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The original documents are located in Box 4, folder "Newsclips (1)" 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States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.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
INDIAN NEWS CLIPS
OFFICE OF INFORMATION
202-343-7446
VOL. 6 NO. 35
August 28, 1976
New York Times August 22, 1976
Locklear Is a Yankee With an Unusual
By MURRAY CHASS
Gene Locklear is (A) the
only major league baseball
Past and Future
player who is a full-blooded
Indian, (B) the only major
league baseball player who
see them sometimes."
"During the season I paint
Syracuse farm club July 10.
has done a painting for the
Locklear has liked to draw
with acrylics because they
Then the Yankees purchased
White House, (C) the only
and paint since his early
dry quicker," he said. "I use
him from Syracuse Aug. 3.
major. league baseball player
oils in winter. Oils are better
When the Padres sold him,
school days, but the Indian
whose first time at bat for
because they don't dry as
he was preparing to do a
schools he attended in North
the Yankees resulted in a
fast and you can work with
painting for Dave Winfield,
Carolina never had an art
$1,000 fine for the team, (D)
them longer."
a teammate, who was moving
teacher so he learned on his
none of the above, (E) all of
into a new condominium. He
Locklear did perhaps his
own. Then in his first year
the above.
already had done a landscape
most prolific work two win-
in high school he began tak-
Since Locklear is a full-
for another teammate, Johnny
ters ago when he turned out
ing a correspondence course.
blooded Lumbee Indian who
Grubb. The painting he
26 paintings of Pete Rose in
One doesn't learn how to
last winter did a painting for
action plus a collage of base-
play baseball from a corre-
the White House and who
donated to the White House
ball stars for Rose's restau-
spondence course, so Lock-
this summer was thrown out
through Dr. Ted Marrs, then
rant in Cincinnati. Among his
lear learned that on his own,
at first base on a close play
President Ford's special
other baseball works are a
that led to a $1,000 fine. The
assistant on Indian affairs,
too, however, no one paid
painting of Henry Aaron,
answer must be (E).
also was a landscape, a
much attention to Indians
which he gave to the home
To be sure, Locklear is un-
scene from North Carolina
playing baseball so he wasn't
run king, and a painting de-
usual. He would, however,
depicting an old tobacco
noticed by scouts or college
picting Yogi Berra arguing
prefer being less unusual and
barn.
coaches until he attended a
with an umpire.
not be the least used Yankee.
"I like to do mostly land-
Cincinnati Reds tryout camp
His Future Work
"I hit 321 in the majors
scapes," said Locklear, who
in Hope Mills, N.C., in 1969.
"I devote a lot of time in
last year," 27-year-old out-
comes from Pembroke, N. C.
Once he became a profes-
the winter to painting be-
fielder said the other day,
sional baseball player, he
"I like realism, but I also
cause this is what I want to
and "and this year I can't
didn't forsake his art career.
ever get to play. But if I'm
get into abstract realism. I
get into when I get out of
not playing, it's better to be
like to stretch the imagina-
He has continued painting,
baseball," the 5-foot-11-inch,
tion, do landscapes as fan-
working when he has time
170-pound Yankee said. "I
on a winner than a loser."
tasy, like I might change a
during the season but leav-
like to paint things that peo-
Locklear started the season
green leaf into a blue leaf,
ing most of his work for the
ple ask me for. That way It
with the San Diego Padres
winter.
isn't like going to a gallery
but was sold to the Yankees'
do things as you don't see
and picking out what you
them but as you'd like to
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
Cont'd.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR-BUREJ OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
1951 Constitution Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. 20245
like. It turns out to be more
pleasing, I think, both for me
and the person buying the
painting. I'm doing some-
thing that somebody wants
and they're getting what they
of the state around Asheville.
want.
The Lumbees have at least
"I've developed by own
one advantage over the Cher-
techniques and I have my
okees: They live on their own
own way of expressing my-
self. By looking at my work,
property instead of on a
people can tell what kind of
reservation.
person I am. I don't want to
"Reservation life degrades
paint like somebody else just
you," Locklear said. "It limits
to make money or become
known. I want to be myself
everything. It's like putting a
rather than copy someone
dog in a cage."
else's style. It's harder work,
No one has put Locklear in
but it's more rewarding."
a cage. He has played base-
ball from New York to Hawaii
In the offseason, Locklear
works at his studio in Pem-
and his paintings have been
broke, where he lives with
on exhibit from New York to
his mother, among the Lum-
Los Angeles and San Diego,
bee Indians. The Lumbees
where he is a partner in the
Warpath Indian Store.
used to be Cherokees, but the
government changed their
As an acknowledgement of
designation to avoid confu-
Locklear's achievements, the
sion with the Cherokees who
Governor of North Carolina
live in the northwestern part
proclaimed last Jan. 31 Gene
Locklear Day in the state. Ap-
proximately 1,000 people at-
tended a dinner in his honor.
"I'm the only professional
baseball player and the only
professional artist who comes
from my community," he said.
"At the age of 27, from where
I come from, I've accomplish-
ed a lot."
fielder who is a Lumbee himself. It represents the ballplayer-artist's view of his tribe's history. Its title is "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow."
This mural was painted for the Lumbee Bank of Pembroke, N.C., the first Indian-owned bank in the U.S., by Gene Locklear, the Yankee out-
The New York Times
8 INSURANCE
Gene Locklear
The Denver
DENVER, COLO
SUN.
368,212
AUG
1
1976
Fenwick: Windy,
Warm as
Wyoming
Why, he's even defended Wyoming weather. If you
don't believe that, get his book, "Red Fenwick's West,"
and read his article, "My Heart Is In Wyoming."
His business has been stories, and he got into the
right business. Stories flock to him like cowhands to the
supper table and they stick to him like burfs to a
coyote's tail. He's written most of the printable ones
and he's still trying to tell all the rest. Either way, the
well seems to have no bottom.
For instance, here's one of his favorites that never
went through the typewriter:
During one of the many years that Red covered the
National Western Stock Show for The Denver Post, he
ran into a top-notch horse breeder from Lewiston,
Idaho. That was a lot of years ago and Red can't
remember his name:
"I got to talking to him," Red said, "and he knew
more about horses than any fella I ever met."
As a young man, the breeder hired on as a hand dur-
Denver Post Photo
ROBERT W. (RED) FENWICK
ing a cattle roundup on a big Montana ranch. Being the
Has bottomless well of stories.
newest hand, he had to observe the tough seniority
rules among the cowboys. Among other things, that
meant waiting till last to rope his saddle horses.
By BILL MYERS.
From the first, he noticed that one gelding in the herd
PAGE
ONE
Denver Post Staff Writer
was head-and-shoulders above the others in class -
"He had a lot of bottom, a lot of strength" - and the
D Every once in a while, nature makes a mistake, and
breeder figured he'd be the first horse roped.
it made a whopper with Red Fenwick. It let him be
He was surprised when all the other cowpokes ignored
born in Indiana.
the horse. There was a big question mark in his brain,
D Now, meaning no offense to Indiana, but as even a
but the breeder roped the horse anyhow when his turn
damfool knows, Red and the West make a perfect
came.
match. At least, he could've been born in Iowa or
Then, after he'd saddled and bridled the critter, he
0 Arkansas, which are a little left of the Mississippi.
found out what the other cowboys knew.
But, as with most natural mistakes, things came out
"The minute you mounted him, he'd come undone."
all right in the end. Red and the West (led by its
he said. "He bucked like a rodeo saddle bronc, but if
heartland, Wyoming) adopted each other. All adoptions
should work out SO well.
Robert W. Fenwick was a snot-nosed kid of 9 and his
you could stay on him, he got it out of his system and
hair was red when his folks moved to Wyoming. He's 67
settled down and was a damn good horse."
now and some fluke thing has turned his hair white.
The trouble was, the horse did it every time he was
During the 58 years in between, the Fenwick-West Mu-
mounted - once, twice or two dozen times a day.
tual Admiration Society became an institution, and it's
The breeder put his head to the problem because he
still going strong.
didn't want to see a horse with SO much potential go to
The West, again led by its Wyoming heartland. has
waste. It seemed hopeless.
made it plain how it feels about Red. The latest of
Then one day he got an idea. Just before he mounted
many honors it has showered on him came Friday night
the horse, the breeder - who chewed tobacco - pulled
when the University of Wyoming awarded him a Doctor
its head over to him with the rellis and spit a big gob of
of Laws degree, the university's highest honor.
tobacco juice in the gelding's left eye.
And Red has made it plain how he feels about the
The horse, of course, blinked violently for quite a
West. He's poked good-natured fun at its laughable side,
while. The breeder slipped into the saddle quickly and
heaped praise on its good side and scolded it on its bail
the horse walked off without bucking.
side. Red'll still fight any man who says the good side
Now, why did that work?
ain't a hell of a lot bigger than the bad side.
'Well," said the breeder, "a horse is a dumb
and he can have only one thing on his mind at a
time.
'When I spit in his eye, it burned, of course, and he
wondered, 'Now, why in the hell did he do that?' and he
Bad that on his mind and he forgot to buck."
so THAT WAS THE PROCEDURE from then on.
Each time he mounted the horse the breeder would spit
tobacco juice in its eye first.
Then one day, he decided to mount without spitting,
just to see what would happen. The horse walked off
without bucking, but he still blinked his left eye violent-
ly. From then on, there was no more spitting but
always alot of blinking.
The gelding "turned into the best damn horse in the
Outfit," but the breeder wasn't around long enough to
find out if he ever gave up the blinking.
That's just one from the fat portfolio of tall-but-true
enes Red's accumulated during his career. Here's a
brief rundown on that career, written by Red himself
for use during the University of Wyoming award cere-
mony:
"Contrary to a widely accepted notion, I am not a na-
tive of Wyoming. I was born June 10, 1909 in the little
tailroad suburb of Evansville, Ind., named Howell.
"My father, Robert Lee Fenwick, and my mother,
Blanche, lived there only temporarily while my dad
took the place of a telegraph operator who was ill or on
have. Shortly after my birth, we returned to the fami-
ly's native Kentucky, where I spent my early childhood.
"WE CAME TO WYOMING when I was 9, lived brief-
ly at Wendover, Casper and Lockett (a telegraph station
on the Burlington southeast of Casper), then moved to
Douglas, where I attended the public schools.
"My mother died when I was 11, and I guess I
became unmanageable, so I spent one year in St.
Clara's Orphanage in Denver. I ran away from home at
1962 AP Photo
13 to go to Cheyenne Frontier Days. I returned a wiser
RED FENWICK WITH SOME CLOSE FRIENDS
and hungrier boy.
He has made it plain how he feels about the West.
"I had always wanted to attend the University of
Wyoming, but it was not within the means of a railroad
Red Is Like
tělegraph operator. Besides, I wasn't the smartest kid
in school. I flunked miserably in algebra and geometry,
but I glittered in English, composition, rhetoric, debate,
and got passable grades in history and geography -
Wyoming:
yes, and political science.
"I knew what I wanted to be - a newspaperman. So
Miss Price, head of our Carnegie Library, obtained uni-
versity books on necessary subjects for me to read and
Wild, Windy
outline for her scrutiny. I owe her a great deal.
"I WORKED ON RANCHES in the Douglas area,
became a lineman for the Mountain States Power Co.
(now Pacific Power and Light), Postal Telgraph out of
Cheyenne and the Mountain State Telephone Co.
throughout Wyoming.
"I worked as a Civilian Conservation Corps camp su-
ion't
1952 Denver Post Photo
RED FENWICK IS PRESENTED WAR BON NET BY SOUTHERN UTE JULIUS CLOUD
Eddie Box, another Southern Ute, looked on as Fenwick was adopted into the tribe.
Fenwick Still Riding High
F
Continued from page 4.
During his roving-assignment days with The Post, he
perintendent in Yellowstone National Park three years,
was crossing part of the Navajo reservation in New
then worked briefly for the Greybull Standard, a weekly
Mexico by bus. He struck up a conversation with a
newspaper at Greybull.
young Navajo who sat down beside him and the Indian
"From there, I went to Casper and in a short time
informed him his people were starving.
became city editor of the Casper Times, a morning
There were several reasons, chief among them being
daily. I became interested in politics, served as press
a drought. overgrazing by sheep and failure of the
secretary to the late Sen. Harry H. Schwartz and, after
Navajos' vital gardens.
his defeat, went to work for the old Casper Tribune-
So Red hurried back to Denver, got his car and "went
Herald, now the Casper Star-Tribune.
out to the reservation to see these things for myself."
"I had become disillusioned with politics, finally ac-
He spent 30 days on the job and found out that no part
cepted an offer in 1942 to work as a general assignment
of the Indian's story was exaggerated.
reporter for The Denver Post. I've been here ever
He took along a Navajo interpreter and learned that
since.
although telephones on the reservation were limited to
"At one time, I was Rocky Mountain Empire editor,
headquarters and trading posts, Indians in the remotest
roving editor of The Denver Post covering 13 Western
areas knew of his mission. It was, Red says, an exam-
states for five years, then went back to general assign-
ple of the "moccasin telegraph," the Navajo system of
ment. I never aspired to be an editor in the first
sending out runners to spread news.
place."
In the remotest areas, the interpreter would talk to
the shy Navajos first, then report, "They call you Red.
An all-around newspaperman he sure as hell is. Al-
Yes, they will talk to you. You can take their picture.
though Red undoubtedly is The Post's most widely
They knew you were coming."
known and best-like staffer, he never was too proud to
write obituaries or any of the other routine stories that
THE PERMISSION FOR PICTURES was a special
are a newspaper's bread and butter - and that was
liberty. In those days, at least, back-country Navajos
every day, up to and including the last day he worked
didn't permit pictures because they thought the pho-
full-time for The Post.
tographer, in getting their image, also took away their
soul or spirit.
HE RETIRED LAST OCT. 1, but as any loyal Ridin'
Red was "shocked and sick" when he left the reser-
the Range fan knows, he still writes the Sunday column,
vation.
plus doing special assignments for The Post.
"I saw Navajo mothers, their breasts dried up from
All of Red's awards. official and unofficial, have a
starvation, sitting on the ground on sheep pelts, chewing
good story behind them, but not all are funny, by a
up corn and spitting it in the mouths of their babies,"
long shot.
he recalls.
Take the Denver Press Club's news-writing award of
So Red wrote a series of stories and within a week
1947, for instance. That's the first one Red ever won
after it appeared in The Post, "all the big newspapers
and he's especially proud of it - not just for the honor
from California, others from the East and national mag-
but for the good he was able to do for some of his best
azines had people on the reservation."
friends, the Navajo Indians.
"There were SO many," Red says, "they tramped
down what little grass there was."
Within 30 days, a congressional investigating commit-
tee was there, too, and the upshot of it all was an $87
"Everything got fuzzy for me. I was an extra-strange
million appropriation to finance a rehabilitation pro-
sensation. I had the feeling of being in the presence of
gram for the Navajos.
something sacred, something powerful.
Red went to bat for the Navajos again in December
"It made me feel like tearing my shirt and undershirt
1967 when tremendous snows and subzero temperatures
off and sitting proud. I wanted to be an Indian."
stranded many Indians in their hogans and their live-
These powerful emotions came, Red said, despite the
stock in the back country.
fact that the Cheyenne language was being spoken and
HE ORGANIZED AN EFFORT that led to donation of
he couldn't understand a word.
supplies, snowmobiles from the Denver area to take
Red found out later that he probably was only the
them to remote parts of the reservation and a Wyoming
sixth white man to be admitted to the shrine in the his-
Air National Guard plane to haul the snowmobiles to
tory of the Cheyenne.
The series of articles he wrote on the needs of the
the reservation.
Among Red's prized possessions is a full-featured,
Montana-Dakotas Indians was read into the Congres-
real-McCoy, Southern-Ute Indian headdress. That came
sional Record at the order of Sen. Mike Mansfield,
from another series he wrote.
D-Mont.
"After the Navajo series," he said, "the Southern
IMAGINE ALL THE STORIES behind these honors:
Utes sent for me to come down. They had a problem."
-The Pall Mall Award for a series Red wrote that
The trouble was over some land-claim money paid to
led to a pardon for Loren Hamby, a Colorado Springs
the tribe. "The Bureau of Indian Affairs somehow got
man who served seven years of a life sentence in the
part of it and proposed to use it for roads and other
Colorado State Penitentiary for a murder he didn't com-
public improvements on the reservation. The Indians
\mit.
wanted to spend it for such things as their houses and
-An honorary life membership in the Professional
furniture." So Red went to Ignacio, Colo., tribal headquarters,
Rodeo Cowboys Association for his years of reporting on
and attended a tribal council meeting. The Indians ac-
and promoting rodeo.
cepted his offer to write a resolution to the Bureau of
-Special recognition from the International Rodeo
Indian Affairs rejecting the bureau's proposal and ask-
Writers Association for the same reason. Red ramrod-
ing that the money be given to tribal members. Copies
ded the founding of the organization and was its first
of the resolution also went to every member of the Colo-
president.
rado congressional delegation.
-A charter membership in the Cowboy Hall of Fame
"A lot of letters and stories later," the Indians finally
and Museum in Oklahoma City.
got the money "and they spent it wisely," Red said.
-The Outstanding Citizen's Award from the Wyoming
National Guard, in which Red served two years as a
NOT LONG AFTERWARD, during a national conven-
cavalry trooper during the mid-1920s.
tion of Indians in Denver, the grateful Southern Utes
-A "Pony Express Riders Certificate" showing that
called Red in, gave him the headdress and adopted him
Red rode a part of the route in Wyoming during a re-
into the tribe under a name which Red guesses would
creation of the great mail service in its centennial year,
be spelled "Saquinatz," meaning White Eagle.
1960.
His work for Indians also has won him a special cita-
-Appointment as "Colonel, Aide-de-Camp on the staff
tion-maybe the only ever given to a white man-from
of the governor of New Mexico."
the National Congress of American Indians and blood-
-Honorary mayor of Douglas, Wyo. ("my old home
brotherhood with the Sioux, Arapahoe and Shoshone.
town") during its diamond jubilee in 1962.
One of the greatest honors conferred upon him by In-
-The Father of the Year Award from the Bunnies of
dians, though, carried no award with it.
the Denver Playboy Club. Red can't explain that one
He was on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in
because, he says, other men can claim to be lovable to
Montana in 1959 gathering material for a series on the
women and can beat his score of siring two sons and
plight of Indians in that state and the Dakotas. Red was
three daughters.
touring the reservation with three tribal leaders whose
Tames he still remembers-Rufus Wallowing, Melvin
NO AWARD CAME FROM IT, but Red exposed a na-
tional scandal while he was a World War II corre-
Wounded Eye and Johnny Wooden Legs, grandson of a
spondent for The Post.
He was traveling in Alaska during construction of the
great Cheyenne war chief.
Alcan Highway when he noticed "acres and acres of
Eventually, they took him to a remote area and in-
urinals" stacked out in the open.
troduced him to Henry Little Coyote, the tribe's No. 1
He knew there were a lot of troops and workers in
medicine man. The medicine man led the group to a
Alaska during the war and they'd need quite a few
well-concealed tepee that turned out to be the Shrine of
urinals, "but sure as hell not as many as there was
the Sacred Hat, "their most sacred shrine."
piled up."
"Each Indian threw his hat on a peg pounded in the
In another area, he saw "acres and acres" of valves
ground outside," Red said. "The tepee had a dirt floor,
for pipelines that were to tap a Canadian oil refinery.
a cot and a rug. At the end was an upright thing that
He got to inquiring around about that and found out the
resembled a cross. There was cloth over it, SO I
valves "all were the wrong size."
couldn't see what it was, but I learned later it was a
He found out, too, that the urinal supply was a little
buffalo skull that probably was worn as a hat during
in excess of the need.
sacred ceremonies.
So he wrote some stories about the mess. All hell
"WE SAT ON THE RUG cross-legged and with our
broke loose nationally at the fraud, and the situation
arms crossed, and the medicine man sat on the cot and
was put to right.
prayed over each man. He held his hand over each
That's just a sample from his gallery of honors and
man's head as he prayed.
stories. A book the size of "Gone With the Wind" might
do it justice, but no one could tell the stories behind it
all like Red.
Cont'd
His flock of fans proves what kind of a job he does
with the typewriter, but better yet is Red in person,
when he's not limited by the rules of a family newspa-
Fenwick Outwritten
per. If you run into him sometime in a cool, dim place
and if his talker has been oiled a little, he might spin
you the uncensored version of this one:
By
His Many Fans
A YOUNG COWBOY WITH AMBITION came to the
decision there wasn't much future in the business
Robert W. (Red) Fenwick sends out a blanket apology
most of those who have written to him "from all
"unless a fella had his own ranch." So he saved his
ver the country."
money and bought some land and a few cattle to start a
THe says it's impossible for him to answer all the let-
herd.
let alone do all the things that people ask him
He had to have a brand, of course, and he didn't have
do.
any trouble figuring out a design. "It was a damn good
Red points out that he's living a bachelor's life in
one, too," says Red, who can draw it for you on a bar
retirement, which means he has to do his own cooking,
napkin. "It was hard for a rustler to alter."
dish-washing, cleaning, grocery-shopping and laundry.
But the brand had to have a name, too, and there the
Besides that, there are personal affairs to attend to,
cowboy was stumped. It didn't look like anything that
his weekly Ridin' the Range for The Denver Post and
brought a name to mind.
special assignments-and he doesn't have a secretary.
Finally, one day in a bar, he was sitting next to an
All this, he says, leaves little time for correspondence.
old cowpoke who had seen about everything, and he
But he appreciates the letters. He just hopes you under-
figured that if anyone could put a name to it, this fella
stand whv he can't answer most.
could.
So he drew the brand on a napkin, handed it to the
old cowpoke and asked if it looked like anything to him
that suggested a name.
The old hand studied it for some time and finally an-
swered, "Damn 'f I know."
And in that second, the young cowboy knew he had a
name for his brand - "The Damfino."
"It's a registered brand today," swears Red.
BILLUNGS GAZETTE
BILLINGS, MONTANA
Date _ __________________
Group opposing Indian policy expands
GREAT FALLS (AP) - Montanans
on Indian land.
there are more non-members living on the
Opposing Discrimination, a group op-
Lloyd Ingraham, of Ronan, counsel
reservations than members, when tribal
posed to present Indian policy, took steps
for the group, said the federal govern-
members can vote and hold office in state
weekend in Great Falls to expand
ment's Indian policy has created chaos,
government, but non-members do not.
ewide by establishing several chapters.
abrasion and confusion for Indian and
have that right in tribal government," he
The group's stated goal is to find sol-
non-Indian alike.
said.
utions to problems it believes are caused
He gave the Flathead Reservation as
He said tribal councils are creating
by current Indian policy by federal courts
an example, saying the Flathead tribal
problems for nonmembers living on the
and federal agencies. Specifically the
council had assumed jurisdiction over
reservations by taxing them and claiming
group is opposed to tribal councils assum-
nontribal members.
water rights on all water flowing through
ing legal control over non-Indians living
"Consider what this means when
reservations.
