by Al Trimble at meeting at White House, 6/8/76
FORD LIBRARY & BERRED
PROPOSAL
To establish a high level Federal agency task force to coordinate the
immediate implementation of a broad range of specific Federal programs on the
Pine Ridge Indian Reservation designed to create both short and long term em-
ployment opportunities and strengthen the economy of the Tribe and thereby eradicate
the root causes of the violence and misery on the Reservation.
The Need
The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation ranks high now on the agenda of the
Bureau of Indian Affairs. In addition, because of the national and international
attention that has been focused on the Reservation in recent years, Pine Ridge,
even though it is a small community, can be said also to be on the domestic
agenda of the White House. President Ford's recent meeting with an alleged Chief,
Frank Fools Crow, is illustrative of the fact that Pine Ridge is, indeed, a matter
of national interest and concern.
Much of the discussion of the Pine Ridge Reservation has centered on the
high rate of violent crimes. It should be noted, however, that contrary to the
impression sometimes left by the media, persons knowledgeable of life on the
Reservation agree that these crimes are not connected with political disputes.
Rather, the shootings that do take place on the Reservation seem to be the result
of personal feuds and of the tension created by the misery and the hopeless human
conditions that exist.
The initial response to the Law and Order problem on the Pine Ridge Reserva-
tion has been to consider sending in more police. But when one closely examines
and understands the underlying causes of the violence on the Reservation, it be-
comes evident that an increased police force, by itself, will not solve the problem.
The Pine Ridge Reservation, located in the southwest corner of South Dakota,
is the second largest Indian Reservation in the country. The unemployment rate
on the Reservation, which has a population of over 12,000 people, is over 60.
A study prepared at the request of the Secretary of the Interior found in a report
dated June 24, 1975, that in over one-third of the Indian households on the Pine
Ridge Reservation, no one works. About 40% of those who were employed were found
to be significantly underemployed. In sharp contrast, non-Indians on the Reserva-
tion and in nearby communities enjoy reasonable standards of living. Most Indians
on the Reservation face a life of poverty and dispair with little hope of meaningful
employment.
It is in this context, therefore, that we recommend that instead of relying
solely on increased law enforcement activities to curb the violence on the Re-
servation, we develop and implement immediately a program that reaches the root
causes of violence. What is recommended is a comprehensive Federal effort to put
people on the Reservation to work and to provide them with a basis for improving
their standard of living.
Pine Ridge Development Task Force
A broad range of Federal programs could be funded on the Pine Ridge Reservation
to provide immediate job training and employment opportunities for members of the
Oglala Sioux Tribe, to construct needed community facilities on the Reservation
and to broaden the economic base of the Tribe and thereby strengthen the future
economy of the Reservation.
To coordinate the planning and implementation and to accelerate the initiation
of the programs, a high level committment by the Ford Administration is necessary.
It is recommended that the White House direct the Secretaries of Interior, Labor,
Commerce, Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, Transportation and Health
Education and Welfare, the Attorney General and the Director of the Office
GERALD of FORD LIBRARY
Management and Budget to commit their respective departments to a joint effort
on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
To assure that the commitment is fulfilled and that specific Federal Projects
are expeditiously implemented, it is suggested that a coordinating group be created
chaired by a designee of the Secretary of the Interior and whose members would in-
clude designees of the other departments mentioned above. It is recommended that
the designee of the Oglala Sioux Tribe be a member of this group.
The Task Force should be in existence for not more than one year and should
meet at least once each month to coordinate and supervise the development of the
specific projects. It is suggested that limited staff be made available by the
Commissioner of Indian Affairs to assist the Task Force in meeting its res-
ponsibilities.
The focus of the mandate of the Task Force will be to coordinate the immediate
implementation of several Federal programs on the Pine Ridge Reservation. It is not
intended to be a study or planning group, but rather an action-oriented group whose
primary responsibility is to assure the initiation of job-oriented programs.
Federal Programs
The first responsibility of the Task Force should be to develop an agenda of
Federal programs to be initiated on the Pine Ridge Reservation and to develop a
specific timetable for the implementation of these programs. These projects should
include the following.
1. Department of Labor
Putting people to work is the most critical problem on the Reservation. A
comprehensive effort encompassing all able-bodied people on the Reservation would
help create longterm employment opportunities for these persons and would unquest-
ionably be an investment which would pay off in terms of reduction of the costs
of other Federal programs.
