Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
1103400
label
Native American Awareness Week
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
1103400
sourceUrl
contentType
document
title
Native American Awareness Week
citationUrl
collections
Bradley H. Patterson Files (Ford Administration)
Bradley Patterson's Native American Programs Files
subjects
Oklahoma
Holidays
Indians of North America
Legislation
Speeches, addresses, etc.
Presidential trips
thumbnailUrl
largeImageUrl
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
1103400
coverageEndDate
logicalDate
1976-10-01
month
10
year
1976
coverageStartDate
logicalDate
1976-09-01
month
9
year
1976
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
e6681b98dd511653
ocrText
The original documents are located in Box 4, folder "Native American Awareness Week" of
the Bradley H. Patterson Files at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box 4 of the Bradley H. Patterson Files at the
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
MEMORANDUM
OF CALL
TO:
Mr. Patterson
YOU WERE CALLED BY-
YOU WERE VISITED BY-
OF (Organization)
Kathy Mc Cort
PLEASE CALL
PHONE CODE/EXT. NO. 457-6669
WILL CALL AGAIN
IS WAITING TO SEE YOU
RETURNED YOUR CALL
WISHES AN APPOINTMENT
MESSAGE
FORD LIBRARY
&
GERALD
RECEIVED BY
DATE
TIME
2:00
STANDARD FORM 63
GPO :1969-c48-16-80341-1 882-389
63-108
REVISED AUGUST 1967
GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6
THE white HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Cowarche
ALD R. FORD LIFE OF
OF THE INTERIOR
United States Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20245
March
18A9
IN REPLY REFER TO:
SEP 2 1976
Memorandum
To:
Legislative Counsel
Through: Commissioner of Indian Affairs
From:
Director, Congressional & Legislative Affairs Staff, BIA
Subject: Native American Awareness Week
Attached is a proposed report to the House Post Office and Civil Service
Committee on S.J.Res. 44, H.J.Res. 946 and five other bills pending before
that Committee which would authorize the President to proclaim a Native
American Awareness or an American Indian Day.
We request that prompt OMB clearance be requested on the report in hopes
that S.J.Res. 44 (amended) or one of the other bills can be enacted
by the 94th Congress.
(Sgd) Ralph Reeser
Ralph R. Reeser
cc: (Brad Patterson, The White House - w/encl.
Howard Borgstrom, OMB - w/encl.
Honorable David Henderson
Chairman, Committee on Post Office
and Civil Service
Suite 207, Cannon Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Mr. Chairman:
We wish to express our views on a number of bills pending before your
Committee providing for the proclamation of a "Native American Awareness
Week" or an "American Indian Day". H.J. Res. 946, H.J.Res. 958, and
Res. 990 would each authorize the President to proclaim the week of
October 10 through 16, 1976 as "Native American Awareness Week" while
S.J.Res. 44, in the House of Representatives, H.J.Res. 394, and H.R. 6879
would each authorize the President to proclaim a "National Indian Day".
While we would strongly support either approach (i.e., establishment of
a "Day" or a "Week"), our preference would be for House passage of
S.J.Res. 44 amended to substitute the language such as that in H.J.Res.
946 providing for the proclamation of the week of October 10 through 16,
1976 as "Native American Awareness Week".
Such action by the Congress would provide National recognition of a
relatively small group of Americans whose contributions, culture, and
heritage are fundamental to the values of the larger non-Indian society.
Efforts to promote a National Indian Day or a Native American Awareness
Week have been many, and some States and large cities now have such
observances.
One of the first proponents of an American Indian Day was Dr. Arthur C.
Parker, a Seneca Indian, who was the Director of the Museum of Arts and
Sciences, Rochester, N.Y. He persuaded the Boy Scouts of America to set
aside a day for the "First Americans," and for three years they adopted
such a day. In 1915, the annual Congress of the American Indian Associ-
ation, held at Lawrence, Kans., formally approved the plan. It directed
its president, the Rev. Sherman Coolidge, an Arapahoe Indian, to call
upon the country to observe such a day. He issued a proclamation
September 28, 1915, which declared the second Saturday of each May as an
American Indian Day and contained the first formal appeal for recognition
of Indians as citizens.
The year before this proclamation was issued, Red Fox James, a Blackfeet,
rode from State to State on his horse seeking approval for the celebration
of a day in honor of American Indians. He later presented the endorsements
of 24 State governors at the White House December 14, 1915.
2
The first American Indian Day was observed on the second Saturday in May
1916, when the Governor of New York fixed that day for a State observance.
Several States celebrate the fourth Friday in September as American Indian
Day. In Illinois, for example, it became that day by legislative enact-
ment in 1919. In Massachusetts, in accordance with a law passed in 1935,
the Governor issues a proclamation designating the day that will become
American Indian Day for any given year.
Oklahoma Governor David L. Boren recently proclaimed the week of October
10 through 16, 1976, as "Native American Awareness Week" in Oklahoma.
Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley issued a similar proclamation on July 8,
1976, and called upon the citizens of Los Angeles to observe the week of
October 10 through 16, 1976, "with appropriate ceremonies and activities."
We understand that such observances will also be held this year in the
cities of Oklahoma City, Okla., San Francisco, Calif., and Nassau Bay,
Texas.
Indian contributions to American society, both in times of war and peace,
have been largely overlooked by historians. It is not generally recog-
nized that the patriotism shown by more than 8,000 Indian servicemen in
World War I (6,000 by voluntary enlistment) was one of the main factors
which influenced the Congress to pass the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924.
In World War II more than 25,000 Indian men and women served in the Armed
Forces, fighting on all fronts in Europe and Asia and winning (according
to an incomplete count) 71 awards of the Air Medal, 51 of the Silver Star,
47 of the Bronze Star, 34 of the Distinguished Flying Cross, and two of
the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Probably the best known Indian exploit was that of the Navajo Marines who
used the Navajo language as a battlefield code which the Japanese could
not break. The Navajo "code talkers" were recent participants in the
July 3, 1976, Bicentennial Parade in Washington, D.C.
Perhaps lesser known contributions of Indian people might include active
participation in the Revolutionary War by members of the Passamaquoddy
tribe between 1777 and 1784. Such military contribution was most recently
recognized by the United States Court of Appeals for the first circuit, in
Passamaquoddy, et al v. Morton, et al, 388 F. Supp. 649. 667 (D. Me. 1975).
It is generally conceded that one of the major contributions of Indian
people to the United States is a form of government based on that of the
Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. The idea of such a "confederacy"
of tribes electing a headman or chief who was, individually, their master,
and collectively, their servant, was developed into the American concept
of government with the consent of the governed.
3
The reverence of Indian people for the land and environment would later
become the non-Indian notion of conservation of natural resources and
would later evolve into a nationwide movement for ecology and environ-
mental protection.
The Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians, the
oldest and largest National Indian organization in this country, has
endorsed legislation to establish a National Native American Awareness
Week during the week of October 10 through 16, 1976.
In an April 19, 1976 letter to Jerry Elliott, board member of the National
Society of American Indian Engineers, Dr. Theodore C. Marrs, then Special
Assistant to the President for Indian Affairs, endorsed the proposal to
establish a Native American Awareness Week.
Although it is very late in the life of the 94th Congress, we urge prompt
favorable consideration by your Committee of S.J.Res. 44 or one of the
other bills mentioned above.
The Office of Management and Budget has advised that there is no objection
to the presentation of this report from the standpoint of the Administra-
tion's program.
Sincerely yours,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
St Res
209
10/10-16/76
Elleats dedian Engineer
CT: Low priority
usmia frees release
Visitor leuter ?
FORD list is OTYP
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
CBS has augeles
Magor bradby
Ohla &
Calif
FORD LIBRARY LIB i anny
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Have muth
andarks progredur
davers.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
William Joves
45 What Formuas
45 Cattlemers
handon Augard
FORD & 076830 LIBRARY
MEMORANDUM
OF CALL
TO:
Brad
YOU WERE CALLED BY-
YOU WERE VISITED BY-
OF (Organization)
July Elliot
PLEASE CALL
PHONE NO.