U.S. livestock sold for 75% of value
By ToM KUHN
WHITE CONE - A contractor
BIA officials in Flagstaff, in charge
Baker said he has had private
working for the Bureau of Indian
of the joint-use area livestock reduc-
business dealings with every one of
Affairs has in four months auctioned
tion, were asked two months ago by
the buyers to whom he auctions live-
$1.1 million worth of U.S. government
a BIA employe to, examine Baker's
stock at White Cone.
livestock to his own business partner
business connections. It was learned
and other associates at 75 per cent of
they made an inquiry and dropped
"Everybody who trades here, I've
market value, The Arizona Republic
the matter, but not before discover-
traded with all of them," he said.
has learned.
ing at least one of Baker's apparent
Baker receives $79 a day under his
Despite the high value of the live-
business conflicts.
contract with the BIA to buy Navajo
stock, neither the BIA nor the con-
Eugene A. Snyder, a BIA soil
livestock for the government. He also
tractor bothered to advertise publicly
scientist in charge of the government
receives a 4 per cent commission on
the auction at the government pens
pen at White Cone, said he asked for
everything taken in by auction. He
here to insure competitive bidding.
the inquiry and was told by his
has received more than $43,000 in
W. D. Baker of Joseph City, the
superiors that "everything is clean."
salary and commissions during the
contractor, acknowledged the saies
Snyder reported that Victor Wil-
past 4½ months, according to BIA
records.
made to his partner and others with
liams, Baker's partner in a livestock
whom he has had past business deal-
dealership at Joseph City, is the
BIA officials said Baker's contract,
ings, b ut denied they received
largest buyer of government livestock
up on Sept. 15, is renewable.
favoritism.
auctioned by Baker.
"I hired out to do a job and I've
A BIA official in Albuquerque said
Williams is listed as a buyer for
been doing my job." Baker insisted.
the manner in which Baker conduct-
the Rita Blanca Cattle Co. of Dal-
hart, Tex., but Baker said the live-
"I set them in (start the price)
ed the auction at White Cone will be
stock he sells to Williams are trucked
where I think there's a margin of
investigated by the solicitor general
for alleged conflict of interest.
to the Baker & Williams Livestock
profit left, and what the buyers do is
strictly up to them," he said.
Dealers pens in Joseph City to await
The government's losses from sell-
marketing.
Baker is empowered under his con-
ing livestock at less than the market
"What could be wrong with (Baker
tract to pick the opening auction
price are reflected in BIA records
kept at Flagstaff. They show live-
& Williams Livestock) leasing Rita
price and to close bidding when he
Blanca a pen to put their cattle in?"
thinks the highest price has been
stock bought by the government for
Baker asked. He said he didn't know
reached.
$1,178,000 was sold for $905,000 over a
whether he or Williams held a major-
period beginning last April 7.
Baker said the auction was adver-
ity interest in the Joseph City
tised "by word of mouth and tele-
"If Baker has a conflict of interest,
partnership.
phone, and one thing and another."
we will of course bring that to a
Baker said he and Williams also
screeching halt," said BIA contract-
are partners in a leased ranch near
The BIA has made no attempt to
ing officer Larry R. Ware.
St. Johns where they hold cattle on
advertise the auction, said Lynn R.
the summer pasture for fall market.
Montgomery, BIA joint-use area as-
Baker acts as both purchasing
agent and auctioneer for the BIA in
Other major buyers at the govern-
sistant project director at Flagstaff.
its program to reduce Navajo live-
ment pens at White Cone, according
Montgomery said he looked into
stock in the Joint Use Area around
to Snyder, are Doyle Hatch of Hatch
Baker's business connections but
the Hopi Reservation in northeastern
Livestock at nearby Holbrook, and
Arizona. He first buys the Indian
his father, Vern Hatch, of Taylor;
found nothing there that caused him
and J. Vernon Young of Cortez, Colo.
alarm. Montgomery indicated he
livestock for the government, then
learned during his inquiry of Baker's
sells them at auction. Usually the
Eighteen buyers come to White
partnership with Williams in the St.
same buyers show up each day,
Cone for the autions, but most of all
John's ranch operation.
sources in the area said.
but the major buyers make infre-
quent appearances, Snyder said.
The BIA district office in Albu-
The BIA buys livestock from the
querque, however, has ordered "an
Navajos for prices quoted in the
in depth investigation" into the White
Denver market for sheep, goats, cat-
Cone auction. The investigation is
tle and horses. The government then
prompted by the newspaper discov-
auctions what it has bought at the
eries,, officials said.
end of each day for whatever Baker
can get.
Michael Perry, a BIA contract
investigator sent to White Cone Mon-
day to interview Baker about his
business connections, said Baker did
Arizona Republic
not disclose at that time his partner
ship with Williams in the livestock
August 18, 1976
dealership.
Navajos
To Tax Miners
DNA Chief Would Stall Leasing
By JERRY KAMMER
waiver clause. the tribe is forced to use
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (Dine Bureau)
royalities to provide necessary ser-
Navajo
- The director of a legal service agency
vices. Zah asserted in the letter.
on the Navajo Reservation has called
believe that no new resource leases
for a moratorium on leases for the de-
should be made until such time as the
(Continued From Page 1)
velopment of Navajo mineral resources
Navajo Nation has raised all possible
until the tribe develops a structure to tax
revenue from taxation, Zah stated. "It
future. With a good taxation program.
businesses operatingon the reservation.
simply does not make good sense to sell
the Navajo Nation should be able to
In a letter to tribal councilman John
our resources to get money when we
raise more than enough money to oper-
Brown. DNA director Peterson Zah
allow millions of tax dollars to leave the
ate ths Tribal government."
noted that under mineral leases
Navajo Nation every year.'
The DNA director said a tribal tax
negotiated by the tribe, "the Navajo Na-
Zah claimed that the state of New
structure would allow the tribe to use
tion receives royalties in place of
Mexico receives about $7.2 million in
royalfies for its own capital develop-
taxes,."
taxes each year from the Four Corners
ments, would lessen Navajo depen-
"However, Zah stated, *the total
plant near Shiprock N.M. who ile the tribe
dency on federal programs. and would
amount of royalties thds tribe receives
receives about $1.4 million in royality
reverse the flow of tax dollars that re-
from the companies is many times less
payments on the coal from the Navajo
ally belong to the Navajo government.
than what the company pays in taxes to
Mine, which powers the Four Col ners
Zah said he recongnized that assertion
plant
by the tribe of a right to tax businesses
there governments. county. state, and
The DNA director also claimed that
on the reservation wouldlead to a show
federal."
the Navajo Generating Station in Page
down with the businesses who currently
The letter to Brown comes as the tri-
will pay about $16.3 million in taxes this
pay taxes to thestate. He predicted that
bal council convenes for its summer
year. while the tribe, will receive only
businesses facing taxation from both the
session. The first item on the council
$1.4 million in coal royalties:
tribe and the state would initiate court
agenda is renegoiation of a contract
The states receive the taxes under
action against such double taxation.
with the El Paso Natural Gas Co. to
laws which allow states to tax non
Vislikes 'Panic' Dealing
mine coal on about 40,000 acres of
Indian-owned business operating on In-
Zah said that he was distressed that
Navajo land near Burnham. N.M.
dian reservations.
the Paso contract is being
Contacted Monday afternoon, Zah
Past Time for Taxing
negotiatded at a time when "there is a
said Borwn had asked he opinion on the
Zah said that non of the several
feeling of panic about the need for
lack of a tribal tax structure. Zah said
hundred non-Indian-owned businesses
money to keep the tribe going."
permit DNA employes to offer a legal
on the Nava Reservation pays taxes to
Zah noted recent disclosures that the
opinion when requested to do so by a
the tribe, "yet they benefit from the
tribe's general fund is rapidly shrinking
member of a legislative body.
programs and services provided by the
and said The tribe is being forced to
No Lease Before Taxation
tribal government."
sell the last resources we have."
Because most of not all'' leases bet-
It is way past the time when tax dol-
"We can't continue to operate with
ween the tribe and companies doing bus-
larg should come to Window Rock in-
this sense of emergency." he said. "One
iness on the reservation have a tax
stead of Santa and Phoenix." he said,
day our resources will be gone, and we
adding that the law gives the Navajo Na-
will be left with no source of income. For
tion nearly total powers of taxation"
this reason we must develop a tax struc-
Noting that the Zuni and Hopi Tribes
ture to ensure our own survival."
GALLUP INDEPENDENT
have developed tax structures. Zah
The tribe should also consider taxing
stated. "the longer we sit and let the
the income of non-Navajos who live and
state governments steal our power. the
work en the reservation and who cur-
AUG 17 1976
barder it will be to collect taxes in the
rently pàystate income taxes. Zah said.
(Turn to Page 6 Navajo)
He said he recognized that such a taxa-
tion of persons who cannot vote in tribal
election would be a sticky question."
But he stated he was confident that fed-
erat dour ts would sphold such a tax
program.
D-12 Wed. Aug. 18, '76 The Arizona Republic
Task force to study Navajo land sale
FLAGSTAFF - Several federal agencies have estab-
the land. It would be used to relocate Navajo families
lished a special task force to study the social and
who must move as the result of a federal court
environmental impact of the Bureau of Land Manage-
settlement in the Navajo-Hopi land dispute.
ment's agreement to sell 250,000 acres of land in the
Federal Court Judge James Walsh of Tucson is
House Rock Valley-Paria Plateau area to the Navajo
expected to rule soon on a proposed pantition line
Tribe.
which would turn over half of the 1.8 million acres to
The task force, said a Bureau of Indian Affairs
the Hopi Tribe.
official, must prepare an environmental impact state-
Once the partition line is drawn, Navajo tribal
ment, which is expected by mid-1977.
officials expect between 3,500 and 5,000 Navajes to be
The BIA will be in charge of task force operations,
homeless. The 1974 law passed by Congress to settle
according to William Benjamin, project director for
the dispute included a provision which allows the
the Joint-Use Administration Office in Flagstaff. Other
Navajo Tribe to use up to 250,000 acres of federal land
agencies involved in the task foree are the BLM, the
for relocation purposes.
U.S. Geological Survey, the National Park Service, the
The decision of whether to approve the tribe's
Public Health Service and the Fish and Wildlife
request will be made by the secretary of the Interior
Service.
Department when an environmental statement is
The tribe applied last year with the BLM to purchase
prepared.
Navajos OK aid contract
WINDOW ROCK - The
tricts in the Arizona, New
son O'Malley funds, which
Navajo Tribe and the Bu-
Mexico and Utah portions
go to public schools for
reau of Indian Affairs
of the reservation about
special programs for In-
Tuesday signed a three-
subcontracting the John-
dian students.
year contract allowing the
tribe's education division
The contract for this
to oversee the distribution
eyar, he said, is for $7
AUG 1 8 1976
million. He said the
of Johnson O'Malley funds
amount for the next two
to public schools on the
reservation.
Arizona Republic
year, he said, is for $7
have to wait until Con-
This is the first time
that the tribe has had
gress decides on a total
supervision of the funds
for the program
on the reservation. In
nationwide.
past years the BIA has
been responsible.
Dillon Platero, director
of the tribal education
division, said he was de-
lighted with the contract
since "it involves the
tribe more deeply in the
day - to day workings of
the public schools."
The tribe has been
trying to take over super-
vision of the program for
several years.
Platero said his office
has started negotiating
with public school dis-
Reservation
Federal, Indian Lawyers
Tax Argued
Criticize Tax Law by State
gelbilsop
Continued from A-1
By JIM LARGO
Jasper explained that the motivation
Of the Journal Staff
address the issue of state tax powers
behind the bill was "future anticipated
over non-Indian improvements on In-
revenue," from tax-paying companies
FARMINGTON - Federal and Indi-
dian lands, he said.
moving on the Navajo Reservation
an lawyers said Wednesday that the
where they would not be paying state
state property tax law (HB-19) on non-
"It is intentionally not clear on the
taxes.
Indian lease improve ments on Indian
question of taxation of improvements.
reservations is "not applicable" and
It is intended to be neutral. All the bill
"One of the concerns was tie future
"unconstitutional."
does is exempt fractional interests
devclopment taking place on the Nava-
from taxation and lcave the question
jo Reservation. The natural resource
"The federal government has abso-
of improvements to be decided under
development was going on.
lute powers to legislate over Indian
existing law.
affairs, and state laws generally are
"The existing law, however, is not
"The state said let's not cut out any
not applicable to tribal lands," said
clear whether these improvements are
anticipated future revenue because
Dept. of Interior attorney Sharon
or are not subject to taxation."
there will be services provided."
Blackwell.
John Cook of the State Property Tax
A man holding a lease from Cochiti
"I will argue vigorously that the
Dept. said copies of the law were sent
Pueble told the pancl he was recently
state action is unconstitutional since it
to local tax collecting agencies, telling
notified by Sandoval County to pay
places an indirect and direct burd n
them to enforce the law. So far the
taxes on a house he built at Cochiti
upon the owner of the land," said Ben
request for an interpretation of the
Lake.
Hanley, a Navajo lawyer.
law has yet to be made, he said.
The state has notified the Dept. of
But after Indian tribes became
Mrs. Blackwell and Hanley spoke on
Housing and Urban Development
aware of the bill last year, the State
a panel presentation that discussed the
(HUD) in Albuquerque to pay taxes on
Legislature then supported a bill that
bill. The bill was passed five months
houses built with government funds at
would ultimately end up in the courts,
ago in the last legislature.
a development in Shiprock, said Lu-
Jasper said. A bill was drafted "that
ther Branham, director.
clearly raised an issue to be decided
Sponsored by the New Mexico Ku-
by the courts," he said.
manities Council and Navajo Commun-
Branham said if HUD paid the tax, it
ity College, the panel was presented at
will have to raise rents' from tenants.
The bill that finally passed was "a
San Juan College. The first session
HUD has 60 days to pay the tax, Bran-
compromise bill" and does not clearly
was held Wednesday and a second ses-
ham said.
Continued on A-2
sion was planned late Wednesday in
Shiprock.
Author of the original HB-19, John
Jasper, a lawyer, said the bill as pas-
sed by the legislature is confusing and
does not impose the tax on anything.
AUG 19 1976
"It is only an exemption bill," he said.
Albuquerque Journal
VAIL
(UPI)
PRESIDENT
FORD
TODAY
DESIGNATED
BRADLEYAPATTERSOM
UNITE HOUSE AIDE TO ASSIST HIM IN THE AREA OF AMERICAN INDIAN
MEMC
CABINET
OFFICIALS
FORD
AID
THAN
PATTERSON'S
PECIFIC RT. POSSIBILITES WOULD
IMPROVE
THE
CODEDINATION
THE FEDERAL AG ENCIDE WITH PROCAMS THAT SERVE THE I DIAN PEOPLE".
INI 00-20 03:02 PED
Tax Rates Set
GALLUP INDEPENDENT
Im Apache County
AUG 1 7 1976
ST. JOHNS (Staff) - Apache County
year. Avard B. Hall. county school
Property valuation changes were
school district taxes were set Monday at
superintendent. said. because of im-
made by the state and county assessors.
considerably different levels for differ-
proved budgeting procedures.
In other action. the board directed
ent districts, with Navajo Reservation
IN addition. the financial problems
county attorney J. Kendall Hansen to
rates much lower this year than last.
incurred by the school district last year
investigate the possibility of establish-
In addition. county-wide property
and the federal court decision revealed
ing an Inter-Governmental Agency
valuation was higher in general this
to federal and state funding sources
Emergency Services agreement.
year. although two of the three reserva-
"that the problems of the county and the
The agreement. between county gov-,
tion districts received lower valuations.
Chinle school district were real." he
ernment and the city. would be for con-
The county total increased by about $2.9
said.
trol of disasters such as fires. floods and
million.
Publicity resulting from the court bat-
other natural catastrophes. Hansen
The tax rates were approved Monday
tle started forces rolling to provide addi-
said.
by the County board of Supervisors.
tional revenue for the district. Hall exp-
He said a formal agreement is neces-
The biggest rate change occurred in
lained.
sary to protect the county from
the Chinle School district. Chinle. which
In addition the school district rates.
liabilities incurred during emergency
began last year with a school tax of
county taxpayers will be billed $6.34 per
assistance.
$45.39 per $100 assessed valuation. was
$100 assessed valuation for county and
"Suppose some of your equipment
given a $6.96 rate this year. 1977.
statewide taxes.
goes (to an emergency and gets burned
Chinle's original 1976 fiscal year tax
Window Rock district property own-
up or somebody gets hurt." he said.
was opposed in Federal Court by the
ers will be billed $6.96 per $100 assessed
County Manager Buzz Haws said it
district's largest taxpayers. The rate
valuation for school taxes this year. Last
should be a reciprocal effort agreement.
was termed "confiscatory" by the court
year's rate was almost $11 more than
However. the agreement probably
and an agreement was then reached be-
this year's. The 1976 figure was $17.43
would not affect the Navajo reservation.
tween the taxpayers and the district for
per $100 assessed valuation.
Haws said.
an $8 per $100 assessed valuation tax.
The Ganado district's 1977 fiscal year
Emergency service personnel "prob-
Chinle School taxes were lower this
figure was set at $4.33 -- about $14 less
ably would not go onto the reservation
than last year's $18.44 rate.
unless there is an agreement with the
Off-reservation district taxes ranged
tribe." Haws said.
from an increase of more than $2 for the
He explained that former unofficial
Concho district to a reduction of about $3
emergency agreements used to include
in the St. Johns district.
the reservation but the Navajo Tribe
Chinle, which last year had the largest
now cooperates with Arizona during
total propertyl valuation, placed second
emergencies. Before the agreement be-
in the total this year. The Round Valley
comes official. it must be approached by
Consolidated district placed first with a
the Arizona attorney general. Hansen
valuation of $8.6 million this year -- an
said.
increase of $1.8 million.
Chinle lost about $600,000 this valua-
tion - dropping to $7.5 million from last
year's $8.1 million. he Ganado district
lost $700,000 in property value. It's 1977
fiscal year property total is $7.3 million.
Of the three reservation districts.
Window Rock was the only one to have
its property value increase. Window
rock property value rose about $251,000
this year. Last year's total valuation
was $7.14 million.
AUG 1 8 1976
GALLUP INDEPENDENT
Letter to the Editor
NACE Changes
Past Effort Credited;
Accountants
WINDOW ROCK. Ariz. (Dine Bureau)
Chinle Not Home Yet
- The special four member committee
that has been supervising operations of
the Navajo Arts and Crafts Enterprise
(NACE) since April has decided not to
Editor:
renew the contract with the Albuquer-
I'm writing this letter for two reasons: first, to set the record straight in terms of
que accounting firm of Peter Marwick
an articale which appeared while I was on vacation dealing with "Chinle Schools
and Mitchell, committee member
to Start Year in Financial Black"; second. to urge continued maximum effort be
Roger Davis has announced.
directed at achieving a good decational opportunities for all reservation public
Davis. who also heads the tribes Re-
sources Division. said the committee
schools students.
felt that Pete Marwick, and Mitchell
The additional funds to be received by the Chinle Public School District druring
provided inadequate personal direction
the past two years.
of the accounting system it established
The District will receive additional P.L.874 money; this is the direct result of
for NACE. The committee decided to re-
efforts taken during the past two years. including legal work done by the Native
tain the Phoenix firm of Arthur Ander-
American Rights Fund. The extra state transportation aid is again the direct result
son Co... Davis said.
of efforts taken last year and particurlarly the result of work done by Burton Barr,
Davis also reported that the Allen-
majority leader of the Arizona House of Representatives. The write-off of the
town NACE store will be reopened
"hopefully within the next two weeks."
early payment JOM Money received last spring is the result of discussion held at
The Allentown facility was one of six
that time with the then BIA acting area director at Window Rock, Curtis
NACE outlets closed by the com-
Geiogamah.
munitiee last month because of 'in-
These efforts taken during the past two years coulminnted in the additional
adequate system to control inventory.
monies being available for the Chinle Public School District now. The implication
The stores at Cameron. Chinle,
that these funds are the results of efforts taken since June 30 are not only naive
Kayenta. Monument Valley. and
but false.
NavajoNational Monument will remain
The final and certainly the most important point I want to make, is that the
closed indefinitely. Davis said.
Navajo people including the Chinle Public School District must not think the
Davis said NACE financial officer
financial problems of reservation public schools are solved. far from it! At Chinle
Rick Kearney has resigned his post to
join an accounting firm in Phoenix.
under the adopted budget students are receiving a minimum education ad-
Three candidates for the financial of-
directed by the desire to keep the tax vote down. In no way are these students
ficer position are under consideration
receiving equal educational opportunities in equal educational facilities as are
by the committee, he said.
off-reservation students.
Now that Chinle is in the book and relax instead of pursuing with diligence and
vigor the achieving of equal edcational opportunities for all reservation public
school students.
The basic issue of whose responsibility is such education remains unans-
wered. In the state of Federal Government still pointing to each other adequate
funds needed needed to provide equal educational opportunities in equal physi-
cal facilities remains a dream. If that dream is to become realty it will take the
continued effort on every-one's part to see that the students are given a fine and
equal chance.
Bob Rosessell
Round Rock, Arizona
EDITOR'S NOTE: Mr. Roessell is former superintendent of the Chinle Public
School District.
By DAVID SCHNEIDER
The association stated the major ad-
A youth guidance center would be es-
cial services would be represented to
WIDNOW ROCK, Ariz., (Dine
vantage of such a division would be the'
tablished under the authority of the
give these youngstyters rehabilitiaon
Buereau) - The Navajo Nation's cor-
seperation of police functions from cus-
juvenille rehabilitation section. Delin-
services not presently designed for their
rectional system is mismanaged and
todial duties. The way is is now the
quent youths would reside here for a
need.
some correctional officers are found to
police cannot with theit investigative
period prescribed by court order. It
The report concludes its section on
be uninterested and negligent in their
functions be concerned with the man-
would also be a model home for youth
juvenile corrective needs stating, "The
duties, according to a study by the In-
agement of jails and the rehabilitation of
sent there for confinement and treat-
tribal government will be obliged to
ternational Association of Chiefs of
persons convicted of crimes.
ment. Tribal health, educational and so-
provide programs for non-delinquent
Police (IACP).
The five-year plan for the creation of
"One of the first observations was that
ths division and providing a budget, of
children and children who are truly
jailers could not tell at once how many
2.5 million over the next five years.
delinquent.
prisoners were in their custody at any
The recruitment, training, and ap-
"The Navajo Nation must recognize
given time or who they were," the study
pointment of one senior custodial officer
that it has small, growing and poten-
reported.
for each district with a probationary
tially harmful problem of juvenille de-
IACP also found lack of exercise; only
peroiod of one year until competence
linquency," The study added.
one of the division jails had many super-
had been demonstrated.
vision for outdoor exercise.
The recruitment and training of 24
(Turn to Page 6 Jail)
The lack of standards in the distribu-
staff custodial officers with one year's
tion of bedding was also noted.
probation.
"In at least one jail no mattresses
The appointment of qualified person-
were in evidence and the officer on duty
nel for rehabilitation research, alcoholic
stated that prisoners had destroyed
rehabilitation, work release and ag-
them so that there were only enough for
rarian work release programs.
the trustees." The report stated how-
The establishment of alchloholic de-
ever, that in "other jails the mattresses
toxification centers in conjunction with
appeared ito be in relatively good shap."
the jails.
The report said that," little or no liter-
The selection and appointment of a
ature was available on a regular basis
reasearch psychologist.
for inmates. When inquiry was made it
The report also found that the tribe
was suggested that many inmated could
has failed to provide adequate facilities
not read and that those who did were not
for both non-delinquent and delinquent
SO inclined to read."
youth.