The Department of Labor should, with the cooperation of the Bureau of
Indian Affairs, set up a three-year employment program on the Reservation. An
effort should be made to ensure that all unemployed persons able to work are
registered for employment assistance. The basic funds for the programs should
come from Title III of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act as well
as Title X of the Public Works and Economic Development Act. In addition, the
programs should coordinate the employment aspects of the other programs set forth
below.
2. Department of Commerce - Economic Development Administration
(a) Oglala Sioux Tribe Parks Board
The Tribe has entered into an agreement with the National Parks Service
whereby the Tribe has agreed to allow the Park Service to use certain tribal
lands for the Badlands National Monument in exchange for a position of the entrance
fee that will be charged to the Monument. The fee will be paid over to the Oglala
Sioux Tribe Parks Board which is a development corporation organized by the Tribe
to formulate and develop tourism for the Reservation, particularly in the Badlands
National Monument area. Revenue generated by the fee arrangement will be used by
the Board to develop recreation resources wthin the Reservation. To maximize the
revenue potential of tourism in the MOnument area, the Tribe would like to develop
certain concessions on the Reservation.
Projects designed to increase tourism revenue funded through the Economic
Development Administration under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of
1965 include projects to:
(1) Improve and upgrade the Cedar Pass concessions;
(2) Develop a commercial campground;
(3) Construct a visitors center;
FORD LIBRARY. & GERALD
(4) Construct a commercial hotel; and
(5) Develop the site of Wounded Knee
The present building which houses the tribal offices is totally inadequate
to meet the present needs of the Tribe. It is old and does not have sufficient
office space to provide facilities for tribal officials responsible for administer-
ing various trital programs. Funds should be provided through the Economic Develop-
ment Administration under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965
to construct a new Tribal Office Building designed to provide offices for most
tribal officials.
3. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(a) Community Facility
A community center is needed on the Pine Ridge Reservation to serve both
community purposes and to supplement the tourism facilities to be developed by
the Parks Board.
Community block grant funds should be used to construct a multipurpose
community facility in Pine Ridge.
(b) Housing
The lack of sufficient decent, safe and sanitary housing on the
Reservation remains a critical problem. Although it is estimated that between
1,500 and 2,000 units must be built to meet the current housing needs, the rate
of construction on the Reservation is between 100 to 200 units per year.
The construction of a substantial number of additional self-help housing
units should be funded for the Pine Ridge Reservation.
4. Department of Agriculture
SERALD FORD LIBRARY
(a) Land Acquisition Enterprise
The Tribe established in 1959 a Land Acquisition Enterprise for the
purpose of acquiring interests in land within the Pine Ridge Reservation for the
use and improvement of the economic standing of the Tribe. Tribal land has been
pledged to the Enterprise, and land has been purchased for the Enterprise with
Tribal funds with the proceeds of loans of $4 million from the Farmers Home Ad-
ministration. The Enterprise now generates a substantial surplus of income, and
the Tribe has applied for an additional $3 million loan from the Farmers Home Ad-
ministration with which it intends to purchase additional land.
Approval of the $3 million loan from the Farmers Home Administration should
be expedited to enable the Tribe to stabilize its land base through the purchase
of additonal land within the Reservation.
(b) Conversion to Agricultural Production
Most of the Tribe's general income is derived from leasing its land for
grazing purposes. This land generates income of approximately $1.30 per acre.
The amount of income produced by tribal land could be increased substantially if
the land were used instead for agricultural purposes. Some 300,000 acres of
tribal land has been identified as being capable of supporting agricultural pro-
duction, and the Tribe would like to initiate steps to convert its grazing units
into agricultural land. Current and projected world food demand suggests that
this would be a highly profitable enterprise for the Tribe. However, to success-
fully convert its land to agricultural use, technical assistance and financial
assistance will be necessary.
A program to convert grazing land on the Reservation to farm use should be
immediately funded.
5.
Department of Transportation
(a) Rural Bus Demonstration Project
Most of the residents of the Reservation live in widely scattered
villages. Since there is no public transporation system on the Reservation,
residents must rely on private vehicles for transportation. Many must pay as
much as $20 to hire a private vehicle to travel to Pine Ridge Village where
tribal and Bureau offices, the hospital and most retail establishments are located.