CODE/EXT.
WILL CALL AGAIN
IS WAITING TO SEE YOU
RETURNED YOUR CALL
WISHES AN APPOINTMENT
MESSAGE
(713) 483-5226
RECEIVED BY
DATE
TIME
STANDARD FORM 63
GPO : 1969-c48-16-80341-1 332-889
63-108
REVISED AUGUST 1967
GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6
6 FE Project offer of
our be fee
Space Shuttle Program
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Sulphier / Ohla Chechoses
R. FORD
5 tribes
5 trites 2 Kourt
Friday preeting
Outon James Surmine Ford
Ovilom Ross clouds Commit rad
Edwin Formbr
THE white HOUSE
05
WASHINGTON
0-405-521-3311 OKLA $1
Tribal 405-622-6131.
Jolin Daves 1 Hg
$05
PTS 8-736-4796 231-4796
H 405-751-6561
Nou-FTS
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Cluckesow Neoto In
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June Core 40% 732-2934
3201 Stady d) brook
liter, Okla
near Obrla City
United Wistern
Tritus Howard Gadber
Watorga - 19 balos Ouls
good suffects r goal Requblicar
4 Kausas
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
209 N. Noble
Watonga, Olila. 73.772
H 405-623-5465
0 405-623-5020
BLUJACKET
0- 8-736-7191
H- 918-341-3342
WS
353-0200 Room 220-222-224
Lainton PHS Indian
THE WHITE Hospital HOUSE
WASHINGTON
80 gatents
1966 Indian Houp
Good shope
Accreditect
Mattery stunding
Outpatinet facility
0-405-353-0350 Enerson Edwardy
Head:
4-405-357-5719
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Fait sill Indian
School
1900 Qasher School for
BIA I dear took for 1900
205 students 9-12
125 local trubs
80 US-wide
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Jack Williams Super
of School
Bob Randolply
you- Idia
good 50600l
MEMORANDUM
OF CALL
TO:
BRAd
YOU WERE CALLED BY-
YOU WERE VISITED BY-
OF (Organization)
Don Blueyacket
Sen BARtLeH's OFFice
PHONE NO.
PLEASE CALL
CODE/EXT.
WILL CALL AGAIN
IS WAITING TO SEE YOU
RETURNED YOUR CALL
WISHES AN APPOINTMENT
MESSAGE
Is iN TULSA.
Said you hAve his number
8- 736- 7191 FORD
LISNARY
RECEIVED BY
DATE
TIME
10/5
1255
STANDARD FORM 63
GPO : 1969-c48-16-80341-1 332-889
63-108
REVISED AUGUST 1967
GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6
MEMORANDUM
OF CALL
TO:
BRAd
YOU WERE CALLED BY-
YOU WERE VISITED BY-
OF (Organization)
MR. nichols
OMB
PHONE NO.
PLEASE CALL
CODE/EXT.
WILL CALL AGAIN
IS WAITING TO SEE YOU
RETURNED YOUR CALL
WISHES AN APPOINTMENT
MESSAGE
X4550
RECEIVED BY
DATE
TIME
940
STANDARD FORM 63
GPO :1969-c4S-16-60341-1 332-889
63-108
REVISED AUGUST 1967
GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6
MEMORANDUM
OF CALL
TO:
Brad
X
YOU WERE CALLED BY-
YOU WERE VISITED BY-
OF (Organization)
Don Bluepiclet
PHONE NO.
PLEASE CALL
CODE/EXT.
WILL CALL AGAIN
IS WAITING TO SEE YOU
RETURNED YOUR CALL
WISHES AN APPOINTMENT
MESSAGE
Chamber of Sommerce
585-1201 Julsa (918)
RECEIVED BY
DATE
TIME
STANDARD FORM 63
GPO :1960-o48-16-60341-1 : 882-389
63-108
REVISED AUGUST 1967
GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Tribal bader from
all our US
all Pueble Gous
Gaebe Sr ates
to new
all Tabal bades the to
coclo at that
Jan the hig gathering we
separate gathering
10+3
2 Hs new upon
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Ves
Tinker
MEMORANDUM
OF CALL
TO:
YOU WERE CALLED BY-
YOU WERE VISITED BY-
OF (Organization) July Ellioth
PHONE NO.
PLEASE CALL
CODE/EXT.
WILL CALL AGAIN
IS WAITING TO SEE YOU
RETURNED YOUR CALL
WISHES AN APPOINTMENT
MESSAGE
(713)
483-5226
RECEIVED BY
DATE
TIME
STANDARD FORM 63
GPO :1969-c48-16-80341-1 332-889
63-198
REVISED AUGUST 1967
GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.6
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Jake 918-542-4486 Whitersw
Creator James
Ves Tinker
H 918-287-4389
ORD TOTAL
Mr Me ACall
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 18, 1976
MEMORANDUM TO: JACK MARSH
FROM:
RUSS ROURKE
Jack, I discussed the "Native American Awareness
Week" proclamation matter with Jerry Elliott.
Elliott now accepts the fact that, in the absence
of favorable Congressional action, it is highly
unlikely that the President would issue such a
proclamation. FYI, Elliott discussed this situation
with Ted Marrs during the past week. Elliott did
indicate that "Pat Schroeder had extended the deadline
for action in the House until the end of next week".
Elliott specifically asked that you contact Senator
Hruska, urging him to move the Resolution out of
Committee. We had a very "frank exchange of views" on
the practice of White House officials pressuring
U. S. Senators to take action they are not otherwise
disposed to take. Elliott indicated that one of Senator
Lloyd Bentsen's staff members stated that "Hruska
needed a push from the White House on the Resolution".
Bottom line I assured Elliott that I would brief
you on the entire substance of our conversation, and
that, in the event of favorable Congressional action,
the President would move swiftly on the matter.
CC: CLeppert
BPatterson
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
STATEMENT
OF
THE
INTERIOR
United States Department of the Interior
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
March
3
1849
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240
SEP 2 1 1976
Dear Mr. Chairman:
There are six bills pending before your Committee which provide
for the proclamation of either a "Native American Awareness Week"
or an "American Indian Day". H.J. Res. 946, H.J. Res. 958, and
H.J. Pes. 990 would each authorize the President to proclaim the
week of October 10 through 16, 1976 as "Native American Awareness
Week" while S.J. Fes. 44, in the House of Representatives, H.J. Res.
394, and H.R. 6879 would each authorize the President to proclaim
a "National Indian Day".
While we would strongly support either approach, i.e., establishment
of a "Day" or a "Week", our preference would be for House passage
of S.J. Pes. 44, amended to substitute the language such as that in
H.J. Res. 946 providing fcr the proclamation of the week of October 10
through 16, 1976 as "Native American Awareness Week".
Such action by the Congress would provide National recognition for
a group of Americans whose contributions, culture, and heritage are
an intrinsic part of this country. There have been many efforts to
promote a National Indian Day or a Native American Awareness Week,
and some States and cities now have such observances.
One of the first proponents of an American Indian Day was Dr. Arthur C.
Parker, a Seneca Indian, who was the Director of the Museum of Arts
and Sciences, Rochester, New York. He persuaded the Boy Scouts of
America to set aside a day for the "First Americans," and for three
years they adopted such a day. In 1915, the annual Congress of the
American Indian Association held at Lawrence, Kansas, formally
approved the plan. It directed its president, the Reverend Sherman
Coolidge, an Arapahoe Indian, to call upon the country to observe
such a day. He issued a proclamation on September 28, 1915, which
declared the second Saturday of each May as an American Indian Day.
The proclamation also contained the first formal appeal for recognition
of Indians as citizens.
RACO FORD
CONSERVE
AMERICA'S
ENERGY
Save Energy and You Serve America!