Wants New Division
It reocommended the creation of a
To remedy this situation the I.A.C.P.
juvenille rehabilitation section within
GALLUP INDEPENDENT
calls for the creation of a division of re-
the rehabilitation division.
habilitation to take charge of the cus-
Its functions would be similar to that
tody and care of inmates before trial and
of the division of rehabilitation except
AUG 1 8 1976
with the rehabilitation of convicts af-
that it would be specifically designed to
terwards.
deal with the problems of young people.
Changes in Navajo
Navajo Jail.
Police Suggested
(Continued From Page 1)
Dart said.
The study, Dart said, calls "my train-
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (Dine Bureau)
and the drawing of new district bound-
"This problem needs immediate at-
ing program superior to that of many
- One of the nations's police organiza-
ary lines.
tention if it is not escalate to proportions
police agencies of comparable size, and
tion has recommended major changes
Increasing patrol. the plan calls for
already in evidence in other parts of the
recommends we train Indian police
for the Navaj Nation's police force in a
additional training for selected person-
nation generally and in other reserva-
throughout the Southwest."
special.
nel and provides for the use of radar to
tions specifically," The police chiefs
Dart stated that there were enough
This five year plan conducted by the
catch traffic violators.
said.
new mattresses now for jail inmates,
International association of Chiefs of
The study proposes new programs for
"When I first came here I was aware
that prisoner exercise remains a prob-
police (IACP) the request of tribal
criminal investigations and the intro-
of conditions within and without the
lem for security reasons and because
chairman Peter McDonald, proposes
ductions of a case review system to en-
GALLUP INDEPENDENT AUG 1976
police department that required correc-
when the jails were built excercise room
changes in police oraganization, patrol
sure follww ups.
tion and I know that I could not do it
wasn't provided. But prisoners are
manpower, operations. personnel ad-
alone." Roland Dart, Superintendent of
taken out about once every other day. he
ministrations. services and equipment.
The report also calls for specialized
the Navajo Division of Law Enforce-
added, and often they are assigned to
While Navajo police have made great
training of youth officers. the creation of
ment said in response to the report.
outside work such as cleaning details.
strides in their efforts to become totally
special juvenille deliquency oriented
"I was the one who requested the
professional IACP said changes still
programs. and the institution of a
"We've instituted practices now
study by the police chiefs." Dart said.
which have upgraded conditions since
must be made over the next five years.
juevenille system solely concerned with
"We paid $50,000 for the report knowing
the IACP report was issued." Dart said.
The plan calls for in reorganization
problems of youthful offenders.
that its recommendations would help us
including the elevation of Kayenta to a
Dart terned the reports emphasis on
get the totally professional force the
"Our record keeping is accurate and
district command along with a new
the creation of programs for youthful
Navajo Nation deserves."
we know who our inmates are. General
facility to be cconstructed there.
offenders probably the most important
"We have already adopted and im-
orders have been issued on the operation
Roland Dart, director of the Navajo
made by the study.
plemented some of the recommenda-
of the jails. A central record keeping
Division of Law Enforcement said he
tions," he stated but added that more
system and a field reporting system are
Further recommendations by the
urged the construction of the Kayents
IACP are:
remains to be done.
in operation," Dart added.
facility before a congressional com-
"Our jailers now go through a two
Annual manpoweer and person-
It's important to emphasize that the
mitte last March. He stated that at the
week training program in order to im-
nel studies;
report fully recognizes the quality our 17
present time the Bureau of Indian Af-
prove their performance. Unfortunately
Issuance of specific general or-
week recruit training school and
fairs is under a congressional directive
specialized in service training prog-
their pay is low which doesn't give them
ders on disciplinary action and grie-
to conduct a report on all the criminal
the incentive to do the kind of job that
vance procedures;
rams for evidence technicians, traffic
justice facilities on the reservation and
higher pay would," Dart said.
Establishment of uniformed divi-
accident specialists, and investigators,
to report back the first of January.
sions of three shifts along with inter-
Other organizational and manpower
station rotation:
changes termed necessary by the study
Purchase of new radio mobile
are the creation of the new position of
equipment and the linking of communi-
operational assistant. the establishment
cation equipment into the state and na-
of patrol beats in certain crowed areas
tional data retrieval centers.
Zuni 1985-1
"Conditions
Deplorable'
By ROSS BECKER
lutes and contaminates the river and is
better living conditions. provide more
ZUNI - A wide variety of programs
one of the causes of dysentary of chil-
than 200 jobs for reservation residents
are needed to close the standard of living
dren who play in the water," added the
each year until 1985, the report con-
gap between Zuni Reservation residents
report.
cluded.
and the rest of the country. according to
Although 280 new houses have been
To improve communications within
a draft of the Zuni Comprehensive De-
uconstructed by the Zuni Housing Au-
the tribe and with off-reservation per-
velopment Plan.
thority, 1,500 new units are needed on the
sons the report said that a radio station
The report toward Zuni 1985 said that
reservation, the report claims.
cable television system, and a tribally-
"compared to the U.S. average, the gen-
Many families are living in homes that
produced newspaper should be estab-
eral living conditions in Zuni are deplor-
need repair. "there are 983 houses in
lished.
able. Some progress has been made
need of ...attention".
Plans for an FM radio station are al-
but the 'level of living gap between Zuni
"Prices for the total new housing de-
ready underway. A spokesperson for the
and the U.S. average is not narrowing
velopment program, are staggering."
future radio station said it should begin
sufficiently as yet."
the report said. Based on 1976 figures,
broadcasting in approximately one
Zuni's rapidly expanding population
construction of 1,500 Dept. of Housing
year. The station will provide news. en-
"coupled with an explosive expansion of
and Urban Development houses would
tertainment and educational program-
housing development" and an increas-
cost $67.3 million to build. Each indi-
ming.
ing desire for business development
vidual unit, including street, water
A cable television station is needed
have "resulted in an inharmonious ap-
sewer and site improvements would cost
because of poor television signal recep-
pearance of building development and
$44,844 to build.
tion here, the report said.
land use, and an incredible demand on
Imporvements for the 983 homes in
A tribally produced newspaper would
our municipal. power supply and waste
need of repair would cost $11.8
replace the Zuni newsletter. The news-
disposal systems," the report said.
million - - about $12.000 a piece, the re-
letter, released by the tribe every two
"We are hurting visually. physically
port.
weeks, does not contain currernt news
and in our deep feelings of wanting har-
Construction and renovation of the
and is not meeting the needs of Zuni, the
mony with environment." the report
houses would, in addition to providing
report said
added.
Although "randon." planning at-
tempts have been made by pueblo "in-
dividuals," the draft explained that
there has been no compilation of "the
total geographic and econimic de-
velopment approaches possible."
GALLUP INDEPENDENT
Tribal government "desires." the re-
port states, to develop a comprehensive
mapping and planning system for the
AUG 1 8 1976
entire reservation. Land use and owner-
ship patterns, building and zoning
codes. a complete inventory of ground
surface water and power needs shold be
included in the system. the report com-
mented.
Also to improve living standards of
tribal members parks and recreation
facilities should be developed on the re-
servation, according to the report.
A clean-up project of the Zuni River, a
major summer play area for children,
should be instituted. the report said.
"The debris in the Zuni River and ad-
joining areas is very unsightly and pres-
ents a health hazard. in relation to lac-
erations from glass and cans, for chil-
dren playing in the area," the report
states.
"An average of five cases per week"
are treated at the Zuni Comprehensive
Community Heath Center because of
cuts that occur at the river. according to
the draft report. "Animal excretum pol-
expense of Yuma County, which would revert to the desert it once
was. If your bill passes, Yuma County will be left with a relative
handful of people running the gas stations remaining along the
southern route between Texas and California.
I take a second seat to no one in my desire to see economically
viable and politically strong Indian tribal governments. I certainly
share the aims of your bill insofar as it seeks to help the 20,000
Scattle
Indians who are members of the specific tribes in question. How-
Unst-Intelligencer
ever, I do not think that this noble goal should be achieved at the
D. 206,733 SUN. 259,23Z
severe costs which would naturally flow from your bill. no do I think
that this is necessary.
AUG 5 1976
Your bill nearly doubles the amount the indians have sought in
their negotiations for it provides that the five Indian tribes be allo-
cated 221,800 acres of agricultural land of these five Indian tribes as
would happen under their own proposal to the Secretary of the In-
Indian Fishing
terior. It is quite different, and 1 submit wholly unjustified. to de-
stroy whole towns and communities and do serious damage to the
economic vitality of the entire state of Arizona to more than triple
Via Boldt Order
the viable agricultural land of these five Indian tribes as your bill
would do.
Will Risk Arrest
Before you turn the communities of Yuma, Phoenix and Tucson
into desolate wastelands and eliminate hundreds of thousands of
W6297F
acres of sorely needed productive agricultural land, I would hope
State
Fisheries
offi-
tribes from taking Fras-
that you would come to Arizona to a ctertain the true facts and the
cials say they will begin
er River sockeye salmon
real impact of your bill.
arresting Indian fisher-,
during hours closed to
men today who are fish-
other net fishermen. It
ing in accordance with a
also added 24 hours to
Sen. Kennedy responded that my letter was most reasonable- and
federal judge's ruling
this week's fishing peri-
most moderate. He agrees that a legislative. rather than judicial,
but in violation of an
od for U.S. fishermen in
resolution is the soundest course.
international
fishing
waters under commis-
pact.
sion management.
He wrote that he is not wedded to the acreage figures now included
"We have the authori-
Lawyers for the Lum-
in his bill, a position I find refreshing because the figures now in the
ty and will arrest aby-
mi and Makah tribes
bill would give the Indians three times the amount of water needed to
one, Indian or non-Indi-
had argued that the In-
an, who is in violation
irrigate all Indian land now under cultivation and twice the amount
dians would be denied
of established fishing
the Indians themselves have requested as their share of the Central
the opportunity to catch
times," said Bob Cum-
their court-awarded
Arizona Project.
bow, Fisheries informa-
share of half of the har-
tion officer.
vestable salmon in state
I take real heart at Sen. Kennedy's genuine willingness to recon-
The complicated disa-
waters. if they were not
sider and remake the provisions of his bill. I'd like to share a part of
greement began with a
given more time to fish
his letter with you:
ruling last weekend by
than the two days al-
U.S. District Judge
lowed by the commis-
George Boldt that gave
"S. 3298 presents one approach to such a settlement. It is not a
sion.
treatv Indians three ex-
perfect bill, and no one is seeking to impose it upon Arizona. Nor
Boldt agreed and is-
tra days of fishing in
sued the order giving the
have I ever indicated that I am permanently wedded to any of the
waters covered by the
Indians three extra days,
figures the bill includes.
pact of the International
Pacific Salmon Fisheries
aimed at countering a
As I indicated when introducing the bill on April 13, the specific
Commission. Indians
seven-day-a-week open
troll fishery the commis-
acreages contained in the bill were furnished to me by the tribes. By
now have five days a
sion had allowed.
week to fish, while non-
using these figures. I ain not suggesting that they hold some special
But the commission
Indians are restricted to
magic; I am net committed uncritically to these acreages. but only
relinquished control over
two davs.
to the concept at settlement through the acquisition of water rights to
the troll fishery in an
But Tuesday, the Ca-
attempt to invalidate the
irrigate practicably irrigable lands."
nadian-American com-
Boldt order. Boldt set a
mission amended its
hearing for next Tues-
rules to prohibit treaty
day to decide whether
his original ruling
should be made perma-
nent.
A spokesman for Indi-
an fishermen said the
Lummi tribe plans to
fish five days a week.
despite the commission
ruling.
"I think we'll just go
by the ruling of the
court," said spokesman
Forrest Kinley.
GALLUP INDEPENDENT AUG 17 1976
Arizona in Turmoil
Over Irrigation
Indian
Farmland
Your bill would run roughshod over existing agricultural, munici-
EDITOR'S NOTE: Today the Independent looks deeper into the
pal and industrial users and allocate to five Indian tribes with a
controversial Central Arizona Project (CAP), under construction
handful of people enough water to irrigate 221,800 acres of land.
near Phoenix.
Since it takes approximately 5 acre feet of water to make land
The Federal Bureau of Reclamation expects CAP to deliver 1.2
agriculturally productive in central and southern Arizona. it will
million acre-feet of irrigation water to central Arizona by the mid
1980's, primarily through diversion of water from the Colorado
takek approximately 1,100,000 acre feet of water annually to irrigate
River.
these lands for agricultural purposes.
Yesterday Steve Nickerson. in a reprint from Awkwesasne Notes,
described the apago Tribe's need for CAP's irrigation water. Today
Thus, since the Central Arizona Project will bring only 1.2 million
Carolyn Warner, Democratic candidate for the US Senate. warns
acre feet of water into the state's interior. the five Indian tribes
that proposed Indian water allocations are too high, and will
would be allocated over 90 per cent of this desperately needed water
shortchange non-Indians in Arizona.
if your bill became law.
Her letter. reprinted here. was originally written to Sen. Ted Ken-
nedy (D-Mass.). His response accompanies it, at Ms. Warner's re-
1 do not argue. and I don't think that any responsible person does.
quest.
that these Indian tribes do not have substantial claims to water in
TOMORROW: Arizona Republicans Sen. Barry Goldwater and
this arid land. But to commit nearly 90 per cent of the Central
Paul Fannin comment on CAP.
Arizona Project water to these five tribes wholly ignores existing
uses by these tribes not to mention the disastrous effect on the state's
Dear Senator Kennedy:
economy.
Nearly three months ago you introduced a bill in the Senate of the
Your bill suggests purchasing 60,000 of farm land in the Welton-
United States (S. 3298) which, if enacted, would give to five Indian
Mohawk District near Yuma The land in the Welton-Mohawk ir-
tribes, with a population of less than 20,000, over 90 per cent of the 1.2
rigation district is some of the most agriculturally productive in the
million acre feet of water which the Central Arizona Project (CAP)
nation and the economic mainstay of one of the fourteen counties in
will bring into the interior of the state of Arizona.
this state -- Yuma County.
I do not think that it is either morally justified or a sound allocation
While Arizona has her share of natural beauty and assets, one
of benefits to attempt to improve the lot of the Indian tribes at the
thing we do not have plenty of particularly in central and southern
Arizona -- is water. Because the surface water (mainly from the
Verde, Gila and Salt Rivers) is already fully committed and the
ground water table is shrinking fast, in 1968 the Congress passed the
Central Arizona Project Act which each year wold bring 1.2 million
Southwest Issue
acre feet of "new" water into the interior of Arizona.
Over a million acre-feet of irrigation
Unfortunately, the state is depleting our reserved water supply by
2.2 million acre feet of water each year. It doesn't take a lot of
water will flow towards Phoenix in the
mathematical learning to appreciate that even with the Central
Arizona Project, Arizona's annual overdraft will still be 1 million
mid 1930's, through canals of the Cen-
acre feet. In short, the water that will be brought to central and
southern Arizona by the Central Arizona Project is desperately
tral Arizona Project (CAP).
needed to supply existing agricultural, municipal and industrial
users and it is still not enough to make up the yearly overdraft.
The question is, who will get the
water?
Cont'd
150,000 Jobs, $22 Million Yearly
Navajo Uranium Hearings Set
By HOWARD GRAVES
could make millions of dollars
The tribe will hold additional
The agreement was ap-
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP)
from mining and milling
hearings Aug. 9-10 at New-
proved Jan. 24, 1974, by the
-The Navajo Tribe may be on
uranium, if it is found.
comb and the Coyote Canyon
tribal council.
the brink of an economic
The Interior secretary has
chapter house, both in the
It says the Navajos can
treasure trove from possible
been asked to approve an
affected exploration region.
become a partner in the ven-
uranium deposits on reserva-
exclusive exploration permit
Wyman D. Babby of Pin
ture, holding up to 49 per cent
tion land in northwestern New
and mining lease under the
Termsland, Ore., who headed
interest or receive royalties.
Mexico.
agreement.
a special task force in writing
Under the royalty option, the
Hundreds of millions of
The 400,000-acre prospecting
the draft EIS said the develop-
Navajos' income is projected
dollars could be reaped for
area is along the New Mexico-
ment "is significatnt in terms
at $8.25 million annually. As a
America's largest Indian
Arizona border of the sprawl-
of its magnitude. The project
partner their share could
group under an agreement
ing reservation.
is unusually large."
with Exxon Corp.
If uranium ore in sufficient
reach $22 million per year,
He said, "We're dealing with
acccording to BIA estimates.
Federal officials called the
quanities to warrant develop-
a mineral that is rather con-
Federal agencies estimate that
project, if approved, a
ment is discovered, Exxon
troversial."
milestone for the estimated
would be permitted to lease
as much as 100 million pounds
Stephens says there is an
of uranium could be present in
150,000 reservation Navajos.
51,200 acres. Of that, 5,120
"early indication that some
the prospecting area. The draft
"The whole deal is un-
surface acres could be used for
tribal officials don't agree with
statement says geological sur-
precedented," says Dale
mining and milling purposes.
the socio-economic" content in
veys of the area indicate
Itschner, Bureau of Indian
If the interior secretary ap-
the draft statement.
uranium deposits.
Affairs (BIA) field solicitor
proves the environmental im-
"The final statement, which
(lawyer) at Window Rock.
pact statement (EIS), the tribe
will go to the interior secre-
"There's a lot of money
would receive an immediate $6
tary, will be a lot different
involved," says Wayne Ste-
million bonus payment from
structure than the draft EIS,"
phens of Billings, Mont., the
Exxon. BIA officials say that
he said.
BIA's project manager for the
authorization probably won't
Stephens said additional en-
Navajo-Exxon Uranium De-
come until late December or
vironmental impact hearings
velopment.
early 1977.
will be held before Exxon can
Depending on which option it
Draft EIS hearings begin
start mining.
exercises, the Navajos possibly
Tuesday in Window Rock, the
"That could be another year
could receive an estimated $22
Navajo capital. The BIA-
or more," he said. "Mining is
million annually or $8.25 mil-
sponsored public hearings will
a long ways down the road."
lion per year for no less than
continue Thursday at Shiprock
Itschner said the Navajos
10 years.
and Friday in Farmington.
initiated the uranium develop-
BIA officials say Exxon also
both in New Mexico.
ment because "they were
aware there might be some-
thing out there."
He said the tribe "structured
Farmington Daily Times
the uranium development
deal."
AUG
2
The Navajo government sent
1976
its proposal to about a dozen
major companies.
Itschner said the tribal min
erals department, with as
sistance from an outside con
sultant, ranked the bids "ac
cording to financial benefits
the tribe would receive. Exxon
came out the best."
The draft EIS says, "Im-
pacts resulting from explora-
tion will include disturbance of
soils and vegetation and air
degradation resulting from the
vehicular movement and the
operation of drilling equip-
ment."
TURNING THE CORNER in Navajo history, and in the first field of
Navajo Harvest
barley to be harvested on the Navajo Irrigation Project, combine-
harvesters sweep across Block one of the project south of Farmington.
More pictures, and story, on page 10.
'Navajo Town' Needs More Study
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (Dine Bureau)
modate a population of about 8,000, will
their traditional rural villages to the
cause of the new road between Farming-
- The director of the Navajo Tribe's
have some physical and cultural impact
more modern cities.
ton and Crownpoint now under construc-
Research office said he questions
on the Navajo people, especially since
whether enough study has been done on
another community, this one of 10,000 -
Andrew Benallie, assistant to Navajo
tion, will only be about 20 miles away.
the environmental impact of a proposed
30,000 is expected to be built in the same
Vice Chairman Wilson Skeet, said the
town that will be created because of the
general area if the tirbe approves coal
irrigation community is expected to be
Navajo Indian Irrigation Project
gasification.
established about five miles northeast of
GALLUP INDEPENDENT
(NIIP).
These town in that area, including
the Burnham chapter with 90 per cent of
Shiprock, will make the Navajo people
the community to be situated on the re-
In a statement to the Bureau of Indian
"a predominantly urban people for the
servation and about 10 per cent on the
Affairs, Dr. Ron Faich said the BIA -
first time in their history," said Faich.
other side of the reservation boundary.
prepared draft environmental impact
"Is anyone SO naive as to think that
statement on the project even fails to
The new community, as yet unnamed,
this change is not the paramount en-
mention the new community that the
will consist mostly of houses, Benallie
vironmental imapet of all from the point
said, with construction of the first units
Navajo Agricultural Products Indus-
of view of the Nava jo people?" he added,
tries plans to build for its workers and
planned to begin in one or two years. He
comparing the impact that will be faced
families.
added that persons living in the com-
by the general Navajo population to that
munity probably will do most of their
He said the town, expected to accom-
of the African tribes who move from
shopping in Farmington, which, be-
Millions for Navajos, Exxon Are
at Stake in Hearings
GALLUP INDEPENDENT
By HOWARD GRAVES
Wyman D. Babby ot PIN TERMS-
timate that as much as 100 million
AUG
2
Associated Press Writer
LAND, Ore., who headed a special task
force in writing the draft EIS said the
pounds of uranium could be present in
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) - The
Navajo Tribe may be on the brink of an
development "is significatnt in terms of
the prospecting area. The draft state-
economic treasure trove from possible
its magnitude. The project is unusually
ment says geological surveys of the area
indicate uranium deposits.
uranium deposits on reservation land in
large."
If the Exxon agreement is ap-
northwestern New Mexico.
He said, "We're dealing with a min-
eral that is rather controversial."
proved, "the Nava jos are committed to
Hundreds of millions of dollars could
Stephens says there is an "early indi-
potentially massive mining and proces-
be reaped for America's largest Indian
cation that some tribal officials don't
sing development of their uranium re-
group under an agreement with Exxon
agree with the socio-economic" content
sources," says the statement.
Corp.
Tribal Chairman Peter MacDonald
Federal officials called the project, if
in the draft statement.
approved, a milestone for the estimated
"The final statement, which will go to
said there may be opposition to the pro-
ject from some Navajos living within
150,000 reservation Navajos.
the interior secretary, will be a lot dif-
the area.
"The whole deal is unprecedented,"
ferent structure than the draft EIS," he
"The minerals belong to all the people
says Dale Itschner, Bureau of Indian Af-
said.
and not to just the people living there,"
fairs (BIA) field solicitor (lawyer) at
Stephens said additional environmen-
said MacDonald. "We all have to share
Window Rock.
tal impact hearings will be held before
in it."
"There's a lot of money involved,"
Exxon can start mining.
During the first and second years of
says Wayne Stephens of Billings, Mont.,
"That could be another year or
the permit, Exxon must spend $500,000
the BIA's project manager for the
Navajo-Exxon Uranium Development.
Environmental im-
each year for exploration. In the third
and fourth years, the company would
Depending on which option it exer-
pact of uranium exp-
pay $3 per acre for each acre remaining
cises, the Navajos possibly could re-
ceive an estimated $22 million annually
loration is subject of
under the permit. During the fifth and
or $8.25 million per year for no less than
sessions starting this
sixth years, the work requirment is $4
for each acre still remaining.
10 years.
week.
There is no limitation upon the
BIA officials say Exxon also could
number of exploration blocks other than
make millions of dollars from mining
and milling uranium, if it is found.
more," he said. "Mining is a long ways
the 51,200 acre total limitation.
down the road."
The mining lease would be for 10
The Interior secretary has been asked
to approve an exclusive exploration
Itschner said the Navajos initiated the
years "or so long as the specified min-
uranium development because "they
erals are produced in paying quanities,"
permit and minimu lease under the ag-
were aware there might be something
says the draft EIS.
reemen
The 400.000-acre prospecting area is
out there."