The Tribe wishes to develop an efficient, though limited, system of bus transporta-
tion on the Reservation to connect the residents of the Reservation's outlying
areas with the essential goods and services and employment opportunities available
at Pine Ridge Village.
The Rural Bus Demonstration Project application that is being submitted
by the Tribe to the Department of Transportation to enable the Tribe to establish
a tribal bus system should be funded.
(b) Secondary Road and Street Improvement
Approximately 25 miles of secondary roads in each district of the
Reservation are in need of improvment. In addition, sidewalks, curbs, gutters
and pavement are needed in Pine Ridge Village.
Road and Street improvement programs should be funded through the Federal
Highway Administration or the Economic Development Administration.
6. Department of Health, Education and Welfare
(a) Intensify and Coordinate Ongoing Education and Indian Health Service
Programs.
For example, the schedule for construction of schools on the Reservation
should be accelerated. General support through the Office of Native American
Programs should be increased.
(b) Home for the Elderly
FORD
Funds should be provided to maintain and operate the home for the
elderly on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
LIBRARY
(c) Child Day Care Center
A child day care center is needed in Pine Ridge Village. A facility
to provide full-time day care should be built. Since it may be possible to
utilize some of the facilities in the home for the elderly, it is suggested that
the day care center be build in the vicinity of the home for the elderly. In
addition, this would permit contact with the children for those persons in the
home who SO desire.
Funds will be needed to construct, maintain and operate the child day
care facility.
7.
Department of Justice - Law Enforcement Assistance Administration
Construction of the correctional facility in Pine Ridge and the Police
substations in the various villages should be expedited.
8.
Department of Interior - Bureau of Indian Affairs
Existing support programs should be extended and expanded, particularly
support for the project now under way to develop and implement a centralized and
fiscal management system for the Tribe.
Provided by Al Trimble at meeting at White House, 6/8/76
3
THE PINE RIDGE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN
GOVERNMENTAL & ECONOMIC CENTRALIZATION
A new Tribal Government facility should be developed to
better serve the entire reservation population lgovernmentally
and economically.
The present location of Pine Ridge as the seat of tribal
government negates many aspects of reservation development.
- The present seat feeds off the Nebraska trade centers
and drains capital flow from the reservation.
-
Eighty percent of all reservation job opportunities
are centered around Pine Ridge and realistically
available to only about 20% of the reservation pop-
ulation.
-
Eighty percent of all salary is immediately spent, or
banked and then spent, in Nebraska (all money spent
on the reservation is banked off the reservation) -
-
There is practically no second, third, or fourth
turnover of money on the reservation (as occurs in
Nebraska, or other off-reservation communities) -
A centralized trade location will move the money inward
and encourage its use and re-use on the reservation. Private
business development will encourage local expenditure in all res-
ervation communities and will pay for additional jobs for more and
more local expenditures.
EXAMPLE: New community - Tribal government = 75 jobs
"
"
- Business
= 35 jobs
"
"
- Gov't Services
= 20 jobs
130 jobs
This, based on informal finger counting, should stand up
fairly well in comparison with the similar businesses established
and operating.
The construction of such a new governmental community with
the surrounding business development can utilize 200 to 300 persons
for more than a year, if including the government trade facilities
FORD LIBRARY
GOVERNMENTAL & ECONOMIC CENTRALIZATION - 2
in all the major communities of the reservation.
All district headquarters communities need local government
centers and business facilities (mini-malls).
The Oçlala Sioux people badly need a tribal symbol of res-
ervation pride and identification. Like Brazilia, the Oglala
people need a new tribal government community developed to foster
a sense of progress and development.
THE PINE RIDGE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN
LANDS REACQUISITION
The reacquisition of all alienated Indian lands within
the exterior boundaries of the Pine Ridge Reservation would
include 1,066,000 acres at the current market value of approx-
imately $120 million.
-
At current productivity, 640 acres of farming land
can support a family of five, once placed in oper-
ation.
-
At current productivity, 7,680 acres of grazing land
can support a family of five, once placed in oper-
ation.
-
Alienated land is 65% farmland, amounting to 692,900
acres. This should be equivalent to 1,083 farming
units of 640 acres each, or 1,083 farm management
jobs potential.
-
Alienated land is 35% grassland, amounting to 373,000
acres. This should be equivalent to 48.58 ranching
units or 7,680 each, or 49 ranching management jobs.