The year before this proclamation was issued, Red Fox James, a
Blackfeet, rode through many States seeking approval for the cele-
bration of a day in honor of American Indians. He later presented
the endorsements of 24 State governors to the White House on
December 14, 1915.
The first American Indian Day was observed on the second Saturday
in May 1916, when the Governor of New York fixed that day for a
State observance. Several States celebrated the fourth Friday in
September as American Indian Day. In Illinois, for example, it became
that day by legislative enactment in 1919. In Massachusetts, in
accordance with a law passed in 1935, the Governor issues a proclama-
tion designating the day that will become American Indian Day for
each year.
The Governor of Oklahoma recently proclaimed the week of October 10
through 16, 1976, as "Native American Awareness Week" in that State.
On July 8, 1976, the Mayor of Los Angeles issued a similar proclamation
and called upon the citizens of the city to observe the week of
October 10 through 16, 1976, "with appropriate ceremonies and
activities." We understand that such observances will also be held
this year in the cities of Cklahoma City, Oklahoma, San Francisco,
California, and Nassau Bay, Texas.
Indian contributions to American society, both in times of war and
peace, have been largely overlooked by historians. It is not
generally recognized that the patriotism shown by more than 8,000
Indian servicemen in World War I (the majority by voluntary enlistment)
was one of the main factors which influenced the Congress to pass
the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924.
In World War II more than 25,000 Indian men and women served in the
Armed Forces, fighting on all fronts in Europe and Asia and winning
(according to an incomplete count) 71 awards of the Air Medal, 51
of the Silver Star, 47 of the Bronze Star, 34 of the Distinguished
Flying Cross, and two of the Congressional Medal of Honor.
One of the better known Indian exploits was that of the Navajo
Marines who used the Navajo language as a battlefield code which
the Japanese could not break. The Navajo "code talkers" were recent
participants in the July 3, 1976, Bicentennial Parade in Washington,
D.C.
Lesser known contributions of Indian people include, among others,
active participation in the Revolutionary War between 1777 and 1784
FORD
by members of the Passamaquoddy tribe. This military contribution
was recently recognized by the United States Court of Appeals for
the First Circuit, in Passamaquoddy, et al. V. Morton, et al.,
388 F. Supp. 649. 667 (D. Me. 1975).
2
The form of the government of the Six Nations of the Iroquois
Confederacy set a major example for the American people during the
time of the creation of our own government. The working example of
such a "confederacy," where tribes elected a headman or chief who was,
individually, their master, and collectively, their servant, contributed
to the American adoption of government with the consent of the governed.
The reverence of Indian people for the land and environment pre-dated
and served as an example for the growing national concern for conserva-
tion of natural resources which evolved into a nationwide movement
for ecology and environmental protection.
The Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians,
the oldest and largest National Indian organization in this country,
has endorsed legislation to establish a National Native American
Awareness Week during the week of October 10 through 16, 1976.
We urge prompt favorable consideration by your Committee of S.J. Res.
44 or one of the other bills mentioned above.
The Office of Management and Budget has advised that there is no
objection to the presentation of this report from the standpoint of
the Administration's program.
Sincerely yours,
John Kyl
Assistant Secretary of the Interior
Honorable David Henderson
Chairman, Committee on
Post Office and Civil Service
House of Pepresentatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
3
NATIVE AMERICAN AWARENESS WEEK
PROCLAMATION
OCTOBER , 1976
By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation:
The Native American or American Indian people have a special and
unique history and relationship to the United States and it is
fitting that in this Bicentennial year of our Nation that the
Congress, by a joint resolution of October , 1976 (90 Stat. ),
has requested the President to issue a proclamation designating the
week of October 10 through 16, 1976, as Native American Awareness
Week, calling for its appropriate observance and declaring that --
"Whereas native American people, both on and off the reservations,
are receiving too little recognition for their contributions
to society;
Whereas to the extent there has been oppression of all Indian tribes
and people, many non-Indians have lost or have never fully
understood the true image of the native American;
Whereas there is a strong and renewed interest in the self-preservation
of all aspects of Indian culture and heritage;
Whereas there is urgency to promote a unified effort of all for the
common good, and to bring about a more wholesome relationship
among native Americans;
Whereas the native American population is working for a better future,
for a revival of participation in the tribal affairs, and for a
revival of moral support for the tribal councils;
Whereas the opportunity exists for an improved understanding regarding
how the peoples' needs and desires are reflected in the programs
and policies of the tribal governments and Federal agencies;
Whereas the native American communities are voicing greater self-
expression and exposure of their value to surrounding communites,
and are taking a more active role in the use and development
of their skills and resources;
Whereas the native American people made significant historical
contributions to the welfare and survival of early pioneers and
explorers who ultimately founded the Republic of the United
States of America:"
Now, Therefore, I, Gerald R. Ford, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim the week of October 10 through 16 as
Native American Awareness Week and call upon the people of the
United States to observe that week with appropriate ceremonies and
activities.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this
day of
October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred seventy-six, and
of the Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and first.
NATIVE AMERICAN AWARENESS WEEK
PROCLAMATION OCTOBER
, 1976
By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation:
In this year of our Bicentennial we have in many ways expressed our
pride in the heritage which our forebears have bequeathed to us.
A vital part of our heritage is the cultural and spiritual
contributions of our First Americans. However, these contributions
have never been fully understood by historians nor given full
recognition by Americans generally.
Indian contributions to American society have been evident both in times
of war and peace. It is not generally recognized that the
patriotism shown by more than 8000 Indian servicemen in World War I
(the majority by voluntary enlistment) was an influential factor
in persuading Congress to pass the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924.
One of the better known Indian exploits in World War II was that of the
Navajo Marines who used the Navajo language as a battlefield code
which the Japanese could not break. The Navajo "code talkers"
were recent participants in the July 3, 1976, Bicentennial Parade
in Washington, D. C.
The form of government of the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy
set a major example for the American people during the time of the
creation of our own government. The working example of such
a "confederacy," where tribes selected a headman or chief who was,
individually, their master, and collectively, their servant,
contributed to the American adoption of government with the
consent of the governed.
The reverence of Indian people for the land and environment pre-dated
and served as an example for the growing concern for conservation
of natural resources which later evolved into a nationwide movement
for ecology and environmental protection.
Many of our cities and States have already taken the initiative to
declare that the week of October 10 throught 16, 1976, as "Native
American Awareness Week."
The Congress, by a joint resolution of October , 1976 (90 Stat. ),
has requested the President to issue a proclamation designating the
week of October 10 through 16, 1976, as Native American Awareness
Week, and calling for its appropriate observance.
Now therefore, I, Gerald R. Ford, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim the week of October 10 through 16,
1976, as "Native American Awareness Week" and call upon the people
of the United States to observe such week with appropriate
ceremonies and activities.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this day of
October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and seventy-
six, and of the Independence of the United States of America
the two hundred and first.
Calendar No. 1292
94TH CONGRESS
2d Session
-
SENATE
REPORT
No. 94-1362
NATIVE AMERICAN AWARENESS WEEK
SEPTEMBER 29, 1976.-Ordered to be printed
Mr. HRUSKA, from the Committee on the Judiciary, submitted the
following
REPORT
[To accompany S.J. Res. 209]
The Committee on the Judiciary, to which was referred the joint
resolution (S.J. Res. 209), authorizing the President to proclaim the
week of October 10 through 16, 1976, as "Native American Awareness
Week," having considered the same, reports favorably thereon without
amendment and recommends that the resolution be agreed to.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the joint resolution is to authorize the President to
proclaim the week of October 10 through 16, 1976, as "Native Ameri-
can Awareness Week."
STATEMENT
The central theme of Native American Awareness Week is to
spotlight the impressive collection of contributions to our society made
by American Indians, Eskimos, and Aleuts. Among this collection of
talents are current and historical figures who have made notable con-
tributions in education, law, medicine, art, the military, science, and
literature. We do not pause often enough to recognize how various
groups of Americans have helped our country and society become what
it is today.