Exxon would be responsible for all
along the New MexicoArizona border of
He said the tribe "structured t h e
exploration and predevelopment costs
uranium development deal."
prior to mining.
the sprawting reservation.
Exxon has indictated that if it finds
If uranium ore in sufficient quanities
The Navajo government sent its prop-
enough uranium, it might build four un-
to warrant development is discovered,
osal to about a dozen major companies.
derground mines and two processing
Exxon would cermitted to lease
Itschner said the tribal minerals de-
mills.
51,200 acres. Of that surface acres
partment, with assistance from an out-
The Navajos, BIA and the U.S.
could be used for mining and milling
side consultant, ranked the bids "ac-
Geological Survey must give their ap-
purposes.
cording to financial benefits the tribe
proval before Exxon can begin mining.
If the interior secretary approves the
would receive. Exxon came out the
The New Mexico Environmental
environmental impact statement (EIS).
best."
Improvement Agency, acting for the
the tribe would receive an immediate $6
The draft EIS says, "Impacts result-
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission,
million bonus payment from Exxon.
ing from exploration will include distur-
would conduct environmental review of
BIA officials say that authorization
bance of soils and vegetation and air de-
Exxon's milling techniques.
probably won't come until late De-
gradation resulting from the vehicular
cember or early 1977.
movement and the operation of drilling
Draft EIS hearings begin Tuesday in
equipment."
Window Rock. the Navajo capital. The
The agreement was approved Jan.
BIA-sponsored public hearings will con-
24, 1974, by the tribal council.
tinue Thursday at Shiprock and Friday
It says the Navajos can become a
in Farmington. both in New Mexico.
partner in the venture, holding up to 49
The tribe will hold additional hearings
per cent interest or receive royalties.
Aug. 9-10 at Newcomb and the Coyote
Under the royalty option, the Navajos'
Canyon chapter house, both in the af-
income is projected at $8.25 million an-
fected exploration region.
nually. As a partner their share could
reach $22 million per year, acccording
to BIA estimates. Federal agencies es-
1976
Farmington Daily Times
Aztec Indian Dorm in Doubt Again
AZTEC - An unexpected
ment is reached, Indian stu-
Prior to his motion directing
these conditions, the school
letter from the Bureau of
dents from outside the Aztec
Aztec's latest response, Folk
should phase out the dorm
Indian Affairs has left Aztec
district may not be enrolled in
commented, "I'm flat tired of
program by the 1977-78 school
school officials once again in
the Aztec public schools next
sitting here letting them (the
year.
doubt about the future of their
year.
BIA) run over us." Folk added
King was also authorized to
Indian student dormitory pro-
The BIA letter was signed by
he was in favor of phasing the
inform the BIA that continua-
gram.
Stanley Bennett, acting chief,
dormitory program out by the
tion. of the dorm program
At their regular meeting
branch of legislative liaison in
end of 1977.
would require compensation
Thursday the Aztec Board of
Window Rock, Ariz.
Folk asked King if Aztec was
for hiring another adminis-
Education was informed by
King told the Daily Times he
committed to the program for
trator. The superintendent said
Superintendent Gordon King
received a call from Bennett
next year and King responded,
administration of the program
that a letter received from the
early today and arrangements
"I think we are. We can bluff a
now requires a good deal of his
BIA this week has informed
are being made for an August
little bit but I think we are."
time that should be spent on
the district that Johnson-
meeting in Aztec between BIA
King told the board that at
business pertaining to the
O'Mally funds will be available
and local school officials.
this late date the district has
needs of in-district students.
for out-of-state Indian student
In a motion by board mem-
already hired five or six
He described the dormitory
tuition only.
ber Ken Folk, the board Thurs-
teachers at an average salary
program as a "good
According to the letter, the
day instructed King to respond
of $12,600. In addition, the
situation. we don't want to
BIA has now taken the position
to the BIA with a letter stating
district is counting on $80.000
loose the kids. But, dadgum,
that all state resident Indians
that unless BIA and school
in state money that would be
we'd like to get it straightened
attending the Aztec schools
officials could not reach a
lost by not accepting the
out so we understand."
will be the financial responsi-
Indian students. The district
negotiated agreement there
bility of the state and local
would be a "possibility" that
has already committed itself
district.
Indian students will not be
by hiring staff, King said.
School board members, anx-
enrolled in the district next
Aztec BIA dorm Super-
ious to maintain the program
year. The motion was given
intendent Hans Doerfert sug-
but aware of the unfair burden
unanimous board approval.
gested the board seek as-
on district taxpayers being
School officials have an-
sistance from BIA Acting Area
asked to support the education
ticipated an Indian student
Director Ed Plummer.
of out-of-district students, in-
enrollment next year of 131
Doerfert repeated his
structed King to inform the
students, of whom 103 are in-
statement made on previous
BIA that unless some agree-
state residents.
occasions that he was in the
King estimated that at the
middle. He said he was never
cost of $512.88 per student, the
consulted prior to this latest
district would have to come up
BIA move.
with another $52,826. Some of
Board President Lloyd
these students are residents of
Rasmussen stated he was in
McKinley County but the ma-
favor of a response that "just
jority are from Central and
lays it on the line." He said
Bloomfield school districts in
that if forced to operate under
San Juan County.
King said individual tuition
contracts with each of these
districts would present many
problems.
In previous years the Aztec
district has been faced with
BIA insistance that the local
district pay capital outlay and
debt service costs for Indian
students in the dormitory pro-
gram. That issue was not
resolved until school officials
sought assistance from the
New Mexico congressional del-
egation.
BILLINGS GAZETTE Aug. 12, 1976
Crow elated over victory;
vehicle tax is prohibited
By RICHARD H. GEISSLER
after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a
Moe lost. The state was determined
Of The Gazette Staff
lower federal court decision that Indians
to have limited taxing authority over Indi-
on the Flathead Reservation north of Mis-
ans living on reservations.
Indians residing on reservations in
soula were not subject to state taxes.
A portion of the Crow Reservation
Montana no longer have to pay state,
Burr told The Gazette that even
extends into the southeast corner of Yel-
county or school district taxes on their
though the state and county can no longer
lowstone County.
motor vehicles.
levy property taxes against motor vehi-
The rest of the reservation, including
Yellowstone and Big Horn County as-
cles, licenses will not be free.
most of the 3,500 enrolled Crows living on
sessors were notified by the state Depart-
"There will still be some fee charged
the reservation live on the portion in Big
for the license and there is a chance the
ment of Revenue Wednesday that they
Horn County.
could not assess taxes on vehicles owned
junked-car fee will still be charged," Burr
The City-County Planning office in
said.
by enrolled members of the Crow Tribe
Billings estimates there are from 1,000 to
living on the reservation.
For years members of the Confeder-
1,600 Crow living in Billings.
A spokesman for the assessor's office
ated Salish and Kootenai tribes sold ciga-
County officials expressed concern
in Billings said that up until the receipt of
rettes on the Flathead Indian Reservation
Wednesday that many of the rural ad-
without buying tax stamps.
dresses on the reservation would be diffi-
the notice. reservation Indians had been
cult if not impossible to confirm and that
taxed when they purchased plates for
Part of the reservation is located in
properly controlling the tax-free status
their cars. trucks. motorcycles and other
Missoula County and Missoula Sheriff
would pose problems.
vehicles.
John Moe tried to force the Indians to
Spokesmen from the Crow Tribe
The memorandum sent by Dennis
comply with state tax laws. The case final-
were elated over the ruling and said it
Burr, state property assessment division
ly ended up in U.S. District Court in Mon-
represented a reaffirmation of tribal sov-
administrator. said the order was issued
tana.
ereignty.
THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC
PHOENIX, ARIZ.
D. 211,962 SUN. 313,839
AUG 2 1976
Navajos plan
A spokesman for the
agency is proceeding as
hearings on
The BIA is currently working
environmental impact statement
is to be completed by the end of the
uranium offer
year.
The six hearings will deal with the
environmental impact statement.
WINDOW ROCK The Navajo Tribe
and the Bureau of Indian Affairs will
The BIA-sponsored hearings will be
conduct six public hearings in the next
Tuesday at the civic center here; Thurs,
two weeks on a proposal by Exxon Corp.
day at the boarding school in Shiprock,
to explore and mine for uranium on the
N.M.; and Friday at the community
Navajo Reservation.
college in Farmington, N.M.
Exxon has already received approval
Tribal-sponsored hearings will be in
from the Navajo Tribal Council to begin
the areas that will be most affected by
exploration. The BIA has been consider-
the Exxon proposal. They will be Ang. 9
ing the proposal for two years.
and 10 at the consolidated school in
Newcomb, N.M. and on Aug. 11 at the
Tribal officials have critized the BIA
for taking such a long time to consider
Coyote Canyen, N.M. chapter house.
the proposal, since the tribe is to re-
This marks the first time that the
ceivé a bonus of $6 million ORDO the BIA
tribe has sponsored its own public hear-
approves the project. Tribal
ings on mineral development the
claim they are losing almost
reservation
year in interest because of the
The Seattie Daily Times
D. 247,540 SUN. 306,612
AUG 1 1976
Indian tribes plant
fish in Northwest W291F
By DON HANNULA
430,000 steelhead and 17,500 rainbow
More than 15½ million salmon
trout this year.
have been planted this year in
Indian hatcheries and fish-plant-
Western Washington streams and
ings have been growing steadily
marine waters by 13 Indian tribes,
since the February 12, 1974, ruling
according to the Northwest Indian
by United States District Judge
Fisheries Commission.
George H. Boldt that treaty tribes
That includes cooperative pro-
should have the opportunity to,
grams with the State Fisheries De-
catch half the harvestable salmon
partment and the federal Fish and
and steelhead returning to tradi-
Wildlife Service.
tional. off-reservation, Indian fish-
The tribes also have planted
ing grounds.
The most activity this year was
by the Quinault Tribe, which plant-
ed 5,620,000 coho, fall Chinook and
chum salmon as well as 150,000
steelhead and 1,000 rainbow trout.
The Lummi Tribe, which has a
Deseret News
The site selected for
big aquaculture program, planted 3
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
million salmon and 250,000 steel-
the marina after an ex-
D. 81,805
tensive feasibility study
head. The Makah Tribe planted 1,-
by Terracor of Salt Lake
500,000 salmon and 2,500 rainbow
City, is the area of Nes-
trout.
AUG 2 1976
kahi Wash. It will be
Other tribes and their plants: Tu-
mainly accessible by
Navajos
boat although a dirt road
lalip, 1,430,000 salmon, 30,000 steel-
is being built from Monu-
head and 10,500 rainbow trout;
ment Valley by San Juan
Squaxin Island, 470,000 salmon;
to build
County and the Bureau of
Muckleshoot. 900,000 salmon and
Indian Affairs.
1,500 rainbow trout; Port Gamble,
400,000 salmon; Hoh, 150,000 salm-
a marina
The site is 24 miles up
on; Lower Elwha, 2,000 rainbow
the San Juan from its
trout; Upper Skagit, 1,150,000 coho
confluence with the Col-
salmon; Puyallup, 250,000 salmon;
BLANDING, San Juan
orado River.
Suquamish, 50,000 salmon; Nisqual-
County Construction of
The Terracor study
ly, 535,000 salmon, and Steilacoom,
a new $1.6 million marina
shows the project to be
50,000 salmon.
on the San Juan arm of
economically feasible,
Lake Powell could begin
Bradford said, and condi-
this year.
tions look favorable for
"I would hope to open
getting the project under
the facility next season,"
way. However, approval
said Cleal Bradford, ex-
of the Navaio Tribe must
ecutive director of the
be obtained since the site
Utah Navajo Develop-
is on tribal land.
ment Council (UNDC).
Also involved in ap-
Plans, which are in the
provals for the project
preliminary stage, call
are the Bureau of Indian
for erection of a store-
Affairs, National Park
service station, boat
Service, Bureau of Re-
docks, overnight lodging
clamation and the En-
facilities and a camping
vironmental Protection
area.
Agency.
Nevejo Relecation Talk
Delayed by Lease Issue
WINDOW ROCK. Ariz. (Dine Bureau)
"The commission is today making
Atkinson insisted that Navajo input
- Tribal Council deliberations on the El
more progress than it has at any time in
will be sought in the preparation of the
Paso coal contract have forced post-
its brief history.' he said. 'We are mov-
relocation plan. "I am on record at two
ponement of the of the scheduled ap-
ing.
chapter houses as saying the only way
pearance of the chairman of the
Louis notified Atkinson orally early
we can develop a successful plan is by
Navajo-Hopi Relocation Commission to
this month of his intention to resign. but
contacting individual Navajo re-
August 27.
as yet has not submitted a letter of res-
locatees." he said. "We will make an
Contacted by phone at his Sun City,
ignation. Lewis has said only that he is
intensive effort to do that."
Ariz. home, Hawley Atkinson said tribal
"awaiting reaction from Washington"
The commission chairman further re-
general counsel George Vlassis notified
to his dissatisfiaction with the
ported that a socioeconomic consulting
the commission office in Flagstaff
commission's activities' he has refused
firm will be retained to develop the plan
Tuesday that the postponement would
to state what this dissatifsfaction en-
by which Navajo a d Hopis will be relo-
be necessary. Arrangements were then
tails.
cated in settlement of their land dispute.
made for an appearance on the 27th, At-
Samuel Pete. director of the Navajo
He said the firm "must be objective and
kinson said.
Land Dispute Commission, said last
yet have an understanding of the up-
week that Lewis was upset with
heavels that will go on.
Asked to comment on reports that dis-
Atkinson's failure to seek councel from
Anthoropoligist Thayer Scudder will
sension within the committee prompted
Navajos facing relocation as well as
be contacted for advice in selecting the
the apparent resignation of commission
with Atkinson's refusal to take a stand
consulting firm. Atkinson said. Scudder
members Robert Lewis, Atkinson said,
on the tribe's application for lands in the
has testified before Congressionsal and
"I only want to make possitive state-
House Rock Valley to be used for reloca-
federal court hearings that fourced re-
ments."
tion.
location on a large scale would cause
grave social and cultural disruption
among the relocatees.
GALLUP INDEPENDENT
AUG 1 8 1976
ROUNDUP
County Manager Gene Brazeel present-
W-M Water
ed the Yuma County Board of Supervi-
sors Monday with a cost analysis of the
proposal, as prepared by the U.S. Bu-
reau of Reclamation. Anticipated costs
For Indians
include $220.3 million to purchase 71,000
acres of irrigable land and 17,000 acres
of privately held, non-irrigable land.
The federal government would lose its
Costly Item
$65.9 million investment in the irrigation
The Phoenix Gazette
system and the district would be giving
PHOENIX, ARIZ.
up investments amounting to $6.4 mill-
D. 121,306
YUMA - Shutting down the Wellton-
lion, the report said.
Mohawk project to turn its water over
It also could be expected to doom the
to Indian tribes would cost $1/2 billion
farming towns of Roll and Wellton and
AUG 3 1976
dollars, R Yuma County official says.
cost some $2.2 million to relocate about
Sen. <Edward Kennedy, D-Mass,
5,000 persons in the district.
proposed closing down the project, pay
Hearings on the Kennedy bill are to
ing off the farmers and landowners and
begin Aug. 10 in Washington. Yuma
releasing the water to five central Arizo-
County spokesmen and a number of
nalIndian tribes.
landowners will testify at the hearings,
Page 2-The Gollup NM Independent-Wednesday, August 18, 1976
THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC
PHOENIX, ARIZ.
Tribe Can't Deny
D. 211,962 SUN. 318,839
AUG 6 1976
Rights
of
Women
Corruption predicted
DENVER (AP) - Indian tribes do not have the power to deny female members
rights guaranteed them under the U.S. Constitution, the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of
in mining Navajo land
Appeals ruled Monday.
The opinion stemmed from a case in which the Santa Clara Pueblo in New
By BILL ONOVAN
Mexico refused tribal membership to children of a woman married to an outsider.
SHIPPOCK N.M. - Mineral exploitation on the
The appeals court overruled a New Mexico U.S. District court which said the
Navaja Reservation would produce "There corruption"
tribe was entitled to define its membership.
among, tribal officials, the director of the Shiprock
The pueblo in 1939 adopted an ordinance granting membership to children
Research Center said Thursday.
born of marriages between male members and non-members. The same
Harris Arthar said the federal government should
privilege was not extended to females marrying outside the tribe.
consider Increased corruption as a possible impact of
The court. in an opinion written by Judge William E. Doyle, said the ordinance
mineral exploitation on the reservation and include it in
was passed because "the increase in mixed marriages produced concern about
the environmental impact statement.
the enlarged demands for allocation of land and other trial resources."
His comments came at a hearing concerning urani-
Equality guarantees of the 1968 Indian Civil Rights Act are like those of the
um development on the reservation along the New
14th amendment to the constitution, the court said.
Mexico-Arizona border,
They are more important than a tribal rule adopted because of "practical
The Navajos approved an agreement two years ago
economic considerations," the judges said.
permitting Exxon Corp. to explore and mine for
The district court had said restricting the pueblo's ability to deny tribal member-
uranium. Geologists have said there may be 100 million
ship would threaten its cultural and economic survival.
tons of uranium in the sparsely. stttled area.
But Doy!e wrote that if the mixed marriages caused economic difficulties. the
Testimony from Thursday's hearings will be used in
problem could have been solved without resorting to discrimination - by simply
an environmental impact statement that will determine
excluding the offspring of both sexes where the larent, either male or female.
whether the Interior Department approves the agree-
married outside the pueblo."
ment. The final hearing will be today in Farmington,
Julia Martinez. a Santa Claran, brought the case to court. She is married to a
N.M.
Navajo. They have lived at the pueblo for 25 years and have reared eight children
Arthur and several other Navajos at the hearing
there.
claimed the tribal government will have a great deal
The tribe denied the children membership although they spoke the native
more chance to become connect if the agreement is
language and practiced the traditional religion.
signed, especially since the ribe may get as much as
$400 million over the life of the contract.
Enos Johnson of Sanostes, a small Navajo communi-
ty in the center of the Suranium region urged the
government to delay its decision until completion of
investigatina of the tribal government.
Grand juries in Phosnix and Albuquerque are prob
ing tribal financial activities. So far 11 tribal employ
ees, most of them clerks and secretaries, have been
indicted for embortiement.
Let us wait until this situation is cleared up before
this agreement is approved, said Johnson. "They say
jobs will be created for us but I feel this agreement
will only lead us to disaster."
Fifteen persons spoke at the hearings and almost all
were against the agreement Most or the speakers live
in the Shiprock area, which is within the uranium
region. Several said they have worked in uranium
mines and expressed fear that the people in the area
would suffer physically from the exploration.
Lucy Keswood, a resident of Shiprock and a member
et the militant Coalition for Navajo Liberation, said
grandum mining would be dangerous for area residents.
"I think life leu more important than material
things, she said, meding that she felt it was possible
that lithe federal government was going to approve this
agreement so that they can Mitt us off.'
Farmington Daily Times
AUG 2 2 1976
Tribe's Legal Aid Budget Expands
By HOWARD GRAVES
represented about 180 Navajos
tribal officials.
Arviso was sentenced June
Associated Press Writer
in various civil and criminal
Two of the three payments
28 to three years probation,
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP)
cases.
were authorized by Charles.
ordered to $1,500 in financial
-The budget of the Navajo
Charles said there was noth-
The third was requested by
restitution and to contribute
tribe's Legal Aid Department
ing strange about the use of
Michael Stuhff, a staff at-
six months of personal ser-
is growing.
tribal funds for hiring off-
torney.
vices to a tribal agency.
Tribal records show the de-
reservation referral attorneys.
The payments were verified
Tribal documents also show
partment's legal fees budget
He said the money is used to
by vouchers and other docu-
that Legal Aid paid $555 to a
jumped from $3,000 a year in
hire attorneys for legal work
ments obtained by The As-
second Phoenix attorney, Paul
1974 and 1975 to $50,000 for
that can't be handled by his
sociated Press.
Eckstein. He is representing
fiscal year 1975-76. Legal Aid's
small staff.
A tribal voucher shows
Dillon Platero, director of
total budget increased from
He was asked about the use
Phoenix attorney Tom
tribal education, in a pending
$117,694 is 1974 to $205,919 for
of tribal Legal Aid money to
Galbraith was paid $2,500 to
tax matter.
fiscal 1976.
pay attorney fees for a tribal
represent Art Arviso earlier
The Eckstein payment was
Director Bruce Charles, who
officials who pleaded guilty to
this year.
approved by Perry Allen, ex-
formerly worked in legal aid
embezzling tribal property.
Arviso, former staff assis-
ecutive administrative assis-
services in Albuquerque, said
"There was nothing more to
tant to Tribal Chairman Peter
tant to MacDonald.
the $3,000 in legal fees for
this than in the public defender
MacDonald, was indicted by a
Louis Denetsosie, a Navajo
referral attorneys were "total-
system," Charles said.
federal grand jury in Phoenix,
in private law practice at
ly ridiculous. I originally asked
The tribe paid $2,500 in legal
which is probing alleged finan-
Window Rock, was listed to
for $100,000," for fiscal 1976.
fees for a one-time tribal
cial irregularities on the na-
receive an estimated $300 to
He said that when he be-
executive convicted for crimi-
tion's largest Indian reserva-
represent Edward Paul Tso,
came Legal Aid director about
nal wrong-doing against the
tion.
33, also of Window Rock.
a year ago, "I tried to make
Indian group. The tribal-
Arviso, 42, pleaded guilty
Tso, an assistant director of
the program as effective as
funded Legal Aid Department
June 2 to embezzling building
the Navajo Office of Manpower
possible. It's a service the
also paid an additional $855 for
materials and labor from the
Administration, was sentenced
tribe feels is necessary."
nontribal attorneys to repre-
Navajo Tribal Fair for use at
July 12 after pleading guilty to
Charles said his office has
sent two other high-ranking
his Window Rock residence.
a misdemeanor violation
Farmington Daily Times
AUG 2 2 1976
WHITE CONE, Ariz. (AP) -
$905,000 since April 7.
"What could be wrong with
A Bureau of Indian Affairs
"If Baker has a conflict of
(Baker & Williams Livestock)
contractor has auctioned more
interest, we will of course
leasing Rita Blanca a pen to
than $1 million worth of U.S.
bring that to a screeching
put their cattle in?" Baker
government cattle to his busi-
halt," said BIA contracting
asked.
ness partner and other as-
officer Larry R. Ware.
Baker said he also has had
Contractor
sociates in the past four
Baker purchases the Indian
private business dealings with
months at 75 per cent of their
livestock, then auctions them.
each of the other buyers to
value, authorities said.
Eugene A. Snyder a BIA soil
whom he auctions livestock at
Sells BIA
Neither the BIA nor the
scientist in chrge of the gov-
White Cone.
contractor advertised the auc-
ernment livestock pen at White
Baker receives $79 a day
tion at government pens here
Cone said he asked for an
under his BIA contract, plus a
to reduce livestock grazing on
inquiry two months ago, and
4 per cent commission on the
Cattle To
land designated for joint use
was told by his superiors that
auction sales. BIA records
by the Navajo and Hopi tribes.
"everything is clean."
show he has received more
The contractor, W.D. Baker
Snyder reported that Victor
than $43,000 in the past four
of Joseph City, acknowledged
Williams, Baker's partner in a
months.