The solid potential then is for more than 1,100 agribus-
iness management jobs, with more than 2,000 potential submanagement
jobs.
This does not count the private sector agribusiness jobs
that can become available or be developed concurrent with the
other development of the private sector on the reservation.
It is proposed that a twenty-year plan be developed for
Indian land reacquisition for the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
The politically-beneficial effect to this program would be
the diminishment of the State's jurisdiction drive -- to further
alienate Indian lands for eventual termination of trust relation-
ship between the Federal government and Indian tribes.
THE PINE RIDGE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Law enforcement should ideally be controlled in the local
community being served, whether on a community, district, or res-
ervation basis.
It is proposed that some $500,000 of the present law
enforcement budget be utilized to develop an overall tribal
reservation basis. Each district will select policemen for
employment and be able to dictate the termination of policemen's
services if performance or conduct is not satisfactory.
The BIA will use the remainder of the budget to maintain a
mobile police force similar in function and performance ability
to state patrol forces. This force will serve the village of
Pine Ridge and will also patrol all reservation main roads in
a pattern making them available to reinforce local district
policemen when needed.
The tribe will also contract to maintain all detention
facilities and communications.
It is anticipated that the Law Enforcement Assistance Admin-
istration (LEAA) will be needed to initially equip the tribal
forces with cruisers, communications and other equipment, and
paraphenalia.
GCSALD FORD JERARD
THE PINE RIDGE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation development on the Pine Ridge Reservation
has heretofore meant generally developing the necessary surface
arterials needed to serve the reservation and its economic growth
at a schedule about ten years behind other county and state
entities of similar need.
A change of priority will be necessary only in making a
new governmental center optimally accessible to all areas of the
reservation. This will include 45 miles of road not previously
planned for, at a probable cost of $2,700,000.
Pine Ridge has the first class runway (concrete surface
of 5,400 and 3,600 ft. lengths) needed to accomodate commuter
and air taxi planes up to the size of a business jet. However,
there are no locally based planes nor service facilities avail-
able. FAA approved facilities must be developed, both to provide
a vital transportation link with regional airports at Rapid City,
Pierre, South Dakota, and Chadron, Nebraska.
In addition, ther is a need for air ambulance service and
air freighting services.
To complement the developed airport at Pine Ridge, stabilized
turf airstrips should be built at or near the district communities
on the reservation.
THE PINE RIDGE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
We have had the cart before the horse these many years in
attempting to develop industry on the Pine Ridge Reservation as
a means of bettering the lives of our people. We have brought
in a number of industries, putting people on payrolls to receive
money which they promptly spend off the reservation because we
lacked the private business sector to use and hold the money on
the reservation.
By and large, we have been content to permit the original
non-Indian entrepreneur to continue to dominate this area of the
economy. The non-Indian entrepreneurs, their families, and non-
Indian friends and relatives have also held the majority of the
jobs in this area of the economy. The same has largely been true
in the farming and agribusiness areas.
By aggressively entering their area of economic develop-
ment, developing new businesses on the reservation, and gaining
Indian ownership of these businesses, we can move to develop
and stabilize our overall economy. This means more jobs for
the people now jobless or underemployed. It means that money
stays in the community longer to pay for additional jobs.
When we have developed conditions for the local economy to
grow, then we have better conditions for real, not transient,
industrialization. Furthermore, it will take place in the dis-
tricts where there has been little exposure to full true employ-
ment opportunities.
FORD
LIBRARY
THE PINE RIDGE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN
HOUSING
Considering that minimal housing needs are less than 50%
met at this time, continual amélioration of the need will be an
important part of the new Tribal government community. Both
low rent and home ownership types of projects should be incorp--
orated; but the latter would take on more importance as these
would appeal to the sense of responsibility we are seeking to
foster in creating both permanent job situations and the perm-
anent job holder to fill the jobs.
While designing homes toward an attractive model community,
social and pride in ownership factors must also be addressed
Low rent homes should be as attractive and desireable as the
owned home. Disadvantages of the "cluster" low rent HUD homes
should be designed out with more land space and sense of privacy
designed in. This can be accomplished mostly by using one to
two acres ranchettes with all homes permanently fenced. This
would encourage the private utilization of the surrounding space
for gardens, horses, poultry raising, fruit trees, etc.