We think it is also important for us to realize the struggle that
native Americans have faced in developing their talents and main-
taining their identity. It has been difficult for these Americans to
survive as distinct ethnic groups. Indeed, many tribes and groups
have disappeared from this land, and the loss of them has somehow
made us less than we could have been. During Native American
Awareness Week, we should reflect on this great loss.
FURO
Not SO many years ago, several tribes and groups faced this same
extinction. But thanks to a resurgence of interest and concern among
57-010
2
native Americans, it is safe to say that America will be able to main-
tain and develop this part of her cultural heritage. We should recognize
and be grateful for the many groups and individuals who are actively
working to preserve that which might have been lost.
Another area to focus on is the reality of the struggle faced by many
native Americans in taking part in the American dream. Too many of
these Americans across our country lead a barely subsistence existence
on some reservations and in rural and urban slums. Sadly, this hap-
pens all too often because we have neglected our responsibilities as
leaders and because too many Americans have not been aware of and
concerned about these problems.
The Committee on the Judiciary believes this joint resolution is
meritorious and recommends its favorable consideration.
S.R. 1362
THE INTERIOR OF THE INTERIOR
United States Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20245
March
1849
IN REPLY REFER TO:
OCT 5 1976
Memorandum
To:
Legislative Counsel
Acting Deputy
(SGD) THEODORE KRENZKE
Through:
Commissioner of Indian Affairs
From:
Director, Congressional & Legislative Affairs Staff, BIA
Subject: Enrolled bill S.J.Res. 209, authorizing the President to
proclaim the week of October 10 through 16, 1976, as Native
American Awareness Week.
We recommend approval of S.J.Res. 209 which is the same as H.J.Res. 946
which was the subject of a favorable Interior Department report of
September 21, 1976, to the House Post Office and Civil Service Committee.
Enclosed are two alternative draft proclamations to implement S.J.Res. 209.
(Sgd) Ralph Reeser
Ralph R. Reeser
Enclosures
cc:
Brad Patterson w/encl.
GREATO FORD
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
UNITED
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
STATES
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
GENERAL COUNSEL
October 6, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR ROBERT D. LINDER
Subject: Native American Awareness Week
Enclosed is a proposed proclamation entitled "Native
American Awareness Week."
The proposed proclamation was prepared in this office
in accord with the passage of S.J. Res. 209 which passed
both Houses of the Congress, and authorizes the President
to designate the week of October 10 through October 16,
1976, as Native American Awareness Week. Also enclosed
are suggestions informally submitted by a representative
from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Time has not permitted formal submission to the Depart-
ment of Justice in accordance with the provisions of
Executive Order No. 11030, as amended. However, an
attorney in that Department, who normally reviews pro-
posed Executive orders and proclamations for form and
legality, has reviewed this proposed proclamation and
has informally advised that there is no legal objection
to its issuance.
We have not as yet received a copy of the enrolled bill
from the Congress; however, in order to avoid the situ-
ation of having to designate a week after it is all over
or of vetoing the Joint Resolution, we are forwarding
the proposed proclamation so that it may be presented
promptly for the President's consideration.
This proposed proclamation has the approval of the Director
of the Office of Management and Budget.
(Signed) William M. Michols
William M. Nichols
General Counsel
2 Enclosures
COPY FOR MR. BRAD PATTERSON - THE WHITE HOUSE
NATIVE AMERICAN AWARENESS WEEK
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
It is especially appropriate during our Bicenten-
nial Year to recall the impressive collection of con-
tributions made to our society by American Indians,
Eskimos, and Aleuts. These native Americans have made
notable contributions in education, law, medicine,
art, the military, science and literature.
The culture and heritage of our native Americans
are uniquely American. In renewing the spirit and
determined dedication of 1776 which brought forth a
new Nation, we should also join with our native Americans
in rebuilding an awareness, understanding and apprecia-
tion for their historical role and future participation
in the American dream. We should do so with the same
spirit and dedication which, fostered with reliance
on Divine Providence and with firm belief in individual
liberty, kindled and made a reality of the hopes for
a new life for all who inhabited this land.
In recognition of the importance of the contri-
butions made to our society by native Americans, the
FORD
Senate (September 30, 1976) and the House of Repre
sentatives (October 1, 1976) have requested that the
President proclaim the week of October 10, 1976, as
Native American Awareness Week (S.J. Res. 209).
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GERALD R. FORD, President of
the United States of America, do hereby designate the
2
week beginning October 10, 1976, and ending October 16,
1976, as Native American Awareness Week.
I call upon all the people of the United States
to join in observing this week with appropriate cere-
monies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand
this
day of
,
in the year of our
Lord nineteen hundred seventy-six, and of the Inde-
pendence of the United States of America the two
hundred and first.
October 6, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
Subject: Proposed Proclamation entitled "Native American
Awareness Week"
Mr. Leon Ulman, Office of Legal Counsel, Department of
Justice (187-2051), advised they had reviewed this proposed
proclamation and had no objection to its issuance.
Gonald a. Kienlen Richan
Assistant General Counsel
NATIVE AMERICAN AWARENESS WEEK
PROCLAMATION
OCTOBER , 1976
By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation:
The Native American or American Indian people have a special and
unique history and relationship to the United States and it is
fitting that in this Bicentennial year of our Nation that the
Congress, by a joint resolution of October , 1976 (90 Stat. )
,
has requested the President to issue a proclamation designating the
week of October 10 through 16, 1976, as Native American Awareness
Week, calling for its appropriate observance and declaring that ---
"Whereas native American people, both on and off the reservations,
are receiving too little recognition for their contributions
to society;
Whereas to the extent there has been oppression of all Indian tribes
and people, many non-Indians have lost or have never fully
understood the true image of the native American;
Whereas there is a strong and renewed interest in the self-preservation
of all aspects of Indian culture and heritage;
Whereas there is urgency to promote a unified effort of all for the
common good, and to bring about a more wholesome relationship
among native Americans;
Whereas the native American population is working for a better future,
for a revival of participation in the tribal affairs, and for a
revival of moral support for the tribal councils;
Whereas the opportunity exists for an improved understanding regarding
how the peoples' needs and desires are reflected in the programs
and policies of the tribal governments and Federal agencies;
Whereas the native American communities are voicing greater self-
expression and exposure of their value to surrounding communites,
and are taking a more active role in the use and development
of their skills and resources;
Whereas the native American people made significant historical
contributions to the welfare and survival of early pioneers and
explorers who ultimately founded the Republic of the United
States of America:"
Now, Therefore, I, Gerald R. Ford, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim the week of October 10 through 16 as
Native American Awareness Week and call upon the people of the
United States to observe that week with appropriate ceremonies and
activities.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this
day of
October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred seventy-six, and
of the Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and first.
NATIVE AMERICAN AWARENESS WEEK
PROCLAMATION
OCTOBER
, 1976
By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation:
In this year of our Bicentennial we have in many ways expressed our
pride in the heritage which our forebears have bequeathed to us.
A vital part of our heritage is the cultural and spiritual
contributions of our First Americans. However, these contributions
have never been fully understood by historians nor given full
recognition by Americans generally.
Indian contributions to American society have been evident both in times
of war and peace. It is not generally recognized that the
patriotism shown by more than 8000 Indian servicemen in World War I
(the majority by voluntary enlistment) was an influential factor
in persuading Congress to pass the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924.
One of the better known Indian exploits in World War II was that of the
Navajo Marines who used the Navajo language as a battlefield code
which the Japanese could not break. The Navajo "code talkers"
were recent participants in the July 3, 1976, Bicentennial Parade
in Washington, D. C.
The form of government of the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy
set a major example for the American people during the time of the
creation of our own government. The working example of such
a "confederacy," where tribes selected a headman or chief who was,
individually, their master, and collectively, their servant,
contributed to the American adoption of government with the
consent of the governed.