Partner
the sales to his partners and
Joseph City livestock deal-
other associates Tuesday, but
ership, is the largest buyer of
"I hired out to do a job and
denied they received favor-
government livestock auc-
I've been doing my job," said
itism.
tioned by Baker.
Baker. "I set them in (start
For Loss
The solicitor general will
Williams is listed as a buyer
the price) where I think
investigate for possible conflict
for the Rita Blanca Cattle Co.
there's a margin of profit left,
of interest, said a BIA official
of Dalhart, Tex., but Baker
and what the buyers do is
in Albuquerque.
said the livestock he sells to
strictly up to them."
BIA records at Flagstaff
Williams is trucked to the
Word of the auctions is
show cattle, horses, sheep, and
Baker & Williams Livestock
spread "by word of mouth and
goats bought from the Navajos
Dealers pens in Joseph City to
telephone, and one thing and
for $1,178,000 were sold for
await marketing.
another," he added.
AUG 2 2 1976
Farmington Daily Times
Approval of Interior Secretary Needed
Navajos
OK
New
Coal
Lease
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz (AP)
aside in matters as important
than the previous lease with El
price for coal to the tribe had
preference hiring clause.
-The Navajo Tribal Council
as this, " MacDonald told the
Paso. That lease, negotiated in
been 20 cents a ton if it was
The lease also calls for
has approved a renegotiated
council just before the Friday
1968, had two more years to
sold on the reservation and 30
relocation of some 49 Navajo
lease with El Paso Natural
vote. "I believe this lease
run.
cents a ton if the coal was sold
families, who will be com-
Gas Co. and Consolidation Coal
protects our people, our land
The Navajo Nation initially
off the reservation.
pensated for having to move.
Co. for coal mining on 40,286
and our resources."
would receive $5.6 million as a
The new proposal would also
A number of Navajos from
acres in the Burnham, N.M.,
He said the lease was much
bonus royalty payment from
require EPNG to:
the Burnham and Shiprock
reservation area.
better than any previous lease
the company. The payment is
-Pay the tribe $6.25 per
areas, who opposed develop-
The 49-11 vote climaxed
for mineral development nego-
due within 10 days after the
acre for a total of more than
ment of the land in those
almost a week of discussion
tiated by the tribe, and may be
lease is approved by the
$250,000 per year for the first
regions, attended the tribal
and represented a victory for
the type of lease that Indian
Interior secretary.
seven years, a stipulation the
council session during most of
the administration of Tribal
tribes throughout the country
Under the lease, the tribe
tribe hopes will encourage
the week-long debate. When
Chairman Peter MacDonald.
will use as a model when
would receive 55 cents a ton
EPNG to begin mining soon.
the council recessed some of
The new lease must be
negotiating for development of
for the coal mined and sold, or
-Pay the tribe $50 per
them protested the decision.
approved by the secretary of
their resources.
eight per cent of the price of
acrefoot for any water used in
The vote was on a role call,
the Interior.
Tribal officials said the re-
coal EPNG receives, which-
the mining operations.
which is unusual for the tribal
"As leaders, we have respon-
negotiated lease represents a
ever is greater.
-Give the tribe more control
council. Fourteen council
sibility and must put politics
better deal for the Navajos
In the previous lease, the
over land reclamation and
members were absent.
environmental protection.
The actual key vote came
The resolution accepting the
Thursday when the council,
companies' offer said the lease
voting 26-22, defeated a move
improved the Navajo position
by those opposed to the lease
"both economically and en-
to have the resolution tabled
vironmentally."
and delay the action indefinite-
The lease includes a Navajo-
ly.
Farmington Daily Times
AUG
2
2
1976
Apaches Joining
Treasure Hunt
MESCALERO (AP) - The
the "net treasure set aside to
Mescalero Apaches are getting
the Mescalero Apache Tribe."
into the Victorio Peak treasure
The tribal resolution author-
act.
izing the contract says,
A contract with Joe Newman
"Whereas, The Mescalero
of El Paso employs him to "ex-
Apache Tribe has been recog-
plore, excavate and retrieve al-
QUA'TOQTI
AUG
nized as the descendent body of
I
S
1976
leged treasures located in the
the Apache Tribes in southern
vicinity of White Sands Missile
New Mexico by the United
Range in the State of New Mex-
States Indian Claims Commis-
ico."
sion, and
The alleged gold or treasure
"Whereas, The Treasures of
'Indian' defined
cache in the Victorio Peak area
Chief Victorio would be the
of the San Andres Mountains on
property of the Mescalero
the missile range has been New
Apache Tribe, and
Mexico's most publicized miss-
"Whereas, Treasure Finders
ing treasure story for many
Inc. have presented a contract
for BIA policy
years. The state government,
for sharing the proceeds of such
the U.S. Army and other offi-
treasure following discovery,
The 'office of the commis-
June 1. 1934, residing within
cials and agencies have been
"Now, therefore, be it re-
sioner of the Bureau of Indian
the present boundaries of any
involved in dealing with treas-
solved, that the Mescalero
Affairs (BIA) announced to
Indian reservation;
ure seekers.
Apache Tribal Council does
the Area Offices recently that
3.) All others of one-half or
Victorio Peak was named for
hereby authorize the President
a famed Apache war chief, Vic-
during the "past several
more Indian blood; and
of the Mescalero Apache Tribe
months, an extensive study
4.) Eskimos and other
torio, who died in battle in 1880.
to enter into an agreement be-
has been made of the defi-
aboriginal peoples of Alaska.
Victorio, a Warm Springs
tween the Mescalero Apache
nition of Indian. in terms of
An individual meeting any
Apache, lived on the Mescalero
Tribe and Treasure Finders
'the present policy and the
one of the above criteria of
Reservation for awhile in the
Inc. for the recovery and shar-
statutory definition in the
the statutory definition. will
1870s. Victorio Peak was one of
ing of said Treasure of Chief
Indian Reorganization Act,
be afforded preference in
his camping places. He and his
Victorio."
June 18, 1934.
actions filling a vacancy by a
Apaches gathered loot from
Effective April 20. 1976.
promotion. reassignment or
raids throughout southern New
For a long time the Army
Mexico.
kept would-be treasurer
the definition of Indian as
lateral transfer. in the
seekers off the missile range
stated in Section 19. Indian
bureau. This policy will not
Newman apparently is recog-
Reorganization Act of June
apply to initial hiring until a
nized by the Army as one of the
and away from Victorio Peak.
18, 1934. 25 USC 479. was to
new Schedule A appointing
"legitimate treasure claimants,
In recent years there have been
and he claims to have seen the
renewed efforts by some
be the criteria used in
authority has been received
treasure in a cave at Victorio
claimants to gain access and
recognizing an individual for
from the Civil Service Com-
the Army has indicated it will
the purpose of Indian pref-
mission. Employes will be
Peak.
allow entry by claimants in an
erence in certain personnel
responsible for providing the
Sampson Miller of the Bureau
Personnel Office with certi-
orderly manner.
actions in the bureau. In-
of Indian Affairs office at Mes-
dian means persons of Indian
ficates verifying that they
calero confirmed today that the
The claimaints have been
meet one of the criteria
descent.
tribal council had authorized a
preparing for a scientific
1.) Who are members of
above.
contract with Newman who is
search of the peak, to be con-
any recognized Indian tribe
The commissioner urged
president of Treasure Finders,
ducted by the Stanford Re-
now under federal jurisdic-
wherever there were exclu-
Inc.
search Institute, on behalf of all
sive union recognition. that
tion;
Mescalero President Wendell
claimants. The search would
2.) Who are descendants of
this information be brought
Chino was not available for
involve electronic instruments
such members who were, on
to their attention.
comment.
designed to determine if there
Newman said the contract
is any gold cache on the peak.
provides that he is to bear all
The electronic search was
expenses related to the search,
postponed earlier this summer.
and is to receive 50 per cent of
A new date has not been set.
Taxes Said
By SCOTT SANDLIN
Council and Navajo Communi-
Daily Times Staff
ty College on state taxation on
A University of New Mexico
Indian land.
professor says Indian tribes,
Boyle, who has studied the
particularly the Navajos,
economic status and tax alter-
should consider payroll tax, a
natives for the tribe, was one
complex income tax and taxes
of 11 economists, attorneys and
on resource extraction to pro-
humanists at the panel dis-
vide revenues supporting gov-
cussion attended by about 40
ernmental services.
persons.
The remarks came from
economist Dr. Gerald Boyle
Boyle suggested an internal
during the first of two forums
payroll tax as a more effective
Wednesday sponsored jointly
form of generating revenue
by the New Mexico Humanities
than a sales tax, since only 20
Farmington (N.M.) Daily Times Thursday, August 19, 1976-3A
Source of Indian Revenue
per cent of Navajo consumer
He also said the state is was that the issue would have direct and direct burden upon
purchases are made on the
"pecking away at the tribe's
to be decided sooner or later
the owner of the land," Hanley
reservation.
sovereignty with taxes. They
by the courts," said John
said.
He also said a change in the
are trying to find a crack or
Jasper, consultant to the com-
Mrs. Blackwell said the state
economic desirability of of
hole to broaden their tax
mitteee on the bill. "The draft
law encroaches upon feder-
coal, uranium and other natu-
base."
bill clearly raised those ques-
al authority.
ral resources in recent years
The question of state taxa-
tions."
"The federal government
made tax possibilities "almost
tion of leasehold interests on
He said amended versions of
has absolute power to legislate
endless."
Indian lands hinges on the
the bill took a neutral position.
over Indian affairs, and state
But an afternoon speaker,
perennial question of juris-
The legal issue tied up with the
laws generally are not applica-
Sharon Williams of the Navajo
diction, he said. Since the state
state issue, he said, is whether
ble to Indian lands, she said.
Tribe's newly formed tax com-
has jurisdiction of non-Indians
or not the state's taxation of
The discussion. moderated
mission, noted that most of the
on Indian reservations, the
non-Indian interests on Indian
by Navajo Community College
tribe's leases with industry
state has used that concept as
lands is interference with a
economics professor Phil Re-
included "tax holidays" or
a wedge with taxation, he said.
tribe's right to govern itself.
no, drew. a crowd composed
exemptions that hinder the
The tax area, said panelist
Case law on the subject is
primarily of persons with
tribe's ability to tax.
Joe Little, director of the New
vague, he said.
vested interests in the taxation
She used the lease with
Mexico Indian Tax Study Com-
The compromise measure
question. They included State
Arizona Public Service Co.
mission, needs to be con-
finally passed by the legisla-
Reps. Boyd Scott and Jerry
(APS), which includes an ex-
fronted head-on to be resolved
ture is "intentionally unclear
Sandel; representatives from
emption for up to 35 years, as
and close the legal gap.
on the question of taxation of
WESCO, Utah International,
an example. She said the
An attorney who drafted the
improvements."
APS, El Paso Natural Gas; a
exemptions were "uncons-
original version of House Bill
Sharon Blackwell, an at-
contingent of Pueblo Indian
cionable."
19 on taxation of leasehold
torney for the Interior Dept.,
officials, including the gov-
Graham Holmes, an attorney
interests on tax-exempt lands,
and Ben Hanley, an attorney
ernors of Laguna and Cochiti
and title examiner for the
said the original bill was clear-
with the legal department of
pueblos and members of the
Navajo Land Administration,
cut on the property tax ques-
the Navajo tribe, criticized the
All-Indian Development As-
said future leases between the
tion.
law.
sociation; officials from the
tribe and industry could tie
"The (House Taxation and
"I will argue vigorously that
Navajo Tribe's tax depart-
rent to an escalation clause.
Revenue committee's position
the state action is unconstitu-
ment; and members of local
tional since it places an in-
civic groups.
JUL 30 1976
Seneca Nation, N.Y. Sign Land Pact
SALAMANCA, N.Y. - (UPI) -
Commissioner Raymond T. Schuler
way between Allegany and Sala-
The first pact between the state of
and Seneca President Robert Hoag,
manca, which will connect with
New York and a sovereign Indian
the Seneca nation will receive 750
the already-completed Salamanca
nation since the early 1800s was
acres of land within Allegany State
to Jamestown section.
signed this week on the Allegany
Park, and 45 acres of private land
Indian Reservation in Cattaraugus
to be purchased by the state from
Raymond Hardy, special assis-
County.
local property owners. The nation
tant to Gov. Hugh L. Carey, pre-
The agreement makes 795 acres
itself will receive nearly $500,000
sented Hoag with a letter from
of Allegany Indian Reservation
from the state and individual mem-
Carey in which the governor said
land available to the state for con-
bers of the nation will share a total
he hoped the signing would "signal
struction of a key link of the
of $1.3 million.
an even greater area of cooperation
Southern Tier Expressway.
The agreement clears the way
in the future from which all of the
Under the agreement, which was
for the state to begin construction
Senecas and all of the people of
signed by State Transportation
of a 16-mile section of the express-
New York will benefit."
AUG
1976
The Changing Navajo Culture
Extensive industrial develop-
around the world doesn't go back
ment on the Navajo Reservation is
to the dawn of time, but was intro-
almost certain to break down the
duced by Spaniards exploring this
tribal culture, just as a. researcher
area a few centuries ago. Navajo
says, but that isn't necessarily a
culture also changed when the
revolting prospect since the alter-
horse, also introduced by the Span-
native is the poverty inherent in a
iards, was replaced by the pickup
pastoral society.
truck.
How much can this area take?"
The Navajo culture today is con-
asked Ronald G. Faich, Navajo
siderably different from the cul-
Research a n d Statistics Center
ture of a century ago. Whether as
director, at a public hearing in
a result of uranium finds or some
Window Rock on a draft environ-
other development, the culture
mental impact statement for a
probably will be something differ-
uranium mining and milling opera-
ent still a hundred years in the
tion that could bring the Navajos
future. After all, culture ordinarily
more than $400 million.
is an evolutionary process, except
among primitive peoples hopeless-
He added that the "stresses and
ly isolated from contact with other
strains" on Navajo culture from
societies.
fi e uranium development and
other industrial and agricultural
It is to be hoped that the Navajos
developments "can't be conveyed"
can combine the best of their tradi-
in an environmental impact state-
tional ways with technological
ment. Faich apparently is suggest-
change as they have done rather
ing that the Navaje Reservation be
successfully in the past - to come
maintained as a living museum of
up with a culture that is uniquely
a colorful people untouched by
Navajo.
technology.
In any event, the Navajos should
To be sure, the Navajos have a
not be frozen in time and denied
rich culture, bu one, that has
the advantages of industrialization
changed over the years, surely for
simply because, non Indians find
t h e better in some ways. The
them 90 fascinating the way they
Mavajo silversmithing so admired are
AUG 5 1976
By Federal Judge
Satiacum operates a tax-free cigarette shop, a
bar, restaurant and Indian crafts shop. He for-
merly operated a gambling casino and a stand
that sold non-"safe and sane" fireworks. which
Satiacum Gets
are illegal under state law.
Federal agents raided the casino in April and
the fireworks stand in July, shutting down both
operations, which were declared illegal in court
orders obtained by the U.S. attorney's office. Bob
Order to Move
Satiacum and four others also face a criminal
indictment charging them with operating an ille-
gal gambling business and conspiracy to operate
it.
Besides temporary and permanent eviction or-
ders, the tribe's lawsuit asks for damages of
Businesses Out
more than $1 million for trespassing, injury to
the tribe's reputation, danger to tribal members
caused by the business activities and rental value
what's
of the property.
By NEIL MODIE
Laurence Finegold argued yesterday that al-
though the tribe and the Satiacums repeatedly
A federal judge ordered Indian activist Bob
have attempted to negotiate a lease, none ever
Satiacum yesterday to remove his smoke shop,
has been signed and the brothers use heavily
bar and other controversial business enterprises
armed guards to occupy the land "by naked
from Puyallup tribal land in Tacoma within two
force."
weeks.
Tanner said the guards are retired Tacoma
U.S. District Court Judge Walter T. McGovern
policemen, hired to protect against theft. He said
issued a preliminary injunction against Satiacum
that although no lease has been signed, the Satia-
and his brother Charles in a lawsuit brought
cums currently pay the tribe $5,000 a month in
against them by the tribe and its tribal council,
rent.
which accused the brothers of occupying the land
Tribal members voted in a referendum last
by force without having signed a lease.
year to require the Satiacums to pay $25,000 a
The order will be in effect only until the suit
month rent or vacate the land. Finegold said the
goes to trial. But due to a heavy backlog of civil
tribe is "land-poor" and needs the property for
court cases, a trial of the case on its merits isn't
its own uses. The property is at 101 Pioneer Way
likely to occur for several years - if ever.
in Tacoma.
The defendants' lawyer, Jack Tanner, said
afterward that the ruling won't mean the end of
the business empire which Bob Satiacum has
built on the reservation - and which has em-
broiled him in running legal battles with other
tribal members and the U.S. government.
"It's going to come as a shock to some peo-
ple," Tanner predicted with a chuckle. "I imag-
ine Bob will pop up in business on the reserva-
tion but not on tribal land." It's likely to be on
nearby land that Satiacum or his family owns on
the reservation, he added.
Judge McGovern ruled that the Satiacums are
occupying the tribal property illegally. But he
said the brothers may be entitled to some amount
of compensation for the buildings and improve-
ments they have put on the property since 1971.
During a court recess, Tanner and lawyers for
the tribe, Laurence and Sharon Finegold, then
agreed that the Satiacums will vacate the proper-
ty within two weeks and take all fixtures and
other movable property with them.
Then, either the judge will require the tribe to
post a bond based on the value of the remaining,
permanent structures, or the parties will attempt
to negotiate for the purchase of it by the tribe.
AUG
Klamaths draft wildlife plan
By BILL CHIDESTER
W6297F
will be allowed to hunt no more than 7.5 per cent of
of The Oregonian staff
the deer population during the year beginning Sept. 1,
Preservation of the deer population and regulation
1976.
of Indian hunting practices are the main provisions of
Larry Safley, wildlife biologist for the tribe, has
a new fish and wildlife management plan drafted by
recommended that annual harvest of the deer popula-
the Klamath Indian Tribe for its members on the old
tion should not exceed 22 per cent, if the herds are to
Klamath Reservation.
be preserved, said Kimbol.
Tribal officials and advisers explained the purpose
Other provisions are:
and provisions of the plan at a news conference
- Antelope hunting will be closed to tribal mem-
Thursday in Portland.
bers, to encourage conservation practices by the state.
Charles Kimbol, tribal chairman, said the plan was
- A road closure program by the U.S. Forest
adopted 120 to 13 by the tribe's general council.
Service will be adopted.
He said the Klamath Indian Game Commission will
- Tribal game wardens will be appointed to en-
enforce the plan and punish violators. The plan per-
force the plan, and violations by non-Indians will be
tains only to tribal members, on the 1954 rolls, hunt-
reported by the game wardens to state and federal
ing on the 1.2 million acres of the former reservation
officials.
which is part of the Winema National Forest.
- A tribal court will hear violations.
"This is truly a great event in our tribe's long
- Tribal wildlife conservation programs, directed
history," said Kimbol.
by Safley, will continue on the old reservation.
He noted that federal sanction and supervision of
The plan will be sent to the Oregon Fish and
the tribe was terminated in 1954, but In a 1974 court
Wildlife Commission, said tribal officials. "If the state
case, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals held that
doesn't accept the plan, we may have to revise it,"
the Klamaths have hunting and fishing rights on the
said Coburn.
former reservation.
Kimbol said the commission last year rejected the
Tribal members are not subject to state law when
tribe's proposals for hunting regulations on the old
hunting or fishing on the former reservation, he noted.
reservation , and Wilkinson said the tribe's experience
"But the lack of state regulation over Klamath
with the commission "has been frustrating."
Indians on the reservation does not mean there will be
"We would hope the state will adopt a similar fish
a lack of effective regulation. The Klamath Tribe is
and game management practice," Wilkinson said.
able to regulate our tribal members far more effec-
"There is no implied threat here for litigation with
tively than can the State of Oregon," he said.
the state." Wilkinson said he hoped any differences
Joseph F. Coburn, director of the Pacific North-
with the state Fish and Wildlife Commission could be
west Indian Program, estimated the deer population
worked out "at the bargaining table."
on the former reservation has been reduced from
Sid Lezak, U.S. attorney for Oregon, said the rami-
30,000 in 1961 to 9,100 in 1974, due to overhunting by
fications of the game management plan "go beyond
nonIndians.
hunting and fishing."
Charges that the Indians are responsible for the
He said the plan "focuses attention on the iden-
decrease in the deer herds have never been proved,
tification of the Klamath Tribe" and the "long road
said Charles Wilkinson, University of Oregon law
back" for social and economic direction after "heavy-
professor and tribal adviser.
handed methods" used in the past by the U.S. govern-
Further defense of these charges is not an underly-
ment.
ing reason for the fish and game management plan, he
He said he was "delighted to see the Klamath
contended.
Tribe use this game management plan as a method
One provision of the plan is that tribal members
toward the conducting their own affairs."
OKLAHOMA
CITY,
OKLAHOMA
JOURNAL
DAILY $2,000
Cook, who says he is at most
one-sixteenth Cherokee, was
an assistant basketball coach at
AUG 2
1976
Southwestern State University
at Weatherford and worked
with the Upward Bound
program there for 10 years.
He then served as project
director for a dropout preven-
tion and cultural enrichment
program funded by the U.S. Of-
fice of Education, Title IV, In-
UNIT
dian Education, for a year,
ending July 1. UNITY grew out
of the Title IV program, but
now he hopes no federal funds
will have to be used.
"We are striving to do
without a federal grant and at
the moment we're about $11,-
UNITY!
000 in debt," he said.
Some of the money was
spent to buy, decorate and fur-
nish a bright red, white and
blue van members use to travel
around the state and on out-of-
state trips to Indian gather-
ings.
UNITY was able to borrow
the money through assurances
by its board of governors, who
are adults active in Indian
organizations in Oklahoma.
Three members of United Tribal Youth examine the van they use to attend Indian
"This shows that we were
gatherings and recruit members to the group, organized to build Indian self-esteem. From left
convinced of the value of it,"
are: Rudolph Tartsah Jr., Anadarko; Theron Starr, Clinton, and Gary Tsoodle, Anadarko.
Sammy Tonekei White, board
president, said. White, who
(UPI Telephoto)
wears two long braids, is a staff
member of the Native
Indian Group Fights
American Center in Oklahoma
City, writes two weekly
columns in The Oklahoma
Journal on Indian matters and
co-hosts an Indian television
'Negative Problems'
show.
Gary Tsoodle, 17, of
Anadarko, a Kiowa-Apache,
said UNITY offers help for
By KAY McCARTHY
"The part we identify with is
Cook says UNITY tries to in-
youths with such problems as a
United Press International
the tomorrow, the future," he
crease Indians' participation in
bad home life.
Indian teenagers and young
said. "There are so many
school activities and "assist in
"They try to see you on the
adults have formed a new
negative statistics, dropouts,
dealing with negative peer
same level and can say 'I know
group they hope will spread
unemployment, poverty, a high
group pressure."
what you're talking about," he
across the country to fight the
incidence of alcoholism. The
UNITY groups have formed
said.