Homes that become the pride of the owners or users also
become respected by others. When this catches on, then emulation
and competition develops. This becomes the corner stone of the
real stable community.
Then, of course, it takes a job or stable source of income
to maintain the home -- another direction toward a desireable end.
THE PINE RIDGE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN
SUMMARY
In the final analysis we do not believe that the growing
population of the Oglala Sioux Tribe will be amenable to con-
sider options other than reservation life until the tribal
resource is fully available to tribal members and used by them.
By that time, through the process of education and in-
dividual growth, plus the element of satisfaction gained through
tribal participation, our people will have acquired the basis for
exercising true options: To leave for better opportunities, or
to stay and compete for what is available.
When this happens, the Federal Government will have no
need for relocation programs to cities and urban areas; or for
other designs to ger Indians into the "mainstream."
\
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
9/21-22
Wingspreed
Chino
Tondeket
FORD LIBRARY
October 1, 1976
Dear Mr. Brokstein:
This is in response to your letter to the President concerning
the problems of American Indians.
I assure you that the President is very seriously concerned
with the welfare of the Native Americans, and has been very
actively involved in efforts to improve their situation. In
November, 1975 he met with Chief Fools Crow and eight other
traditional chiefs of the Oglala Sioux Tribe from the Pine
Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. The nine chiefs met for
approximately four hours with White House Staff members and
representatives of the Justice Department and the American
Arbitration Association, in a review and discussion of the
economic and social conditions on Pine Ridge.
On June 8, 1976, Dr. Theodore Marrs, Special Assistant to the
President for Human Resources, met for three hours with Chief
Frank Fools Crow: Mr. Albert W. Trimble, the elected President
of the Oglala Sioux Tribe on Pine Ridge; Mr. Morris Thompson,
Commissioner of Indian Services, Department of the Interior;
and representatives of the Justice Department, and the Depart-
ments of Labor, HUD and HEW; members of the National Congress
of American Indians and the National Tribal Chairman's Associa-
tion.
On July 16, 1976, the President spoke to a delegation of 242
national Indian leaders, including representatives of the Oglala
Sioux Tribe. Prior to that they met with representatives of the
Department of the Interior, HEW, Labor, HUD, Commerce, Justice,
and the White House Staff. All of the national Indian associa-
tions were represented at this meeting.
I enclose a copy of the President's remarks at the July 16
meeting. He has asked me to succeed Dr. Marrs and has now
sent the memorandum to the Cabinet to which he referred.
In view of your own warm interest in Indian affairs, I think you
would like to know that since a landmark Special Presidential
Message of July, 1970, we have made many changes in government
policies and programs to assist Native Americans.
FORD LIBRARY
2
We restored the Blue Lake lands to the Taos Pueblo, restored
Mt. Adams to the Yakima Reservation and fully supported the
Congressional action to undo the unvise termination of the
Menominees in 1961, restoring their lands to protected Reserva-
tion status. We proposed and persuaded Congress to pass the
Alaska Native Claims Act, confirming Alaska Native title to
40,000,000 acres there and providing for a billion dollars in
payments to them, half of this to come out of oil revenues.
At Pyramid Lake, for fishing in the Pacific Northwest and in
several important tax cases, we went to court with vigorous
briefs protecting and defending Indian natural resources rights.
Under the new Indian Self-Determination Act which we proposed
6 years ago, we are turning over the governing of Indian schools,
hospitals and similar functions to Indian Tribal governments
themselves -- at the pace Indian Tribal leaders desire. HEW,
Agriculture, Justice, Commerce and HUD are among the govern-
ment agencies which have special new Indian offices working
directly with Indian tribes and people. The money the Bureau
of Indian Affairs spends on Indians has gone from $261.8 million
in FY 1969 to $763.9 million in FY 1977 -- a 300% increase.
This acceleration is not exceptional, but typical of the other
agencies' Indian budgets over the same period of years. The
brand new Navajo Community College (government funded, with
Navajo Tribal help) opened its doors three years ago. If you
should ever be near Albuquerque I hope you will visit the new
Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute on its handsome 164
acre campus; we built it in 1971.
of course there is more to be done, but at last we are moving
in the right direction, with the President's firm support.
Thank you again for writing the President and for letting him
know of your own convictions.
Cordially,
Bradley H. Patterson, Jr.
Mr. William Brokstein
721 35th, NW.
Canton, Ohio 44720
Enclosure
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