The reverence of Indian people for the land and environment pre-dated
and served as an example for the growing concern for conservation
of natural resources which later evolved into a nationwide movement
for ecology and environmental protection.
Many of our cities and States have already taken the initiative to
declare that the week of October 10 throught 16, 1976, as "Native
American Awareness Week."
Alternative x2
The Congress, by a joint resolution of October , 1976 (90 Stat. ),
has requested the President to issue a proclamation designating the
week of October 10 through 16, 1976, as Native American Awareness
Week, and calling for its appropriate observance.
Now therefore, I, Gerald R. Ford, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim the week of October 10 through 16,
1976, as "Native American Awareness Week" and call upon the people
of the United States to observe such week with appropriate
ceremonies and activities.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this day of
October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and seventy-
six, and of the Independence of the United States of America
the two hundred and first.
BRAD:
DON BLUEJACKET CALLED AND LEFT LIST OF TRIBES:
ABSENTEE SHAWNEE
CADDO
CHEYENNE-ARAPAHO
CITIZENS BAND POTAWATOMI
COMMANCHE
DELAWARE OF WESTERN OKLAHOMA (KNOWN AS ABSENTEE DELAWARE)
FORT SILL APACHE
IOWA OF KANSAS-NEBRASKA
IOWA OF OKLAHOMA
KAW
KICKAPOO
KICKAPOO OF OKLAHOMA
KIOWA
APACHE
OTOE MISSOURIA
PAWNEE
PONCA
PRAIRIE BAND POTAWATOMI
SAC AND FOX OF MISSOURI
SAC AND FOX OF OKLAHOMA
TONKAWA
WICHITA
ALL COMPRISE THE UNITED WESTERN INTER-TRIBAL COUNCIL
YOU CAN REACH HIM AT HOME TONIGHT IF NOT IN HIS OFFICE.
HOME NUMBER: CLAIRMORE, OKLAHOMA (918) 341-3342
GERALD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 6, 1976
NOTE TO BILL NICHOLSON
FORD
Subject: Possible Indian Event at Lawton, Oklahoma
GERALD
Recapping what I mentioned to you last night, the
following describes what might be a small opportunity for the
President (I guess his only one during the campaign) to strike a
chord for Indians.
The Congress has, in its final hours, approved a Joint
Resolution designating October 10-16 as Native American Awareness
Week. (This has no foundation in US or Indian history, but there it
is, and we are stuck with it.) It is S.J. Res. 209, being enrolled.
If the enrolled Resolution gets here in time for the
President to sign it, the following events are a possibility:
1. Interior is drafting and OMB has been alerted to
clear, quickly, a Proclamation. Hopefully to be ready
for the 2:30 courier today.
2. President arrives inLawton Oklahoma for an "open arrival"
at 6:15 Friday the 8th. This is in Indian country.
3. (MINIMUM EVENT) : The President could sign the Resolution
and the Proclamation and make a few remarks about them
upon arrival at Lawton.
3-a. (MORE THAN MINIMUM) In Lawton there is the Fort Sill
Indian School with 205 Indian students in g rades 9-12.
125 of them are local students, 80 from other places in
the US. The school is old, tho (1900) and is headed by
a non-Indian superintendent. But also in Lawton is
-2-
a modern, accredited, (1966) Indian Health Service
hospital of 80 beds aman outpatient clinic. It is
directed by an Indian (Emerson Eckiwardy). The President
might go to the hospital, sign the Resolution and the
Proclamation, and talk about his signing of the Indian
Health Bill and a bit more about his policies for Indians.
4. For either 3 or 3-a, with some advance notice, we could
assemble some Indian leaders who are there in Western:-
Oklahoma (Tribal Chairmen of Kiowa, Cheyenne-Arapahoe,
Wichita/Cadoo, maybe others). A gent named Howard Goodbear
(who lives near Okaahoma City) is Chairmen of a group
called the United Western Tribes of Oklahoma; he is a
Republican and could help us with the arrangements, I
believe, if called upon. (There are many tribes in
Eastern Oklahoma, but that is a different bunch.)
A.
NOTE: Oklahoma is the state with the largest Indian population
of all: 98,468 Indians according to the 1970 Census.
B.
POLICY NOTE: The purpose of anything the President does re Indians
is not SO much to get Indians to vote for him but to reinforce
his very good and very pro-Indian position in the perception
of the American public, which itself is very pro-Indian.
C. LEGAL NOTE: After starting this memo, I got a call from BIA's Legisla
tive counsel who informs me that the actual Resolution,
SJ Res 209, enrolled, won't reach the White House until Friday.
But the Proclamation will be ready for the C burier today. But
technically, the President doesn't require the Resolution before
he signs the Proclamation -- it's just that that's been our
-3-
policy, in order to screen out thousands of requests
for problámations. This being the legal situation, and
since the Resolution has been passed, we could certainly
stretch this into an entirely proper signing at Lawton.
Bill Nichols, General Counsel of OMB, concurs in this view
I recommend you DX this out to Terry and then give
me further guidance. I will not put anything in motion with the
Indian people until I hear further from you , tho I am doing some
contingency staff work within the Executive Branch.
Bad Pattbox
cc: Baroody
Linder
CEMALED R.FORD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 6, 1976
NOTE TO BILL NICHOLSON
Some more pertinent information about the possible
Indian event in Lawton:
1. As I mentioned on the phone, the Chiefs of the
Five Civilized Tribes of Eastern Oklahoma (Chickasaws,
Seminoles, Choctaws, Cherokees and Creeks) are meeting
for their quarterly intertribal meeting in Sulphur, Oklahoma,
60 miles from Lawton
on October 7-8. These are the big, "heavy" tribes from
E. Oklahoma, where most of the Indians live. The western
tribes (22 count 'em 22) are much smaller.
2. It would not be proper -- and would lay us open
(the second time) to the charge of manipulation -- if we
just asked such important leaders to come to Lawton,
especially from far away, to only a ceremony, handshakes,
FORD
pictures, etc.
GERALD
3. Accordingly I propose that the esident say a few
words at the airport at Lawton, the skip any stop at any
hospital, and meet with the Oklahoma Indian leaders from
the eastern and western part of the State, for 30 minutes
at his hotel. Private meeting at first, then call in the
press and cameras for full press coverage of the signing
of the Proclamation. (OMB has sent it to Linder; it is ready).
4. This would be much easier ofi the boss and on
all the security etc logistics -- to have just two places
-2-
to worry about: the airport and the hotel.
5. My intelligence system has picked up word that
Carter is going to be in Albuquqrque on noon of that same
day the 8th -- and has invited tribal leaders from all
over the US , es ecially New Mexico -- to join him in Albuquerque
for a period around the noon hour. Ted Marrs is doing detective
work to try to find out, but his interim report is that there will
be no private meeting with Carter -- the Indians are just being
invited to be present at a rally. All the more reason for the
President to have an actual meeting.
Marrs will let me know if he finds out anything more
about Carter's plans.
Red
GERALD R. FORD
cc: Baroody
130
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Rec,d. Comr ,S. Office
OCT 130-ACTION
October 6
(ec:100 Action
Morrie -
Is this draft absolutely
correct vis-a-vis Oklahoma
Indians?
MERALD BIT P. FORD
Please check carefully &
let me know of any important changes
that shouldbe made (the writers
here are probably going to edit it
considerably...)
Brad
HAND CARRY
TO: L. Bugles
ROOM:
130 343-7445
AIRPORT REMARKS - LAWTON OKLAHOMA
Re Indians
(Assumption: approval of the pending proposal for the President to meet
with Indian leaders for half an hour following the airport arrival.)
One of the reasons I particularly wanted to come to Lawton
is to be with and meet with Indian people in this State of Oklahoma -- which
has more Indian residents than any other State in the Union.
There is no domestic matter of which I am more proud that the
record of this Administration and its predecessor in changing the policies
of the past for American Indians.