"negative problems" confront-
proportion of Indian people in-
ing them.
carcerated is way out of line."
at Weatherford, Elgin,
United National Indian
Thoughts for building self-
Carnegie, Mountain View,
Tribal Youth or UNITY, urges
pride are listed in a UNITY
Hobart, Geary, Canton and
Indian youths to lift their self-
newsletter:
Seiling. Some groups meet in
esteem and preaches positive
"I am a valuable worthwhile
schools and have faculty
thinking similar to advice from
person worthy of the respect of
members as sponsors.
Norman Vincent Peale.
others. I have a positive expec-
UNITY executive director
tancy of winning big and take
The members plan to spon-
J.R. Cook, 37, of Weatherford,
all setbacks as temporary.
sor a band and present an In-
said the group seeks to interest
"I am kind, gentle and com-
dian puppet show at the
Indian youth in planning what
passionate with myself. I easily
American Indian Exposition in
express my ideas and know
Anadarko Aug. 6-14. In March
they will do with their lives.
that others respect my point of
they held a state conference in
view."
Anadarko.
AUG 1 0 1976
IN THE
INNER CITY
By Edward H. Blackwell
tions for a name for the
quite low, a fraction of the
of The Journal Staff
newspaper. About 30 were
cost per pupil in public
The name hasn't been se-
received, Thundercloud said..
schools."
lected for what is believed to
The names will published in
The big difference in cost
Edward H. Blackwell
be the first newspaper in the
the next edition, and readers
comes not so much from the
Milwaukee area to serve the
will be asked to vote for their
lower salaries paid the
Indian community. The pa-
favorite. The name receiving
priests, nuns and lay teachers
As Harris said, "there's
per's first edition was pub-
the largest number of votes is
as from the low overhead of
nobody to save the parochial
lished July 10. The second
the one that will be given the
the church operated schools,
schools that are now badly
edition is expected to be dis-
newspaper.
Harris said.
needed to help meet a nation-
tributed soon.
The paper's staff hopes
This is because they don't
al need." He lists these rea-
have the increasing bureauc-
sons:
Lee Thundercloud, a mem-
people in the Indian commu-
ber of the Indian Community
nity will contact the paper If
racies that burden the public
Many blacks are suspicious
Newspaper Committee,
they have news of interest to
school systems, he said.
of white Catholics. The legis-
the community. The number
lative bodies at all levels of
which publishes the paper,
to call is 933-4100.
One of the ironies is that
government are afraid of get-
said one of the reasons for
while nobody disputes the
ting involved in church-state
the delay was technical prob-
success of these schools,
tangles. Liberals are hung up
lems in printing the paper.
The contributions Catholic
which incidentally have an
on busing. Public educators
The Indian Urban Affairs
schools have made here and
exceptionally high number of
are afraid to make a cost
Council, an organization of
in other cities to the educa-
non-Catholic students, few
comparison, and researchers
Indian groups serving the
tional success of blacks and
help them when they are on
are splitting hairs over educa-
metropolitan area, is under-
other minorities have not
the edge of insolvency.
tional philosphies.
writing the cost of publica-
been widely publicized.
tion, Thundercloud said.
In the June edition of Psy-
Half Live Here
chology Today, T. George
It is estimated that about
Harris, editor in chief, wrote
half of the state's Indians live
that "one of the hidden facts
in the Milwaukee area.
of ghetto education has been
"There is a need for the
the black success in Catholic
paper because there are a lot
schools
Around the US
of issues involving Indians
poor families, not just middle
that the Indian people should
class types, wait for months
know about," Thundercloud
to get their children into pa-
said.
rochial schools in ever in-
The paper should let people
creasing numbers."
in the Indian community
True Here
know what services are
This is true in Milwaukee.
available and provide a better
All of the Catholic schools in
means of finding out what
the Inner City and communi-
issues they should be con-
ty schools, former parochial
Indians Ask
Indian-hired wildlife biologist said a 22
cerned about, he said.
schools, all report waiting
per cent harvest would fall within good
"And besides, it gives a
lists.
conservation practices.
voice to the Indian communi-
Harris said there was a
Hunting Limit
Clarifying that the new tribal regula-
ty here," Thundercloud said.
deep irony in the situation
In the first edition, readers
because "their success rate is
W6
LanF
tions would apply only to Indians, and
were asked to send in sugges-
Members of a newly formed Klamath.
that Indians would not trespass on pri-
very high and their cost is
Tribe Game Commission asked the Ore-
vate land without permission, Kimbol
asked the state commission to set aside
gon Fish and Wildlife Commission
Thursday to limit hunting by non-Indi-
past misunderstandings and cooperate
with their conservation efforts.
ans in the Winema National Forest
while the tribe limits Indian hunting in
"One of the saddest chapters in the
order to build up deer and antelope
history of the Northwest has been the
herds.
failure of state wildlife agencies to
Charles Kimbol, tribe chairman, said
cooperate with Indian tribes," Kimbol
during a Portland press conference that
said. "Rather than work with us, they
the tribe was determined to "restore
have chosen to fight us at every turn.
AUG
5
1976
our land to its former bounty." He said
That misunderstanding is that
the Indians would harvest only 7.5 per
as state management is somehow supe-
cent of the deer population although an
rior to tribal management," he said.
ADULT EDUCATION
House aid awaited
on Indian program
By NANCY PAULU
Minneapolis Star Staff Writer
The future of the Minneapolis
Regional Native American Center's
adult education program is in doubt
because the U.S. Office of Educa-
tion has not allocated money for
the program to continue.
But there's one ray of hope, said
Ervin Sargent, executive director
of the center at 1530 E. Franklin
Av.: Some special federal legisla-
tion was approved this week by the
House Education and Labor Com-
mittee.
The Minneapolis center's pro-
gram, which serves more than 200
persons, was paid for last year by
$62,500 from the federal office of
education under the Indian Educa-
tion Act.
5
SARGENT SAID the program,
ERVIN SARGENT
which has been operating for a
year. enabled about 200 adults to
Director of center
enroll in high school equivalency
courses. Fifty-five received their
equivalency diplomas last year,
be made available immediately so
Sargent said.
that the 20 programs can continue
operating until the $2 million act-
However, Sargent said, he learned
this week that the office of Indian
ually is appropriated.
education (a division of the office
Sargent said the Minneapolis cen-
of education) received more appli-
cations this year than it did last
ter's adult education program staff
year. Consequently, 20 Indian
includes a director, a secretary, two
groups that received money last
community resource aides and four
year won't be getting any this year,
or five instructors. The staff "will
he said.
continue working for another week
The legislation, which tentative-
or two," Sargent said. "Then they'll
ly is scheduled to go to the House
be laid off until more money comes
in."
floor next week, would authorize
$2 million to enable 20 programs
The center, which opened May 4,
around the country to continue op-
1974, provides recreation, manpow-
erating, according to Kenneth Fred-
er training, education and library
gren, an administrative assistant
services to Indians living in the
to Rep. Berkley Bedell, D-Iowa.
Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The cen-
(Bedell's office, along with the
ter's main educational budget of
offices of Sens. Hubert Humphrey
$170,000 would not be affected by
the office of education's decision.
and Walter F. Mondale and Rep.
Donald Fraser, all Minnesota Dem-
ocrats, has been urging the U.S.
Office of Education to continue
supporting the Indian programs.)
FREDGREN SAID the legislation
also stipulates that $500,000 should
MILWAUKEE JOURNAL
D.
AUG 5 1976
But he said that if the BIA
BIA Ready
auditor was unable to audit
the tribal books, the BIA
would help the tripe develop
to Audit
guidelines and procedures to
account for federal spending
Tribal Data
on the reservation.
Last February, Mebane
called off an investigation
Journal Washington Bureau
because, he said, It was vir-
Washington, D.C. - The
tually impossible to deter-
Bureau of Indian Affairs
mine how tribal funds had
(BIA) is ready to audit the
been spent.
books of the Lac Court Or-
"Indian tribes today re-
eilles Indian tribe, the com-
celve funds from numerous
missioner of Indian affairs
federal agencies under a vari-
told Sen. Gaylord Nelson
ety of programs, each with
Wednesday.
Its own fiscal requirements
and accounting procedures,"
But Morris Thompson, in a
Thompson wrote Nelson.
letter to Nelson, said that if
"We have no control over
for some reason the bureau
or authority to determine the
was unable to conduct the
accounting procedures for
audit, it would help the tribe
funds or programs of other
to develop procedures "to
federal agencies," he said.
insure the integrity of the
"We will, however, be happy
system to disperse federal
to assist the band in any way
funds."
possible to improve its ac-
Nelson, Rep. David Obey
counting system upon request
(D-Wis.) and Sen. William
of the governing body."
Proxmire (D-Wis.) had asked
Thomas Kleppe, secretary of
the interior, what the agency
was doing to set up an accu-
rate system to account for
federal funds received by the
tribe. The BIA is part of the
Interior Department.
AUG 4 1976
US Atty. David Mebane of
Madison had recommended
Gorton, Parker Air Views
setting up a new accounting
system after an investigation
by his office and the FBI into
allegations involving the
misuse of federal funds on
On Indian-fishing Issue
the reservation.
In his letter to Nelson,
P-I Southside W6241F
is seeking the Demo-
Congress empower the
Thompson said the Lac Court
TACOMA
-
Atty.
cratic nomination.
government to purchase
Oreilles tribal chairman, Od-
Gen. Slade Gorton said
Gorton said the deci-
ric (Rick) Baker, had request-
last night that Congress
sion of U.S. District
all off-reservation spe-
ed the BIA audit.
has the power to elimi-
Court Judge George
cial privileges of all In-
An auditor went to the res-
nate special privileges
Boldt. granting treaty
dians in the nation.
ervation, which is near Hay-
of treaty Indians and
Indians 50 per cent of
"The social justice of
ward, Wis., the week of July
former State Rep. Mike
salmon and steelhead
buying back such privi-
12, but Baker told him the
Parker urged that Con-
catch, was "unjust, de-
leges of all Indians is
records would not be ready
gress "buy back" the
nying equal rights under
greater than continuing
for two weeks, according to
privileges.
the law for every citi-
to allow a small number
Thompson.
Parker, in a speech at
zen."
of Indians to exercise
a joint meeting of com-
"Because of a combi-
"We are presently await-
their treaty fishing priv-
ing notification by tribal offi-
mercial and sports fish-
nation of race and the
ileges," Parker said.
ermen, made no politi-
luck of an old treaty."
cials that the records are
Gorton quoted a state-
cal references, but he
Gorton said, treaty Indi-
ment from the Boldt de-
ready," Thompson told Nel-
said he would introduce
ans can catch a dispro-
cision that made it clear
son. "At that time we will
such legislation if he is
portionate number of
that Congress has the
perform the necessary
the sixth district, where
fish.
power to renounce trea-
work."
elected to Congress from
Parker urged that
ties.
INDIAN NEWS CLIPS
OFFICE OF INFORMATION
202-343-7445
VOL. 6 No. 37
September 11, 1976
CHICAGO, ILL.
LAW BULLETIN
D. 7,500
AUG 17 1976
Indians set to take their fight for
rights to Congress, courtrooms
American Indians are ready
He said the committee will rec-
Thomas Fredericks, director of
to take their continuing battle
ommend major revisions in the
the Native American Rights
for greater self-determination
government's policies toward
Fund. "We must not allow the
into the halls of Congress and the
Indians-including amending the
BIA or other branches of the
nation's courtrooms.
rules governing federal asistance
federal government to be respon-
That was the clear message
programs to give Indian govern-
sible for us. We have to look out
delivered by seven Indian panel-
ments equal access with state
for ourselves."
ists who spoke at a session of the
and local governments to federal
To demonstrate the in-
American Bar Association Sec-
grants-in-aid.
tion of Individual Rights and
The impetus for changing fed-
creased involvement of In-
Responsibilities, at Atlanta last
eral policies toward Indians has
dians in professional fields,
week.
Richard LaFromboise, president
According to Alan R. Parker,
come primarily from the Indians
of the American Indian Law
an attorney for the American
themselves, according to panel-
Student Association appeared on
Indian Law Center in New Mex-
ist Morris Thompson, commis-
the panel. He announced that on
ico, the government has forsaken
sioner of the Bureau of Indian
recommendation from his organi-
its discredited policies of trying
Affairs. In response to demand
zation, the ABA Law Student
to force native Americans to
from Indian governments, he
Division adopted a proposal to
assimilate into American cul-
said the BIA has sought to de-
require all law schools in states
ture and of terminating recogni-
velop expertise which Indians
with significant Indian popula-
tion of some Indian tribes (a
need to deal with increasingly
tions to provide for some train-
policy begun in the 1950s).
complicated issues of resource
ing-at least a course or semi-
Now, he said, Congress has
development, water rights and
nar on Indian law. The proposal
begun to recognize that self-
conflicting jurisdictions between
will be presented to the ABA
determination for Indian tribes
state and Indian governments.
Board of Governors for action.
is the right course of the future.
Several panelists underscored
Other panelists included Rod-
As evidence of this shift,
the importance of training more
ney B. Lewis, chairman of the
Parker cited the work of the
Indians as professionals, particu-
Committee on Problems of the
year-old congressional Commit-
larly as lawyers. "Indians now
American Indian; William R.
tee on Problems of the Ameri-
realize that they themselves
Rhodes, chief judge of the Gila
can Indian, composed of three
must make decisions affecting
River Indian Community in Ari-
senators, three congressmen and
their land and people," said
zona; W. Richard West Jr., a
five Indians.
Washington, D.C., attorney; and
moderator Richard Trudell, di-
rector of the American Indian
Lawyer Training Program at the
University of New Mexico.
GERALD LIBRARY FORD
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR-BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
1951 Constitution Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. 20245
BILLINGS GAZETTE
BILLINGS, MONTANA
Date
8/26
Tribal business 'confused'
By FLYNN J. ELL
"We don't know officially that we are defendants in the
Of The Gazette Staff
suit," Canan said.
Canan acknowledged the legal action clouds business being
Official Crow Tribal business since July 1 may or may not
conducted by the tribe, but he added, "I don't want to give the
be official.
impression, however, that whole tribal system is in limbo."
The protest of Chairman Patrick Stands Over The Bull's
Bud Fritzler, a Crow tribal member supporting the suit,
reelection May 8 still lies smouldering in federal district court
said the reason summons haven't been issued is to save money.
in Billings.
Fritzler estimated $100 would be saved by waiting until
Stands Over The Bull. who has been sworn in and working
Battin returns and sets a hearing date before summons are
since July 1, said Wednesday that his opponents "haven't got a
served.
leg to stand on" and that he isn't taking seriously a suit filed in
Fritzler, a construction worker and rancher, said his inter-
federal court.
est in the suit stems from a desire to see Crow tribal govern-
But an attorney for a second slate of Crow officials elected
ment operate on its own without interference from the BIA.
June 12 said the suit filed July 23 is serious.
"It's stated in our constitution (approved by Interior Secre-
"If it wasn't serious, I wouldn't have filed it," said Billings
tary) that they (the BIA and solicitor) are not supposed to inter-
Attorney Frank Kampfe.
fere, yet they wrote words not in the constitution into their re-
Kampfe represents a second set of Crows headed by Jiggs
ply," Fritzler said of opinions dating back to the May 8 elec-
Yellowtail, who claim they were duly elected following June
tion.
voting. scheduled by the Crow election board after hearing pro-
Fritzler said he fears the Crow Tribe "will all go down the
tests.
drain" if the tribe doesn't run its affairs in a "businesslike man-
Yellowtail won without opposition in a race which Stands
ner."
Over The Bull ignored.
Kampfe said he hopes the matter will be in Battin's court
The suit charges that the Department of Interior through
by September prior to the next Crow quarterly council meeting
the Bureau of Indian Affairs has interfered in the Crow election
in October.
process by overuling the election board of the Crow Tribe, a.
Meanwhile, Chairman Stands Over The Bull said he is con-
soverign nation.
ducting official business normally and plans to continue to do
The BIA, acting on the advice of the solicitor in Billings,
so.
upheld the validity of the Stands Over The Bull election and or-
dered BIA employes not to participate in the second election.
"It is asserted that the Department of Interior cannot add
what is not stated and cannot rely upon Anglo-Saxon law to af-
fect or change the actions of the Tribal Election Board," the
suit claims.
The suit further charges that the court should restrain the
Stands Over The Bull administration from working pending a
legal solution.
Because, "irreparable harm and injury will result: and
that the validity of actions and activities of the Respondents
(Stands Over The Bull faction) as such officers and on behalf of
the Tribe will be in doubt."
The main reason the suit is smouldering instead of blazing
apparently is hinged to District Court Judge James Battin's
being on vacation.
James Canan. BIA area director, said Wednesday that he is
"confused" by the suit because no summons have been served
on any of the respondents including himself.
BILLINGS GAZETTE
BILLINGS. MONTANA
Date
8/24
Blackfeet's neighbors resent
Indians' special legal status
By CHARLES S. JOHNSON
After months of simmering. the juris-
Gazette State Bureau
dictional problems finally bubbled over
last fall when the Blackfeet Tribal Council
BROWNING - An undercurrent of
passed Ordinance 50 asserting complete
tension, rising swiftly as Indians and
tribal authority over both Indians and
whites clash over jurisdictional issues,
whites for all civil and criminal offenses
threatens to destroy the tranquility of the
committed on the reservation.
Blackfeet Indian Reservation.
Previously, jurisdiction was divided
The reservation, which forms the
among tribal. state and federal law en-
eastern border of Glacier National Park,
forcement agencies and court systems, de-
is the center of complex disputes over law
pending on the crimes and persons in-
enforcement. taxation, fishing rights and
volved.
other explosive issues.
Many white landowners and a few In-
These questions are by no means
dians reacted angrily and called a press
unique to the Blackfeet but confront Indi-(
conference in Helena to denounce the or-
ans and whites near reservations across
dinance as an abridgement of their rights.
the country.
Reagan objected because "we can't vote
The complications arise from the
there or serve on juries."
unique status of Indian reservations be-
The Bureau of Indian Affairs eventu-
cause of federal treaties and laws. As a re-
ally nullified the ordinance, but not be-
sult, reservations deal nearly exclusively
fore the battlelines had been formed.
with the federal government and are all
The furor has subsided somewhat by
but autonomous from state and local gov-
now, but Earl Old Person, the flat-topped,
érnments. even though they receive some
soft-spoken Blackfeet tribal chairman,
services from them.
still wonders what the objections were.
As Barney Reagan, an outspoken
"If they can try us by their laws, why
white lawyer from nearby Cut Bank, said:
can't they be tried by our laws?" he asked
"There is a serious question whether Indi-
as he leaned back in his easy chair be-
ans living on reservations are citizens of
neath a portrait of John F. Kennedy.
the state of Montana."
In Cut Bank, some believe the matter
Philip E. Roy, an equally brash Indi-
is far from over and rumors persist that
an lawyer from Browning, doesn't see any
the ordinance will be adopted again.
question whatsoever. "Indians are not cit-
Most agree that something must be
izens of Montana," he said matter-of-fact-
done to simplify the complicated law en-
ly.
forcement jurisdictional problems. Gla-
Their opinions are typical of the gulf
cier County Sheriff Jean Gertzen said it is
that separates Cut Bank and Browning,
"a nightmare to know what to do and
the two major towns in Glacier County.
where to go."
Although Indians and whites in both
Law enforcement has become a
towns profess to get along well with each
sometimes touchy subject in Browning
other individually, bitterness and animosi-
and Cut Bank since 22-year-old Clayton
ty seem to be mounting.
Hirst, an Indian, was found dead, hanging
Most knowledgeable observers agree
in the Glacier County Jail in March 1975.
that the jurisdictional disputes are poten-
His death was officially ruled a sui-
tially the most volatile around the Black-
cide, but lawyers for his family, citing a
feet Reservation. followed closely by the
later autopsy done for them by the San
Crow Reservation in southeastern Mon-
Francisco medical examiner's office,
tana.
charge that Hirst was electrocuted and au-
Cut Bank, which bills itself as the na-
thorities tried to cover it up with a simu-
tion's icebox because of winter tempera-
lated hanging.
tures that regularly plunge to the minus
The family retained Roy and San
30s. is the county seat, a ferming and oil
Francisco trial lawyer Melvin Belli who
town. Most of its 4,004 residents are
filed a $35 million damage suit in federal
white. and some frankly resent the federal
court against a number of state and local
money that goes to the reservation.
officials. No trial date has been set.
Browning (population 1,700) is the
Most of those involved in the suit on
heart of the Blackfeet Reservation, which
either side declined to comment, but,
an Indian brochure calls "a million-and-a-
Gertzen, Montana's only female sheriff
half acre Eden." But about the only sign
and one of a handful nationally, wasn't re-
of paradise in poverty-stricken Browning
luctant to speak.
is the breathtaking view of the shiny
Cont'd
mountains in Glacier Park.
"The whole thing is just a fabrication
was a teacher going into a black neighbor-
any way you look at it." she said. "It's too
hood. I would want to learn a few things
bad it had to happen, but it was just one
about it before I went there."
of those situations."
What. then, is the solution to all
She called the lawsuit "a pain in the
these various disputes?
neck financially and emotionally" and
As one might expect, no one much
said: "Even if we're cleared. people will
agrees except that it's really out of the
say for years, 'I wonder, I wonder.
state's hands. Gov. Thomas L. Judge ap-
But there are other less dramatic ju-
pointed a state task force last year to
study the jurisdictional problems. but it
risdictional disputes around the reserva-
gave up after tribes at three of the state's
tion.
seven reservations. including the Black-
Some Cut Bank residents resent hav-
feet, withdrew their support.
ing the county pay for the cost of provid-
Old Person said the Blackfeet pulled
ing services to the reservation when Indi-
out because the whites "put pressure on
ans are exempt from some state taxes.
the governor" over Ordinance 50. "Il
The result, they say, is higher taxes for
these people who started up all this fuss
the whites.
had given the task force a chance to get
J. Riley Johnson, editor of the Cut
on its way, it could have worked," he
Bank Pioneer Press. said the burden of
said.
paying for reservation services should be
Others are looking elsewhere for-sol-
spread nationwide. "Why should little
utions.
Glacier County foot all the bill for the
"Until the Congress of the United
Blackfeet Reservation?" he asked.
States does anything, we're not going to
Old Person and other Blackfeet lead-
solve it," lawyer Reagan said.
ers blame Glacier County officials for ref-
Sheriff Gertzen said the only solution
using to ooperate.
is to abolish reservations.
"The tribe is willing to get together,
A prominent Cut Bank resident, who
but Glacier County isn't," said Leo M.
declined to be identified, said Congress
Kennerly Jr., the reservation's planning
should provide that state law applies on
director. "We've attended meetings in Cut
reservations, while maintaining the feder-
Bank with the county commissioners. but
al protection the Indians now have.
they've never returned the courtesy by
Old Person said individuals in the
coming here."
two towns might be able to work out
A current hassle involves a state law
some of their differences if it weren't for
requiring teachers at schools near reserva-
the interference of some county officials.
tions to complete a mandatory Indian
Johnson said the question must be
studies course by 1979. The Cut Bank
resolved soon by Congress or courts.
teachers oppose it, to the dismay of some
"If they want to set up the reserva-
Indians.
tion as a separate area, fine." he said. "If"
"It's just a one-course thing that ori-
they want to integrate it. fine, but let's
ents you about Indians and reservations
quit fooling around.'
and how to react," Kennerly said. "If I
Some whites privately blame Roy for
inciting the Blackfect. and his blunt views
undoubtedly offend some.
"The cry is raised by non-Indians
that Congress must intervene and quit
pampering the Indian." Roy said. "To
that I would say poppycock. The law is
settled in 95 per cent of the cases."
The solution is not to "force state ju-
risdiction on the Indians" as some advo-
cate but to settle the remaining issues in
federal courts. where Indians have fared
well, he said.
"The recmergence and resurgance of
tribal authority is a reality that people
who surround reservations have got to
recognize," the lawyer said.
PorTland, Oregon
for the Week Ending August 10, 14°C
Too many fisbers
spoil the catch
Aug. 16. The upper river Indian
tribes, the Warm Springs. the Umatil
la, the Nez Perce, and the Yakimas
Indians move first on salmon settlement
responded to Belloni's request by
asking for two more fishing days for
the lower river gillnetters The com
B, XERPHA BORUNDA
take too many years before there
pact approved and Bellon signed the
wouldn't be anything left but Christ-
order.
The Chinock salmon have begun
mas trees. since Christmas tree
Belloni called all the user groups
If there IS a sense of dejs I'M about
their fall run up the Columbia River
cutters are content with the smallest
together and told them:
this sequence of events, it's because
spawning a mess of legal entangle-
crees"
Twice this year this court has been
many of the same actions took place
ments and leaving behind a lot of grate
Vince Miller. a gillnetter from
placed in a position where it has had
during the run of the spring Chinook
fishermen.
Naselle Wash.. agrees and adds,
no real choice but to order the states to
salmon. In fact. the same scrt of
Although that situation hasn't
The cean fishery takes all sizes of
do something they already intended
hassling has gone on practically every
changed with each salmon run for the
fish In the liver, we get only those
doing. or at least what they knew the
time the salmon have run since Judge
past seven years. these days there
that are prime.
law required them to do.
Belloni's first decision protecting
exists cautious hope that it may soon
Certainly the commercial ocean
"I have always believed that this
Indian rights in 1969- seven years
be resolved Signs are that all parties,
troll has more vessels than ever before.
problem isone which cannot be solved
ago. The change this time was the
including a federal judge. are anx:ous
The number of Washington state-
by court procedures alone. It can only
Indian gesture of cooperation.
toend the wrangling and restore some
based trollers has tripled within the
be solved by people of good will who
That gesture, coupled with the
stability to the lives and livelihoods of
last 25 years (trom 1,300 to 3.300).
want to solve it
frustration and the unstability of the
several hundred people
while the Oregon troll fleet has
"I am asking for a wholly new
existing situation, may finally lead to a
Sports fishers, commercial ocean
quadrupled (500 to 2,000)
attitude of the parties and the lawyers.
willingness among the user groups to
trollers. lower Columbia River gillnet-
But other gillnetters point out that
Les's move from confrontation back to
reach a settlement. If they do each
ters and upper river Indian treaty
the ocean sports fishery has mush-
cooperation in solving this problem.
must forego some measure of self-in-
tribes all claim the fish. The allocation
roomed. too. According to Jack
The events leading to Judge Bel
terest. whether it be greed, pride or
of the fish among them determines the
Marincovitch, a spokesman for the
loni's appeal for cooperation read like
selt righteousness.
means of livelshood for many and the
Columbia River Fishermen's Protec-
the script for . Keystone Cops movie:
The gillnetters say they have little
way of life for all.
live Union, "You wouldn't believe
AUR. 3. At a meeting of the
left to give. although one result may
For the gillnetters to survive at all,
the number of charters [boats hired for
Columbia River Compact Commission
be a cutback in their numbers. The
though. some of the other salmon
sports fishing] coming into the
the giffner season was set for 10 days.
profitable commercial ocean troll may
fishers will have to agree to give up
ports. Marincovitch admits that it's
This vote overrode the recommenda-
have more limitations placed on it.
part of their catches. This fall. for
difficult for a gillnetter who may be
tion of the staff for a live day season,
The Indians may he willing to offer
example. the lower over gillnetters
trying to earn a Living as a fisherman
which would still allow the Indians
more compromises And. finally. the
have been squeezed more than usual
to have his fishing season end while
their share of the up river fish.
sports fishers may have more limita
between the ocean fisheries and the
the sports season continues.
Aug 6 Sidney Lerak. U.S.
tions placed on both the number of
federal allocation for the upper river
Ted Bugas, head of Barbey Packing
attorney. tiled an injunction in U.S.
days and the number of fish available
treaty tribes Gillnetters fish inside the
Co. in Astoria, says the sports fishers
District Court whing for a total ban on
to them.
Columbia River. Their boats are
are taking a "good and growing
all fall Chino salmon fishing until
For now. the Indians have made the
smaller than ocean trollers and they
percentage of the fish. Up until Aug.
the compact could come up with a
first move. Dennis Karnopf, attorney
use smaller nets from the sides of their
12, he says. Washington sports
plan that would protect Indian fishing
for the Warm Springs Tribe, says.
boats. instead of setting nets at fixed
fishers had taken 112,000 Chinook
rights.
"We telt that a gesture of good faith
points in the river, as the Indians do
and 393,000 Coho salmon. Bugas.
Aug 10 Judge Belloni signed a
was required and we hope that all user
farther upstream.
whose Barbey Packing is a major
temporary restraining order for a
groups are ready to be a part of the
The August season for gillnetters
buyer of commercial troller and gillnet
day gilinet season.
solution.
was only seven days. and any Septem
catches, says there are plenty of
AUR 11. The Columbia River
Gillneter Marincovitch says. "We
her season will be late in the month
salmon for those fishermen. It's the
Compact Commission voted a , day
are definitely ready to do our part. If
and will depend on actual counts of
up-river Indians who are getting too
season to comply with Belloni's order.
the rules are even half way fair we can
fish over Bonneville Dam.
many fish, according to Bugas.
Aug 11. Classop Circuit Judge
live with them."
Adding to the trustration of the gill.
'`It's time to take 4 realistic look at
Thomas F Filison enjoined the state
And John Donaldson. director of
netters this season were reports of
the Indian treaties, he asserts.
from dosing the gillnet season in a
Oregon's Department of Fish and
exceptionally good catches from the
"They just shouldn't get superior
temporary restraining order.
Wildlie. inherited this hot porato
commercial ocean traffers and for the
treatment.
be 15 Bellom ruled that the
ocean sports fishers. Yet even with a
'`It`s true they didn't build the
when hr assumed that the in July.
ounly non was invalid It
says, caunously. that he 1% hoping for
seven day season, the gillnetters'
dams that cut cff the fishes' spawning
was at that ruling that he called for
a "discussion table.' and that all
catch was only about 28,100 fish. less
grounds. But neither did the gillnet-
ters." Bugas adds. And the depart-
cooperation.
parties are ready for a settlement
than one third of last year's, accord-
ing to prefiminary figures from Ore-
ments of fisheries are doing a damn
seals Department of Fish and Wild-
poor job of management."
life
The problems of the Indian fishery
Basically. given the federal treaty
on the upper river and the terrific loss
requirements for fish for Indian tribes,
of the salmons spawning territory.
almost all of this summer's nen-
either rotally as above Grand Coulee
Indian salmon went to the trollers.
Dam or only partially as above Little
according to Fred Cleaver. program
Goose Dam. tend to commund and
director of the Portland office of
centuse the lower river problem (See
National Marine Fisheries. This is
Willamette Week for the week ending
why the gillnetters are in such a bind.
May 3, 1976.)
Cleaver points out that the ocean
As this year's fall Chinook run
Satiacum gets
fisheries comprise 90) per cent of the
milled around 3t the mouth of the
catch of Columbia River fall Chinook
Columbia-salmon take some time to
salmon and that those taken in the
gain their sense of "homing" as they
a. week's grace
ocean are often smaller than those
pass from salt water into the river-
caught in the river. He scofts at the
the process of allocating those fish had
Bob 6.29.75 Satiacum has been given an
idea of managing a resource on a
already started. And as gillnetters,
first-come, first served basis-which.
who say their way of life is at stake.
additional week to reach an agree
he says, " exactly how the non Indian
lought for a larger share of the fish,
ment with the Puyallup Indian
salmon are being allocated.
litigation piled on litigation.
"If you tried to run the national
Early last week, in U.S. District
Tribe on posting a compensation
forests on a first come. first-served
Court. an examperated Judge Robert C.
hasis,' Cleaver says, "it wouldn't
The Scattle Daily Times
bond or removing buildings he has
occupied on the tribe's land.
D. 247,540 SUN. 306,612
The extension was granted yes-
terday by United States District
Judge Walter T. McGovern. Satia-
cum owns the structures. The judge
AUG 20 1976
earlier ruled that Satiacum had un-
lawfully occupied the lands.
A trial will be held later on the
tribe's contention that it should be
given title to the buildings.
The Seattle Daily Tixes
D. 247,540 SUN. 306,612
AUG 21 1976
ans of All Tribes Foundation. The
tionship to Indians today? Isn't ev-
premise behind Images of Indians
eryone already aware of how false
by
is to use movies and documentaries
the stereotypes in movies were?
John
from the past 70 years to show the
What particular purpose will be
changes in stereotypes of native
served by dredging this all up
Voorhees
Americans on the screen, how they
again?
affect most people's conception of
Television aditor
Indians - and how they also affect
Indians' own emotions.
Dr. Richard Meyer has an-
Great Scott:
nounced that N. Scott Momaday,
Channel 9 is also searching for
Kiowa Indian and Pulitzer Prize-
money for its projected Images of
winning author for his book,
Indians series, dreamed up by pro-
"House Made of Dawn," has been
ducer Robert Hagopian In conjunc-
chosen to write the pilot script for
tion with Phil Lucas of United Indi-
Images of Indians. Momaday is at
work with Hagopian and Lucas
screening the films that will be the
basis for the pilot and the I2 other
programs in the projected series.
However, unless $100,000 is raised
from corporations, foundations or
individuals, the series is not likely
to get beyond the pilot stage. The
Lilly Endowment has provided
funds for the pilot but the series is
ticketed at about $200,000. The Na-
tional Endowment for the Arts has
announced an $100,000 grant for the
venture but getting the money is de-
pendent upon Channel 9's raising
matching funds.
Rocky Mountain News
Is this the most interesting series
anyone can come up with in rela-
DENVER, COLO.
D. 214,490 SUN. 236,903
AUG 19 1976
Honor the treaty
own land should be honored.
Editor: This is in reply to J.
The Indian peoples (over 300
Harvey Rester's letter of Aug.
separate tribes) were the most
14 ("Forget the treaty") con-
ecological-minded race ever to
cerning the Ute Indians' re-
populate a great continent. The
quest to hunt free of state
idea that a small tribe of In-
restrictions.
dians would destroy our game
A treaty with the United
resources for future genera-
States government, regardless
tions is ridiculous. Surely, the
of its age, should be regarded
Utes will work hand in hand
as a solemn promise between
with the Fish and Game
The history of this country's
the people of a great nation
Department to assure an
broken treaties with the In-
and a people who were forced
ample supply of game.
dians is disgraceful. It is about
to give up almost all they had
time that the United States
80 that this great nation of ours
It must be taken into account
honored its promise to the
could come into being. The
that many of these Indians are
Utes.
sight of the Ute people
poverty stricken, and the game
DAVE GARFUNKLE
hunt, unrestricted, "on their
they hunt is necessary to their
Denver
survival.
The Moston Blabe
(MORNING)
D. 261,042 SUN. 566,377
AUG 27 1976
Indian tribe files suit to recover
16,000 acres of land on Cape Cod
A Mashpee Indian tribe
the tribe in Mashpee and
1665 "the sachems of the
filed suit in US District
about 1000 on the Cape.
tribe were granted the
Court yesterday claiming
A similar suit was filed
land in perpetuity, "Never
it is the legal owner of all
in US District Court in
to be sold
but pre-
the land in the town plus a
1974 by Wampanoag Indi-
served from generation to
portion of Sandwich.
ans' on Gay Head seeking
generation."
The Wampanoags want
to recover a large part of
the court to return 16,000
Martha's Vineyard. No
Similar suits have also
acres of prime Cape Cod
trial date has been set in
been brought by Passama-
land to the tribe. The In-
that case.
quoddy Indians in Maine
dians said they are not in-
The Mashpee suit claims
and Narragansett Indians
terested in evicting any
the Wampanoags were in
in Rhode Island.
permanent resident or re-
possession of the land in
Most of the land the
covering the site of Otis
1790 when the Federal In-
Mashpee Indians are seek-
Air Force Base.
dian Non-Intercourse Act
ing is woodland. They dis-
The class action suit
was passed barring state
claimed any interest in
name4 146 land owners as
from confiscating Indian
two small necks known as
defendants, claiming they
tribal lands without Fed-
Seconsett and Monomos-
are representative of the
eral approval.
cog. However, they said
1500 land owners in the
Mashpee initially was
they want 100 acres in
area.
an Indian plantation, then
Sandwich which the tribe
Attorney Barry A. Mar-
an Indian district, and
claims was originally part
golin of the Native Ameri-
Margolin claims the state
of their aboriginal territo-
can Rights Fund, who
illegally converted it to a
ry in Mashpee, and was
filed the suit, said there
town.
annexed illegally by
are about 500 members of
According to the suit, in
Sandwich.
DALLAN
TEXAS
D. 318,530
AUG 22 1976
Grants awarded
AUSTIN-Eight Texas school dis-
examinations, food and clothing, or so-
tricts will receive$89,662 federal alloca-
cial work services.
tion designed to improve services to
Individual grants to the Texas
American Indian children during the
schools average $82.71 per child, ac-
1976-77 academic year.
cording to Dr. W.N. Kirby, Texas
Education Agency director of federal
The grants, funded under the Indian
funding.
Education Act of 1972, may be used to
These funds may not replace money
support vocational-industrial, mathe-
now being spsnt to education educate
matics, or language arts instruction;
American Indian children but must
special services for the handicapped,
supplement current services, Kirby
medical examinations, psychological
points out.
HOLBROOK TRIBUNE-NEWS
1 9 1976
4. Improve communica-
Job-Skills Bank
tions between various man-
power services and em-
ployers located on and near
Now In Operation
the reservation.
5. Provide a means in
which the full employment
A Job-Skills Bank is cur-
ing. Utah.
potential of Indian people
rently operating on the
At these career centers,
will be realized.
Návajo Reservation under
diagnostic testing
and
Responsibilities of the
the sponsorship of the BIA
counseling services are a-
central office, which is
Branchrof Employment As-
vailable from trained staff.
located in Window Rock,
sistance (career develop-
The services are aimed at
include monitoring, pro-
ment). According to Mark
identifying achievement
viding technical assistance
LaFollette, Navajo Area
levels, interests, potential,
to field offices (agency and
employment assistance of-
and assisting persons in
suboffice), planning, re-
ficer, this system was ini-
their selection of a career.
porting, liaiason, with
tiated in response to a need
In addition, resources
other agencies, and eva-
for better employer and job
are available to provide
luation. The agencies and
seeker formation sharing
transportation,
tuition,
suboffices are responsible
throughout the reservation.
subsistance, books,
lab
for all client services in-
The system was develop-
fecs, housing assistance,
cluding referral and follow-
ed through a contract with
etc., for persons to pursue
up resulting from a suc-
ACKCO, Inc., an Indian
their career choice.
cessful central office mat-
consultant firm out of
Additional goals of the
ch. They are also respon-
Boulder, Colo.
Job-Skills Bank effort are:
sible for development of
The primary objective of
1. Reduce duplication of
jobs.
the Job-Skills Bank is to
resources and efforts in job
match skills and interests
development and job place-
The system is presently
of job-ready clients (those
ment.
experiencing some minor
who have been screened
2. Establish a central
difficulties in the initial
through BIA career deve-
office where inter-agency
tags, however, with some
lopment centers) with em-
and intra-agency job and
refinement and expanded
ployer's needs. Career de-
client information can be
utilization optimum match-
velopment centers are 10-
processed for disburse-
ing of jobs with job seekers
cated in the five agencies
ment to participating en-
should result. Future utili-
on the reservation as well
tities.
zation will include joint
as Leupp, Page, Kayenta,
3. Make available train-
coordination of the system
and Holbrook, Arizona;
ing and employment trends
with the Navajo Tribe's
Gallup and Farmington.
and data needed for plan-
Employment and Training
New Mexico; and Bland-
ning purposed.
Administration.
AUG 2 5 1976
Albuquerque Tribune
Sandia Indian oasis costs state thousands
By SUSIE GRAN
Tribune Staff Writer
Cigarette tax is
New Mexico is trying to get its
hands on thousands of dollars in ciga-
rette taxes it can't now collect.
smoky issue
Fred O'Cheskey, commissioner of
the Bureau of Revenue, said New Mex-
ico has joined the State of Washington
said. "I'm aware of three or four
in its push for federal legislation to
places with fairly sizable volumes."
prevent tax-free imports of cigarettes
The non-taxed cigarettes are availa-
from one state to another.
ble at prices ranging from $3.50 to
"The key in federal legislation is to
control cigarettes coming into the
state," O'Cheskey said.
A Tribune
This is even less than the wholesale
price In New Mexico of $3.93 to $4.03 a
WASHINGTON LOST $7 million last
special report
carton. The retail price ranges gener-
year because it cannot collect taxes on
ally from $4.20 to $4.49 a carton.
cigarettes sold on Indian land.
"Our loss is relatively small com-
$3.75 a carton at such places as Bien
The cigarettes are even cheaper on
pared to Washington's," O'Cheskey
Mur north of Albuquerque and Jack's
military bases where neither federal
Smoke Shop on Fourth NW, both on the
Sandia Indian Reservation.
Contd.
nor state taxes collected. They sell
from $2.50 to $3.45 a carton there.
would not allow pictures to be taken of
his cigarette counter.
ALTHOUGH O'Cheskey said he has
no idea how many cigarettes are
"If you want a story," he said, "go
out to the air base."
being sold on Indian land in New Mexi-
co, he is almost certain the cigarettes
are brought into the state from Wash-
A CLERK at Jack's Smoke Shop also
ington and Oregon.
refused to disclose the volume handled
"Our success will be in limiting the
but said cigarettes "go out pretty
ability of these people to cross state
good." The store sells only cigarettes
lines," he said.
and was raided a few years ago by
His bureau has no power to enforce
Bureau of Revenue agents who later
tax laws on Indian land although it can
admitted the raid had been a mistake
collect tax from non-Indian purchas-
when they learned the store is on Indi-
an land.
ers.
But O'Cheskey said enforcement
"We confiscated 22,000 cartons and
options against the non-Indians are not
closed down the shop," said Marilyn
workable.
Panagakos, assistant director of the
bureau.
"A FEW YEARS ago, we tried con-
An attorney for the bureau calls the
trolling sales of untaxed cigarettes by
cigarette sales "legalized bootlegg-
setting up roadblocks to stop the buy-
ing."
ers on their way out," he said.
URBAN BEAR DON'T WALK
"Before it was over, the bureau was
gets fellowship
VERNON HENNING said the bu-
in real trouble. Tourists were upset,
reau has very little information about
we had all kinds of complaints. I don't
businesses on Indian land.
Indian lawyer
know if roadblocks would solve much
of the problem, especially if we tried
"There might as well be a Berlin
on new route
to set one up at every exit from these
Wall separating us from the reserva-
places and had to pay an agent $10,000
tion sellers," Henning said. "None of
Urban Bear Don't Walk,
them is in the mood to cooperate with
Billings, was the recipient of a
each a year to inspect every car.
us and it doesn't do a helluva lot for
two-year fellowship grant from
"I don't think we could pay for that
the state."
the American Indian Law
kind of thing with the taxes we would
Training Program in Oakland,
collect," O'Cheskey admitted.
"We have no idea what's going on.
Cal.
O'CHESKEY AND others in his bu-
We don't know the volume they handle
One of five Indian lawyers in
reau hesitate to discuss the problem
but we have information the cigarettes
the country who were awarded
because they believe publicity will
are being brought in from Oregon by
the fellowship, Bear Don't Walk
encourage even more sales on Indian
an Indian. No one involved is letting
said the program is designed so
lands.
any state authority know what's going
Indian attorneys can enter pri-
Wholesalers agree but are obviously
on."
vate law practice and become
displeased.
self-sustaining.
"It's a hot potato," said E.A. Phillips,
"Very few Indians who have
law degrees actually go into pri-
president of Philmar Distributors, one
vate practice," he said, adding,
of two cigarette wholesalers in Albu-
"many of them enter the feder-
querque.
al or tribal government, or
"The bureau has taken a stand not to
teach."
give the problem any publicity, and
BILLINGS, MONT.
The program is designed so
we're lying low."
that Indian lawyers can serve
The sellers in no uncertain terms
GAZETTE
Indian people who are in need
- refuse to discuss their cigarette
D. 44,000 SUN. 56,000
of legal service and cannot af-
business.
ford it, or Indian organizational
bodies such as the Montana In-
BILL ADAMS, OWNER and operator
AUG 14 1976
ter-Tribal Policy Board and the
Billings American Indian Coun-
of Bien Mur, said, "I don't want any-
cil.
thing written. There's a controversy
Bear Don't Walk said Indian
between the Indians and the state
people from the Crow and
right now and it (a comment) wouldn't
Northern Cheyenne Reserva-
contribute to the Indians although any
tions are also included in the
other time it would be advertising you
program. "We try to locate on
couldn't buy."
or near a reservation because it
He refused to say how many ciga-
is very difficult to practice law
rettes he sells at his trading post and
from a distance," he continued.
The Indian attorney said, "I
can help the tribal governments
at their request, but they usual-
ly get their own lawyers and
pay them well."
The four other recipients of
the fellowship are located in
California, Oregon, the Hopi
Reservation in Arizona, and the
Navajo Reservation in Arizona
and New Mexico.
D.
211,962
LWN.
31
AUG 1 0 1976
AUG 19 1976
BIA needs
Indian rights favored
overhaul,
by Supreme Court
Dem claims
CHINLE The Bureau
By Doug Stone
tion Indians, who maintain that
of Indian Affairs needs an
Staff writer
federal laws and treaties give
them the right to govern them-
overhaul, a Democratic
The U.S. Supreme Court in the
seives without government inter-
candidate for the U. S.
last four years has almost always
ference.
House from District 4 said
reversed state court decisions re-
Wednesday.
stricting Indian rights, an Indian
He said in an Interview that state
attorney said here Monday.
courts have often interpreted un-
Craig E. Davids, Arizo-
clear laws in favor of state gov-
na House minority leader,
Thomas Fredericks, director of
ernments while the Supreme
told the Navajo Tribal
the Native American Rights of
Court and lower Federal courts
Council, "For too long,
Boulder, Colo., said that in all but
are more likely to "look at treat-
the initials BIA have
two of 14 recent cases, the Court
ies as Congress intended them."
stood for "Bungling,
has ruled in favor of Indian rights
Ineptness and Arrogance
and against state courts.
Minnesota officials have said in
- the three attitudes
light of the Bryan decision that
which best characterize
"That shows what kind of justice
the state cannot tax Indians who
this agency's dealings
Indians get in state courts," he
live and work on the reservation,
with native Americans."
told a seminar on "Law and the
including the imposition of cigar-
American Indian" at the annual
ettetaxex. Fredericks and other
The BIA is supposed to
meeting of the American Bar As-
attorneys who represent Indians
be the "advocate, not the
sociation.
said thr Bryan decision will be
adversary, of the Indian
used to buttress the Indians' fight
peoples," he said.