Indian people -- and the American people generally -- know how
shameful those policies were. In the past there were treaties made- and
the Government b roke them. In the past there was Indian land reservedy-
and the Government took it away. In the past the Government told many
tribes that they should terminate themselyes and that their Reservations
would be wiped out.
The remaining tribes were run for decades by a
FORD
paternalistic federal bureaucracy.
Jomit
GERALD
Beginning in 1970, those old policies have been totally reversed.
In January of 1975 I signed the Indian Self-Determination Act -- a Magna
Charter for American Indian people.
Today we recognize Indian tribal governments -- including those
in Oklahoma -- as vital governmental organizations in their own right.
My policy now is to offer Indian tribes the oppo tunity to run and manage
their own schools, their own hespitals, their own economic degelopment.
At the pace they choose, Indian tribes can contract to t ake over these
functions and to diminish that federal bureaucracy. Under the Self-reterminatio
Act, Indian parents are given a definite voice in the education of their
children and Indian tribal governments are strengthened.
-2-
Just a week ago I signed the Indian Health Care Improvement
Act, which authorizes significantly great[er resources for the Indian health
care delivery system. I know you are proud of the fine, accredited
Indian hospital here in Lawton -- but many Indian hospitals are not
accredited, and we must ) and will bring them up to standard.
I will be meeting later this evening with the Tribal Chair-
men and leade SS of the Western and theEastern Oklahoma tribes. I want
to sit down with them and have a face to face talk about issues and questions
which we face together.
At the end of our meeting, I will sign a Proclamation
declaring October 10-16 as Native American Awareness Week.
You all know the challenge which goes "Put your money where
your mouth is!
My administration's support for Indian programs is not
just rhetoric from the mouth; it is dollars where they are needed.
FORD
Eight years ago the Bureau of Indian Affairs budgetwas
$777
$262 millionX dollars; today it is $74 million The Indian Health
budget was $113 millions; today it is $425 millions. Four years ago the
manpower training budget for Indian people was $17 millions; today mine is
$75 millions; HEW's Indian education budget was $18 millions; mine today
is $42 millions.
My record of support for Indian programs and for the
protection of Inaidn trustrights is clear and precise. I am confident that
Indian people willwant those policies -- and my Administration -- to
continue.
AIRPORT REMARKS - LAWTON OKLAHOMA
Re Indians
(Assumption: approval of the pending proposal for the President to meet
with Indian leaders for half an hour following the airport arrival.)
One of the reasons I particularly wanted to come to Lawton
is to be with and meet with Indian people in this State of Oklahoma -- which
has more Indian residents than any other State in the Union.
There is no domestic matter of which I am more proud that the
record of this Administration and its predecessor in changing the policies
of the past for American Indians.
Indian people -- and the American people generally -- know how
shameful those policies were. In the past there were treaties made-- and
the Government b roke them. In the past there was Indian land reserved,-
and the Government took it away. In the past the Government told many
tribes that they should terminate themselyes and that their Reservations
would be wiped out. The remaining tribes were run for decades by a
FORD
paternalistic federal bureaucracy.
Beginning in 1970, those old policies have been totally reversed.
In January of 1975 I signed the Indian Self-Determination Act -- a Magna
Charter for American Indian people.
Today we recognize Indian trigal governments -- including those
in Oklahoma -- as vital governmental organizations in their own right.
My policy now is to offer Indian tribes the oppo tunity to run and manage
their own schools, their own hespitals, their own economic degelopment.
At the pace they choose, Indian tribes can contract to t ake over these
functions and to diminish the federal bureaucracy. Under the Self-Determinatio
Act, Indian parents are given a definite voice in the education of their
children and Indian to tribal governments are strengthened.
-2-
Just a week ago I signed the Indian Health Care Improvement
Act, which authorizes significantly great[er resources for the Indian health
care delivery system. I know you are proud of the fine, accredited
Indian hospital here in Lawton -- but many Indian hospitals are not
accredited, and we must and will bring them up to standard.
I will be meeting later this evening with the Tribal Chair-
men and leade ss of the Western and theEastern Oklahoma tribes. I want
to sit down with them and have a face to face talk about issues and questions
which we face together.
,
At the end of our meeting, I will sign a Proclamation
declaring October 10-16 as Native American Awareness Week.
You all know the challenge which goes "Put your money where
your mouth is! "
My administration's support for Indian programs is not
just rhetoric from the mouth; it is dollars where they are needed.
Eight years ago the Bureau of Indian Affairs budgetwas
$262 millionX dollars; today it is $764 millions. The Indian Health
budget was $113 millions; today it is $425 millions. Four years ago the
manpower training budget for Indian people was $17 millions; today mine is
$75 millions; HEW's Indian education budget was $18 millions; mine today
is $42 millions.
My record of support for Indian programs and for the
protection of Inaidn trustrights is clear and precise. I am confident that
Indian people willwant those policies -- and my Administration -- to
continue.
WEEK
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
It is especially appropriate during our Bicenten-
role played
nial Year to recall the impressive collection or con-
in
tributions made to our society by American Indians,
Eskimos, and Aleuts. These dative Americans have made
notable contributions in education, law, medicine, sports,
art, the military, science and literature.
The culture and heritage of our native Americans
are uniquely American In renewing the spirit and
the past 200 years
determined dedication of 1776 A which N ought forth a
has
new Nation, we should also join with our native Americans
in rebuilding an awareness, understanding and apprecia-
tion for their historical role and future participation
in the American dream. We should do so with the same
our diverse society.
^
spirit and dedication which, fostered with reliance
on Divine Providence and with firm belief in individual
liberty, kindled and made a reality of the hopes for
a new life for all who inhabited this land.
In recognition of the importance of the contri-
cultured
butions made to (our 1 society by native Americans, the
Senate (September 30, 1976) and the House of Repre-
sentatives (October 1, 1976) have requested that the
President proclaim the week of October 10, 1976, as
CERALO FORD LIBAL
Native American Awareness Week (S.J. Res. 209).
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GERALD R. FORD, President of
the United States of America, do hereby designate the
NATIVE AMERICAN AWARENESS WEEK, 1976
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
It is especially appropriate during our Bicentennial
Year to recall the impressive role played in our society
by American Indians, Eskimos, and Aleuts. Native Americans
have made notable contributions in education, law, medicine,
sports, art, the military, science and literature.
The culture and heritage of our native Americans are
unique. In renewing the spirit and determined dedication
of the past 200 years we should also join with our native
Americans in rebuilding an awareness, understanding and
appreciation for their historical role and future partici-
pation in our diverse American society. We should do so
with the same spirit and dedication which, fostered with
reliance on Divine Providence and with firm belief in
individual liberty, kindled and made a reality of the
hopes for a new life for all who inhabited this land.
In recognition of the importance of the contributions
made to our many-cultured society by native Americans, the
Senate (September 30, 1976) and the House of Representatives
(October 1, 1976) have requested that the President proclaim
the week of October 10, 1976, as Native American Awareness
Week (S.J. Res. 209).
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GERALD R. FORD, President of the
United States of America, do hereby designate the week
GERALD FORD NIBRARY
beginning October 10, 1976, and ending October 16, 1976,
as Native American Awareness Week.
I call upon all the people of the United States to join
in observing this week with appropriate ceremonies and
activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen
hundred seventy-six, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and first.
October 7, 1976
MEMORANDUM FOR:
DICK CHENEY
FROM:
BILL BAROODY, JR.
I have learned from the Scheduling office that they have
turned down the recommendation that the President have a
private meeting with Oklahoma Indian leaders in Lawton
tomorrow night.
This will put the President in a clearly embarrassing
posture -- because of a development you should know about.
On the same day -- on the 8th around noon -- Carter has
scheduled a half-hour dialogue meeting in Albuquerque
with 6 leaders from the National Congress of American
Indians, 6 from the National Tribal Chairmen's Associa-
tion and some New Mexico Pueblo Governors. Among the
group will be the President of NCAI (Mel Tonasket) and
the President of the National Tribal Chairmen (Wendell
Chino). It was Tonasket who came to the meeting here
on July 16 and then criticized the Administration for
not permitting any dialogue and for "using" Indians
"in costume" primarily for ceremonial purposes.
At Lawton tomorrow night we are planning -- you guessed
it -- only another Indian ceremony: witnessing the
signing of a Proclamation designating October 10-16 as
"Native American Awareness Week."
The comparison -- coming on the same day -- will be
acute and, for us, painful.
No have two alternatives to get ourselves out of this box:
a. Have that private meeting Friday night in
Lawton at the hotel with 10 or 20 Indian tribal chairmen
from Oklahoma.
FORD & LIBRARY GERALD
-2-
b. Have the President, during his Lawton airport
remarks, announce that he is issuing an invitation to
national Indian leaders to meet with his Cabinet, his
Staff and himself for a day long conference at the
White House after either the election or the Inaugura-
tion to go over ideas for a Second Special Indian
Message to the Congress (Nixon's of July, 1970 was the
first). (February would probably be the best date,
following the submission of the Report of the American
Indian Policy Review Commission, a joint Congressional/
Indian outfit.)
I recommend Alternative b. with Alternative a. as a
fall-back (much less desirable because he would tend
to hear only local Oklahoma issues). I attach a
paragraph he could use.
But without either a. or b., we will be set up for
embarrassing criticism from the Indian community -
its significance being that such criticism is quickly
echoed in the non-Indian world.
DRAFT/
I now have a special announcement I wish to make to the
TEXT
community of Indian people across the Nation.
In January of 1975 the Congress created the American
Indian Policy Review Commission. I have kept abreast
of its work and am aware that the Commission's final
report is scheduled to be made to the Congress in
February of 1977.
At that point, both Indian people and the Congress will
want to know how the President stands concerning the
recommendations which the Commission will be making.
I wish to announce today that I an going to invite the
responsible leaders of the American Indian community to
the White House in February of 1977 - not for ceremonies -
but for a full day of serious dialogue with members of my
Cabinet, my staff and myself. The purpose of this conference
will be to shape ideas for a Second Special Message to the
Congress on Indian policies and legislation. The first was
the milestone Message of July 8, 1970; but the progress ve
have made must go on. Early in my second Administration I
shall send such a Message and I want Indian leaders to sit
down with me and discuss its substance.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 8
11:15
NOTE TO WJB:
Ted Marrs and I have a deal
that he will get, from one of the
participants, the substance of the meeting
Carter is having today with the Indians
(noon - Albuquerque - 3 PM our time). Ted
will phone me.
If there is anything that transpires
which would affect the President's remarks
tonight, I'll be in touch with you.
If you hear anything fromm
Cheney re the memo we sent him, please let
me know right away; BIA has contingency
briefing material being prepared in case Option
(a) ) is chosen.
Brad
FORD is LIBRARY GERALD
TALKING POINTS FOR SIGNING THE PROCLAMATION
ON NATIVE AMERICAN AWARENESS WEEK
There are some million Indian citizens in America,
and same may say "that is a very small minority."
I count American Indian people, however, not in
numbers but in the honored place they hold in our multi-cultured
society, and inthe future of our nation.
The 215 million of us are keenly concerned with the
1 million; the welfare and progress of Native Americans
is high on the agenda of the American conscience.
My administration is equally determined that
history is going to continue to be changed -- that the
Indian shall no longer be lowest in poverty and slimmest in
opportunity. And we are making those changes now.
I gn this Proclamation as a signal of that
determination -- and as an invitation to all my fellow
citizens to reaffirm that our First Americans are among
America's most respected and honored citizens.
FORD
October 6, 1976
SECOND DRAFT
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS AT LAWTON AIRPORT RALLY, LAWTON, OKLAHOMA,
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1976
It's great to be in Oklahoma. No state in the union
has more residents who are Native Americans than the great state
of Oklahoma. No domestic matter has given me greater pride
than my Administration's record of turning around the discrimination
and neglect that all Indians faced for so many years.
In January of 1975 I signed the Indian Self-Determination
Act -- a Magna Charter for American Indian people.
Today we recognize Indian tribal governments --
including those in Oklahoma --as vital governmental organizations
in their own right.
Just a week ago I signed the Indian Health Care
Improvement Act, which authorizes significantly greater
resources for the Indian health care delivery system. I know
you are proud of the fine, accredited Indian hospital here in
Lawton -- but many Indian hospitals are not accredited, and
we must and will bring them up to standard.
In just a few -2- minutes
Later this evening I will be meeting with the Tribal
Chairmen and leaders of the Western and the Eastern Oklahoma
tribes. I want to sit down and talk with them face to face about
issues that concern their people.
At the end of that meeting,
I
will sign a Proclamation
declaring October 10-16 as Native American Awareness Week.
My Administration's support for Indian programs is not
just rhetoric. We backed up our words with dollars.
Eight years ago the Bureau of Indian Affairs budget
$777
was 262 million dollars; today it is 764 million dollars. The
Indian Health budget was 113 million dollars; today it is
425 million dollars. Our manpower training budget for Indian
people has increased 400 percent in just four years.
My record of support for Indian programs and for the
protection of Indian trustrights is clear and precise. America
wants those policies to continue, and in the next four years
they will continue.
OF COLLECTION INTERIOR
United States Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20245
March
3.
1849
IN REPLY REFER TO:
October 8, 1976
Memorandum
To:
Mr. Bradley Patterson
Special Assistant to the President
From:
Commissioner of Indian Affairs
Subject:
Briefing Materials for the President's scheduled visit
to Lawton, Oklahoma
Herewith attached, please find issue and answer paper (s) for subject
matters that may surface during the President's meeting with elected
Tribal Leaders of Oklahoma.
TV
Attachments
Brad Here IT TURNS
out well
FORD LIBRARY & 97W839
CONSERVE
AMERICA'S
ENERGY
Save Energy and You Serve America!
BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
ORGANIZATION
The Bureau provides services to the Indian tribes of Oklahoma through the
Anadarko and Muskogee Area Offices and twenty five subordinate service
agencies.
The following is a list of the tribes serviced by the Anadarko and Muskogee
Area Offices:
Anadarko
Absentee-Shawnee - Chairman, Danny Little Axe
Caddo - Chairman, Harry Guy Gooday
Cheyenne-Arapaho - Chairman, Howard Goodbeau
Potawatomi - Chairman, Gerald Peltier
Comanche - Chairman, James Cox
Delaware - Chairman, Lawrence Snake
Ft. Sill Apache - Chairman, Tilbert
Iowa - Chairman, Charles Morris
Kaw - Chairman, Jesse Mehojoh
Kickapoo - Chairman, Steve Cadue
Kiowa - Chairman, Pressley Ware
Otoe-Missouria - Chairman, Ken Black
Pawnee - Chairman, Tom Chapman
Ponca - Chairman, Leonard Biggoose
Prairie Potawatomi - Chairwoman, Camilla Wishkeno
Sac & Fox - Chairman, Curtis Giffillan
Tonkawa - Chairman, Henry Allen
Muskogee Area
Alabama-Quassarte - Chairman, Daniel Beaver
Cherokee - Chairman, Ross Swimmer
Chickasaw - Governor, Overton James
Choctaw - Principal Chief, David Gardner
Cherokee-Delaware - Chairman, Bruce Townsend
Creek - Principal Chief, Claude Cox
Eastern Shawnee - Chief, James Greenfeather
Miami - Chief, Floyd Leonard
Osage - Principal Chief, Sylvester Tinker
Peoria - Chief, Rodney Arnette
Quapaw - Chairman, Jesse McKibben
Seminole - Chief, Edwin Tanyan
Seneca - Cayuga - Chief, James Allan
Keetoowah - Chief, Bill Glory
Wyandotte - Chief, Leonard Cotter
Town King, Thlophlocco - Curtis Canard (Chief)
GERALD ? FORD
INDEX
1. Indian Preference
2. OMB Memorandum
3. Commissioner's Resignation
4. Budget
5. Arkansas Riverbed
6. List of Tribal Officials
BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
INDIAN PREFERENCE
Indian preference does not have uniform application for all tribes in the
United States, especially in Oklahoma.
Probable Question:
What do you propose to do in order to bring about equity in the application
of Indian Preference?
Answer:
In order to bring about uniform application of the law to all applicable
Indian tribes, it will be necessary to amend the existing statute.
Before doing this, I will entertain all recommendations that would be
required to affect and bring about material benefits to the tribes
concerned.
BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
OMB MEMORANDUM
Recently, OMB issued a staff paper that upset the elected Tribal
leaders in the United States.
This memorandum in effect proposed some rather adverse ideals regarding
a new policy towards the Indian people of America.
Probable Question:
Would the President wish to commit on this rather controversial paper,
referred to as the Borgstrom Memorandum?
Answer:
Recently at a White House meeting with Tribal leaders from across the
United States on July 16, I unequivocally reassured the Indian leadership
at that meeting that this Administration would not condone a new policy
of forced termination.
BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
RESIGNATION OF THE COMMISSIONER
Probable Question:
What plans does the administration have for filling the vacancy of
Commissioner of Indian Affairs created by the resignation of Commissioner
Thompson?
Answer:
Secretary Kleppe has assured me that during the transition period in
Filling this vacancy, the administration's trust responsibility will
be maintained with no loss in program services. It will be an orderly
transition and I solicit your recommendations in our recruiting process.
FORD
BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
BUDGET
Probable Question:
Would the President please provide for the Tribal Leaders a budget
figure for FY '77 regarding the Bureau's Education allocation and
total BIA Budget.
Answer:
In FY '76 the BIA received 747.1 million and for FY '77 the BIA will
receive 776.8 million. This is an increase of almost 4%. The
Education allocation for FY '77 is 230.1 million.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20242
Proposed:
1976
1977
1978
$
$
% increase
$
%increase
Operation of Indian Programs
1. Education
223.5
230.1
3.0
247.8
7.7
2. Indian Services
137.6
155.4
12.9
166.7
7.3
3. Economic Development
& Manpower Programs
72.5
72.9
.1
70.6
-3.3
4. Natural Resources
36.0
38.7
7.5
47.9
23.8
5. Trust Responsibility
23.4
25.5
9.0
29.5
15.7
6. General Management
& Facilities Operation
73.1
80.1
9.6
81.7
2.0
566.1
602.7
6.5
644.2
6.9
Construction
80.7
77.1
-4.5
96.8
25.6
Road Construction
-
39.1
-
68.7
75.7
(Obligations)
(60.1)
(71.0)
(18.1)
(69.4)
--.9
Miscellaneous Appropriations
87.3
42.9
-50.9
45.6
6.3
Revolving Loan Funds
3.0
-
-
-
-
Loan Guaranty
10.0
15.0
50.0
-
-
Total Federal Funds
747.1
776.8
3.9
855.3
10.1
BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
ARKANSAS RIVERBED
Probable Question:
What will be the position of this administration concerning
your settlement of the Arkansas Riverbed Claim?
Answer:
At the present time, as you know, the bill has been introduced
into both houses and as of this date the respective committees
have not submitted their recommendations. But my administration would
favor a proper settlement of these claims.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Paul Davis
405 It 248-4262
0 [482-7133]
482-2250
222 Hotel
5145
Faco from a HC
FORD i LIGRARY 2748
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
all Tutes wis BIA
attach
Wel Can at the airport
Com we to V/P sation
winde fake
TT Halfor
TT to and w sector as
Indian gas vas of VIP
on down
II Releaded comes r april she
sear - -Ver
457-6464
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Paul Davis
8965-841 8965-861-C1S
10/6 B Plase Hotel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 8, 1976
OFFICE OF THE WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY
(Lawton, Oklahoma)
THE WHITE HOUSE
REMARKS OF THE PRESIDENT
UPON SIGNING A PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING
NATIVE AMERICAN AWARENESS WEEK, 1976
THE MONTEGO BAY HOTEL
8:10 P.M. CDT
Before signing the Proclamation, I would like
to make some additional remarks.
I would like to say a few words about a very
important issue. No State in the Union has more
residents who are native Americans than the great State
of Oklahoma. No domestic matter has given me greater
pride than my Administration's record of turning about
the discrimination and neglect that all Indians faced
for so many years.
In January of 1975 I signed the Indian Self-
Determination Act, a magna carta for Indian people. Today
we recognize Indian tribal Governments, including those
in Oklahoma, as vital Government organizations in their
own right.
Just a week ago I signed the Indian Health Care
Improvement Act, which authorized significant improved
resources for Indian health delivery care.
I know you are very proudof the fine accredited
hospital here in Lawton, but many Indian hospitals are not
accredited. We must -- and we will -- bring them up to
standards.
In a few minutes I will sign a Presidential
Proclamation declaring October 10 to 16 as Native American
Awareness Week. The Administration support for Indian
programs is not just rhetoric. We back up our words with
action.
Eight years ago the Bureau of Indian Affairs --
its budget was $262 million. Today it is $777 million.
The Indian health budget was $113 million; today, $425
million. Our manpower training budget for Indian people
CHELO FORD
is four times bigger than it was only four years ago.
The record of support for Indian programs and for the
protection of Indian trust rights is clear and precise.
America wants those policies to continue, and I can assure
you that they will.
MORE
(OVER)
Page 2
Let me say to the Oklahoma delegation, and
Senator Paul Laxalt here from Nevada, as well as the
tribal leaders, and I am delighted to have the oppor-
tunity of participating with them in the signing of
this Proclamation.
There are about one million American Indian
citizens, and some may say this is a very small minority.
I count American Indian people, however, not in numbers
but in the honored place that they hold in our multi-
cultured society and in the future of our nation.
The 215 million of us are keenly concerned
with the one million. The welfare and the progress of
native Americans is high on the agenda of the American
conscience.
My Administration is equally determined that
history is going to continue to be changed, that the
Indian shall no longer be lowest in poverty and slimmest
in opportunity, and we are making those changes now.
I sign this Proclamation as a signal of that
determination and as an invitation to all of my fellow
citizens to reaffirm that our first Americans are among
America's most respected and honored citizens.
Thank you all very much.
END
(AT 8:10 P.M. CDT)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 1976
Office of the White House Press Secretary
(Dallas, Texas)
THE WHITE HOUSE
NATIVE AMERICAN AWARENESS WEEK, 1976
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
It is especially appropriate during our Bicentennial
Year to recall the impressive role played in our society
by American Indians, Eskimos, and Aleuts. Native Americans
have made notable contributions in education, law, medicine,
sports, art, the military, science and literature.
The culture and heritage of our native Americans are
unique. In renewing the spirit and determined dedication
of the past 200 years we should also Join with our native
Americans in rebuilding an awareness, understanding and
appreciation for their historical role and future partici-
pation in our diverse American society. We should do so
with the same spirit and dedication which, fostered with
reliance on Divine Providence and with firm belief in
individual liberty, kindled and made a reality of the
hopes for a new life for all who inhabited this land.
In recognition of the importance of the contributions
made to our many-cultured society by native Americans, the
Senate (September 30, 1976) and the House of Representatives
(October 1, 1976) have requested that the President proclaim
the week of October 10, 1976, as Native American Awareness
Week (S.J. Res. 209).
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GERALD R. FORD, President of the
United States of America, do hereby designate the week
beginning October 10, 1976, and ending October 16, 1976,
as Native American Awareness Week.
I call upon all the people of the United States to join
in observing this week with appropriate ceremonies and
activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
eighth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen
hundred seventy-six, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and first.
GERALD R. FORD
####