Fredericks said an important sex-
to achieve sovereignty in other
ample is the Bryan decision in
areas such as zoning regulations.
Davids said if elected
June, in which the Supreme Court
he would work to raise
reversed a Minnesota Supreme
Fredericks said Indian tribes, par-
the BIA's status to "at
Court decision and said that Indi-
ticularly in the Upper Plains and
least" subcabinet level
ans on the Leech Lake Reserva-
Western states, are "being con-
and to make its director
tion could not be taxed by the
fronted with an all-pervasive cri-
an under secretary in the
state. The dispute arose when
sis threatening their natural re-
Interior Department.
local authorities tried to collect
sources." He said tribes need the
real estate taxes on a mobile
assistance of outside technical ex-
He said a concentrated
home owned by an Indian family.
perts who could help them make
effort should be made,
decisions about coal and water
with a push from Con-
Fredericks called the Bryan deci-
rights because they could not rely
gress, to bring more In-
sion a "reaffirmation" of the prin-
on either the government or the
dians into upper and mid-
ciple of sovereignty for reserva-
utility companies to help them.
dle level positions within
the BIA and urged that as
much decision-making
power as possible be
given to tribal councils.
Demanding that the BIA
be reassessed as well as
reorganized, Davids said
be would take the lead in
forming a coalition of con-
gressmen who represent
districts with significant
Indian populations.
Davids' primary oppo-
nent is Democrat Tony
Mason, a Phoenix lawyer.
THE BRIZONA REPUBLIC
ARIZ.
D
316,830
AUG 19 1976
AUG 19 1976
Boldt
U.S. is given
Delays
livestock case
The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs
Sockeye
announced Wednesday it has referred to
Washington a case of apparent conflict
of interest in the sale of U.S. govern-
Hearing
ment livestock in northeastern Arizona.
W. D. Baker of Joseph City, a BIA
P-I Southside Bureau
contractor, has acknowledged that since
TACOMA U. S. Dis-
April be has auctioned $1.1 million
AUG 19 1976
trict Court Judge
worth of government livestock for $905,-
George H. Boldt yester-
000 to his own business partner and
day said he would give
others with whom he has had private
the U.S. State Depart-
dealings.
Tribe Halts
ment "one final opportu-
The auction took place in White Cone,
nity" to make its wishes
in the Joint Use Area around the Hopi
known regarding special
reservation, where Baker buys Navajo
Oil Action
sockeye salmon fishing
privileges for six north-
livestock for the government, then on
ern Washington treaty
the same day auctions it. The sale has
Indian tribes.
never been publicly advertised.
Once 62975 Again
He postponed until
Larry Ware, BIA contracting officer
Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.
at Albuquerque, said he referred the
Attorneys for the
a hearing on whether
case to the Indian commissioner's office
Swinomish Indian Tribe
such priviledges, which
in Washington, following an article in
agreed in federal
had been ordered by
court yesterday to post-
him. should be continued
The Arizona Republic which described
pone for another week
or even expanded.
the apparent conflict of interest.
the tribe's threat to shut
The judge made the
"I have no comment on it," said
off two oil pipelines that
postponement after Asst.
Ware, who the day before had freely
it says are on tribal
U.S. Atty. Jim Waldo
discussed the case and confirmed that
land in Skagit County.
said Canadian members
A temporary restrain-
of the American-Canadi-
his office was investigating to determine
ing order, issued by
whether Baker was acting properly.
an commission that reg-
U.S. District Judge Don-
ulates fishing for sock-
ald S. Voorhees August
eye bound for the Fras-
10. was due to expire
er River in British Co-
today. But lawyers for
lumbia hadn't made a
the tribe and Olympic
decision on whether to
Pipe Line Co. and Trans
recognize special privi-
Mountain Oil Pipe Line
leges for the Indians in
Co., which obtained the
that fishery.
order. agreed to the
Thus, said Waldo,
week's delay to give the
"The State Department
judge time to rule on a
doesn't have a position
motion for an injunction
yet."
extending the order.
Tribal officials served
Boldt commented that
notice on the pipeline
relations with Canada
firms August 9 that the
"go far beyond the im-
tribe would close the
portance of this single
pipelines' valves the
fishing matter before
next day, claiming the
us," and that his long
lines trespass across
experience on the bench
tribal tidelands near the
has conditioned him to
Swinomish Slough. Com-
"governmental agencies
pany officials contend
using an extensive
that they have valid
amount of time to reach
conclusions."
easements and that the
pipelines don't cross In-
Boldt added, "Never-
dian-owned land.
theless, the State De-
partment must come to
a conclusion."
AUG 1 1976
Indians agree to give gillnetters two more days
By ROBERT OLMOS
the agreement to the court as "an his-
estimated 20,000 additional fish, giving
saying that he hoped the agreement was
of The Oregonian staff
toric accommodation."
them a "chance to recoup their losses."
"the start of an era of good feelings"
U.S. District Judge Robert C. Bel-
He said the resolution had been
Gilinetters, in a complaint filed with
between Indian and non-Indian fishing
loni Monday signed an order extending.
reached only after "a great deal of give
Clatsop County Judge Thomas E. Edison
interests.
for two days the fall Chinook salmon
and take" in meetings between the par-
last week, contended that reduction of
Olney Patt, vice-chairman of the
gillnet season on the lower Columbia
ties involved since late Sunday after-
the season from 10 days to five would
Warm Springs Indians, said following
River.
noon.
cost them more than $1 million in lost
the court session that he hoped the ac-
The season was extended from 6
The meetings followed a hearing at
income.
tion would lead to further discussion
p.m. Monday through 6 p.m. Wednes-
which Judge Belloni ruled that restrain-
Lezak said that a condition of the
that eventually will result in "a long-
day.
ing orders issued by state judges in As-
agreement would be that gillnetters re-
range, comprehensive plan for manag-
The extension was officially ap-
toria and Washington on the fishing
frain from fishing in the Columbia Riv-
ing the Indian fish resource."
proved Monday afternoon by the Co-
matter were invalid.
er during hours authorities have set as
In his remarks, Judge Belloni also
lumbia River Compact, made up fishery
The restraining orders would have
closed to fishing and that no non-Indian
referred to a plan that will allow a
officials from Oregon and Washington,
had the effect of opening up the gillnet
fishing be allowed during the period
50-50, Indian-and-non-Indian catch.
in an over-the-telephone vote.
season against a halt called by Oregon
commonly referred to as the "upriver
"It's nonsense, that such a plan,
Attorneys representing Indian tribes
and Washington fisheries authorities.
fish season."
agreeable to all parties involved, cannot
said the tribes agreed to the compro-
The state orders were dissolved late
Both James Hovis, representing the
be worked out," he said.
mise season because they realize the
Sunday evening, the court was told
Yakima Indian Nation, and Owen Pan-
He said he hoped the plan could be
drastic effects a shortened season
Monday.
ner, representing the Confederated Indi-
devised by next year so that the federal
would have on gillnetters.
Lezak said the extension will allow
an Tribes of Warm Springs, spoke in
court will not have to consider the mat-
U.S. Atty. Sidney Lezak described
gillnetters the opportunity to catch an
court on behalf of their tribes, Panner
ter again next year.
The frails Datig Clares
D. 247,540 SUN. 506,612
AUG 18 1976
Hearing on Fraser R.
sockeye run continued
W6297F
By MARSHALL WILSON
The International Pacific Salmon
Times Staff Reporter
Fisheries Commission, which has
WALDO LATER told reporters
management authority over the
the State Department is trying to
TACOMA - A hearing to deter-
Fraser run under a treaty between
learn the Canadian reaction to
mine if a permanent order should
the United States and Canada, had
Judge Boldt's temporary order and
be granted to allow Indians more
set regulations allowing only two
how strongly the Canadians consid-
fishing time on the Fraser River
days of fishing a week, for Indian
er it a breach of the United States-
sockeye run was continued for a
and non-Indian fishermen alike.
Canada treaty on fishing.
week today by United States Dis-
Under the treaty, American and
trict Judge George H. Boldt.
JUDGE BOLDT granted an addi-
Canadian fishermen share the Fras-
Earlier, Judge Boldt had issued
tional three days to the Lummi and
er sockeye run and the Internation-
a temporary order giving the Indi-
Makah Indian fishermen in con-
al Pacific Salmon Fisheries Com-
ans more fishing time so they would
formance with his February 12,
mission is responsible for managing
have a fair opportunity to compete
1974, decision giving Indians the op-
the fishery which takes place pri-
with the larger non-Indian commer-
portunity to catch 50 per cent of the
marily in the Strait of Juan de
cial fishing fleet.
harvestable salmon and steelhead
Fuca, the northern San Juan Is-
returning to traditional off-reserva-
lands and the Canadian Gulf Is-
tion Indian fishing grounds.
lands.
The temporary order later was
modified to allow the Indians a total
of three days a week of continuous
fishing with any type of gear.
Today's hearing was continued on
a motion of Jim Waldo, assistant
United States attorney, who said he
has not received instructions from
the State Department, which is dis-
cussing Judge Boldt's temporary
order with the Canadian govern-
ment.
A meeting scheduled between of-
ficials of the two countries in Otta-
wa yesterday has been delayed.
"It's pretty well established that
no one has charged me yet with
hesitating to determine any issue
brought before the court," Judge
Boldt said. "This matter, however,
is of vital importance, affecting re-
lationships between our two coun-
tries. I would be very hesitant to do
anything which might unnecessarily
(hurt that relationship).
"But things must come to a con-
clusion and I will grant one final
chance for them (the State Depart
ment) to advise you Judge Boldt
told Waldo.
U.S. Stattle Daily Times
D. 247,540 SUN. 306,612
AUG 19 1976
Judge orders pipeline left on
while he decides on injunction
United States District Judge Don-
saries from "fighting it out on the
it.
ald S. Voorhees has ordered the
tidelands."
Robert Pelcyger, a lawyer for the
Swinomish Indian Tribe not to shut
tribe, argued that Swinomish rights
off an oil pipeline servicing refiner-
THE TRIBE has threatened to
to the tidelands have been recog-
ies at Anacortes for at least 10
shut off the flow of oil to and from
nized "since President Grant." He
days.
the refineries because Olympic and
said a lengthy court battle would
By then, Judge Voorhees said, he
Trans Mountain pay no rent for use
extend the dispute unnecessarily.
would decide whether to issue a
of the tidelands. The Indians also
"The longer these lines remain,
permanent injunction sought by the
say the pipeline poses a threat to
the greater the danger (of acciden-
Olympic and Trans Mountain Pipe-
the environment.
tal rupture)," Pelcyger said. "Does
line Companies, owners of the high-
Olympic and Trans Mountain con-
it take years to evict a trespasser?"
pressure oil pipeline which crosses
tend there would be risk of a seri-
tidelands claimed by the tribe as
ous oil spill if Indians shut off the
JUDGE VOORHEES told both
part of its reservation.
valves, allowing pressure to build in
sides he was inclined to issue a per-
After listening to brief arguments
the pipeline.
manent injunction, pending a trial
from both sides yesterday, the
Dale Rammerman, attorney for
of the pipeline companies' lawsuit.
judge said he was reluctant to take
the companies, told the judge:
But he added that an injunction
on the case. But he said the court
"There is a serious and good-faith
"would not solve the underlying
may have to rule on ownership of
dispute" over ownership of the tide-
problem, which is who has title to
the property to keep the adver-
lands, and the court could resolve
this land."
Break in State dispute on
By Ed Neal
Outdoors Writer
That abrasive subject of Indian fishing rights in
two of California's finest salmon and steelhead streams,
Indian fishing
the Klamath and Smith Rivers, is moving closer to
solution.
Conciliatory moves by the Yurok Indians are
turning the Klamath situation around. while an Aug. 5.
ruling by the attorney general's office confirms the
Indians have no special rights on the Smith.
This combination of factors could free California
from the round-robin of court suits which have SO foul
the situation in Washington. One case, Washington VS.
the Puyallup Tribe, has been to the U.S. Supreme Court
twice, three times to Superior Court in Washington and
now three times through the Washington State
Supreme Court.
Taking the Klamath first, the problem goes back to
April of 1975 when the Supreme Court ruled the lower
AUG 15 1976
river and a mile on either side- the 45 miles from the
Hoopa Reservation to the ocean- was Indian territory.
Contd.
This meant the Indians could fish the river any
way they desired so long as the fish was for their own
use. State wardens were withdrawn from e "new"
Indian lands, and things began to go sour. Some of the
younger Indians went hog wild, openly selling salmon
they netted.
As one Yurok complained recently, "there are as
many whites as Indians using nets. Somebody has to
put a stop to that or somebody might get hurt."
The situation grew so intolerabie, as Director
Charley Fullerton of the Dept. of Fish and Game put it,
certain California rancherias, including the Smith
"the Indians came to us, asked, 'can you help us
River.
improve the situation, set up some kind of a
cooperative management?"
"Since there is no reservation. rancheria or trust
allotments, there is no 'Indian country," Getz conclud-
ed.
Bulwarked by the ruling, Fullerton affirmed "we'll
take legal action if anybody goes ahead with netting in
the Smith."
Getz' ruling drew an immediate "thank you" from
Ed Henke, familiar to sports fans as the one-time 49er
but in recent years an active figure in conservation.
He's chairman of Trout Unlimited's legislative commit-
tee in California.
One meeting with the Indians already has been
In his letter to the deputy attorney general, Henke
held with officials from the Bureau of Indian Affairs
said "we anticipate that an on-going, full review of the
and the Justice Dept. sitting in. "Things look promis-
entire present and potential Indian fishing and hunting
ing," said Fullerton.
rights issue in California will be in order.
As for the Smith River, that's another situation
"We further desire that our action in requesting
altogether. It started last month when two Indians
immediate answers and more direct, concise action will
openly announced they would use gill nets in the river,
serve notice we are dedicated to serving in the area
although they have yet to make good on their threat.
of prevention to inhibit an absolute fracture of such
resources and not jump in after a total disaster has
Prompt action by the Trout Unlimited Council of
taken place. Let's be prepared with law books in hand
California and Fish & Game defused the situation as the
and promote what is morally right, fair and just for all
two agencies appealed to the attorney's general's office
our citizens."
for a on the river's status.
It came in a hurry. Deputy Attorney General
Charles W. Getz IV confirmed "California does have the
right to enforce its fish and game laws against
California Indians fishing on the Smith River."
Explaining. Getz said "the land in question
formerly was part of the Smith River Reservation, was
terminated in 1868. Subsequently the land became part
of the Smith River Rancheria, held in trust by the U.S.
In 1958 Congress enacted legislation to terminate
It Sentile Batig Chros
D. 247,540 306,612
AUG 6 1976
Boldt's salmon order eases tension
W62974
United States District Judge
earlier ruling which said Indian
mission's actions. The Fisheries De-
a compromise, but we are pleased
George H. Boldt yesterday modified
fishermen should be allowed to fish
partment, which has responsibility
that the judge obviously agreed
an order giving treaty Indian fish-
five days a week. Under regulations
for enforcing the commission's reg-
with our position that Indians
ermen more time to fish for Fraser
set by the international commis-
ulations, said it would arrest Indian
should be allowed more time than
River sockeye salmon, thereby eas-
sion, only two days of fishing were
fishermen who violated the commis-
that allowed by the International
ing an impending confrontation
allowed. However, Judge Boldt
sion rules.
Pacific Salmon Fisheries Commis-
with the International Pacific Salm-
ruled that the smaller Indian fish-
However, Judge Boldt's amended
sion.'
on Fisheries Commission.
ing fleet would not have a fair op-
ruling yesterday will restrict the In-
After hearing arguments over the
portunity to harvest its share of the
dians to three days a week, in con-
THE COMMISSION is made up of
telephone, Judge Boldt ruled that
catch unless the Indians were given
formance with the commission reg-
United States and Canadian repre-
fishermen from the Makah and
more time to fish than non-Indian
ulations. Terms of the order allow-
sentatives charged with managing
Lummi Indian Tribes will be al-
commercial fishermen.
ing Indians to fish continuously dur-
the runs of pink and sockeye salm-
lowed to fish continuously with any-
In response, the international
ing open periods and with any type
on returning to the Fraser River.
type of gear during the three days
commission amended its regula-
of gear still will allow them some
The Fraser River runs are shared
each week when fishing is open in
tions to prohibit Indians from fish-
advantage to make up for the
by fishermen of both countries.
waters administered by the interna-
ing during the same times as non-
smaller size of their fishing fleet.
In 1974, Judge Boldt ruled that
tional commission.
Indian fishermen were allowed. At
Frank Haw, assistant director of
treaty Indian tribes have the oppor-
the same time, it increased the
the Fisheries Department, said the
tunity to catch 50 per cent of the
HE ALSO signed an order re-
number of fishing days from two a
compromise order was satisfactory
harvestable runs of salmon and
straining the State Department of
week to three.
,
to the department.
steelhead returning to traditional
Fisheries from taking any enforce-
Bill Smith, executive director of
off-reservation Indian fishing areas.
ment action against treaty Indian.
THE INDIANS said they would
the Northwest Indian Fisheries
Under that ruling, Indians are enti-
fishermen.
follow Judge Boldt's order and fish
Commission, said Indian fishermen
tled to half the American share of
The judge's order modified an
five days a week despite the com-
"were disappointed there had to be
the Fraser River run.
Olympic's pipeline runs from Ana-
cortes to Portland and Trans Moun-
Tribe Bows On
ing to Dale B. Ramerman, an attor-
tain's line is from Canada to Ana-
ney for the companies.
cortes.
Ramerman said one of the defend-
The lawsuit against the Swinomish
ants in the newly filed lawsuit, Swin-
Tribal Community, its senate and
Oil Turnoff
omish Indian Senate Chairman Tandy
tribal leaders, and police asks for an
Wilbur Jr., "told us they would com-
unspecified amount of damages as
ply with the order."
W6297F
well as for a permanent injunction
The order prohibits the tribe from
prohibiting the Swinomish from dam-
By NEIL MODIE
interfering with the pipelines at least
aging or interfering with the use of
The Swinomish Indian Tribe bowed
before Aug. 19 at 5 p.m. Voorhees
the lines.
to a nick-of-time federal court order
also issued an order directing the
In the tribe's letter to the pipeline
tribe to show cause Friday at 2:30
yesterday and didn't carry out a
companies threatening to close the
threat to shut off two oil pipelines
p.m. why the temporary order should
valves of the lines, Wilbur accused
not remain in force until after the
that it says are on tribal tidelands in
the companies of having "illegally
lawsuit goes to trial.
Skagit County.
used tribal lands for many years"
The tribe contends that the pipe-
Olympic Pipe Line Co. and Trans
and refusing to recognize the tribe's
lines cross tribe-owned tidelands on
Mountain Oil Pipe Line Co. hurriedly
ownership of the lands in question.
the west side of the Swinomish
obtained the order after the Swinom-
Wilbur said the tribe's ultimatum
ish Tribal Community served notice
Slough north of LaConner. It has de-
was based partly on environmental
manded that the companies either
concern - that if there ever was an
on them Monday that at 1 p.m. yes-
terday. tribal representatives intended
buy a 40-year right of way for
oil spill, the strong flushing action of
to close the valves of the pipelines.
$100,000 a year or remove the pipe-
the slough waters would cause the oil
lines.
U.S. District Court Judge Donald S.
to spread over a large area, severely
The companies claim that if the
damaging tribal fishing and drinking
Voorhees issued the temporary re-
Indian tidelands do exist, they're not
waters.
straining order a few hours before
the threat was to be carried out, and
where the pipelines are and they're
Wilbur said the pipeline valve shu-
not included in valid pipeline ease-
toff would be supervised by "a com-
a copy was served on tribal leaders
just 12 minutes before 1 p.m., accord-
ments held by the two corporations.
petent engineer.'
1976
Students Learn Indians' Ways
The students sampled Nan-
jibwa), Menominee and Pota-
losophy and history of the
"But instead of the Indians
awishok (milkweed soup),
watomi tribes.
three tribes, music and dance
walking into the European-
Nanapun (Indian bread) and
The course, "Woodland
workshops, and field labora-
American culture, it was the
porcupine stew.
Algonquins of Wisconsin,"
tory sessions. They learned to
other way around
we
They learned how to peel
was co-sponsored by the
build fire makers, punch
thought it was time the Euro-
bark from trees and fashion it
University of Wisconsin Sys-
drills and wigwams. They
pean-American walked into
into baskets and wigwams.
tem and Nicolet College and
also studied the native lan-
the Indian culture," Boatman
And they learned an Indian
Technical Institute in Rhine-
guages.
said.
view of history that is seldom
lander. UWM administered
Instruction was held at the
And the experiences cer-
found in books.
the program.
Nicolet College Lake Julia
tainly were new. Judy Olsen
These students spent four
campus, just south of Rhine-
of Cedarburg talked proudly
weeks this summer near Rhi-
Languages Studied
lander. John Boatman, co-
of the wigwam she helped
nelander, studying the histo-
During four weeks of in-
ordinator of the Native
build.
ry, language and culture of
tensive study, the 24 students
American Studies Program at
the Wisconsin Chippewa (O-
attended lectures on the phi-
UWM, said the course was an
"I Did 6 Trees"
attempt to create a cultural
"One day I did six trees,"
bridge.
she said, referring to the bark
she and a classmate peeled
for the wigwam.
The wigwam was planned
by Billy Daniels Jr. and his
sister, Mary, both Potawa-
Cont'd
tomis. They and four other
Indians, two each from the
Ojibwa and Menominee
tribes, were assistant instruc-
tors for the course,
Irene Mack, a Menominee
who is an assistant to Boat-
man at UWM, said the class
offered an opportunity for
students to cross barriers.
She added that the course
gave students an opportunity
"to understand us, to learn
D.
why we disagree with all the
history books that have been
published."
Ms. Mack recalled some of
AUG 11 1976
her own early experiences.
"Years ago when I was a
little girl, the government
used to issue rations once a
How to allocate salmon harvest?
month to families on the res-
ervation," she said. "Often
What is a "comprehensive plan" for manage-
tribes had requested a closure of all non-Indian
they weren't fit for human
ment of the salmon and steelhead runs of the
flshing, but Judge Belloni held that was unneces-
consumption. Sometimes the
Columbia River required by U. S. District Judge
sary.
salt pork was green and
Robert C. Belloni to give Indians above Bonne-
slimy
In school, if we
The problem is that a fish run cannot be
ville Dam the opportunity to net 50 per cent of
were caught speaking our
computerized, as the Compact staff attempted to
language, we were punished
the portion of each run not needed for natural
do in recommending a five-day gillnet season
severely."
reproduction and hatchery replenishment? No
which the Compact commissioners stretched to
Brenda Panawash, a UWM
one seems to know.
10 days. No one knows how large the August
senior in anthropology, said
Judge Belloni's order cutting in half the
run will be or how a reservation of 50 per cent
she was impressed with the
10-day commercial gillnet season established by
for the Indian fishery above Bonneville Dam can
ability of the Indian people to
Oregon and Washington was based on the states'
be determined In advance. If the run is large, as
relax.
seven-year failure to provide such a plan to the
it is expected to be, and the gillnetters are cut
"And the way the elders
court. The injunction obviously discriminated
back, there will be no way to recall the fish to
are treated, the respect for
against the lower Columbia gillnetters while
the lower river after the Indians have caught
them, is really something,"
commercial ocean trollers and charter boats, and
their "fair share" in setnets.
she added.
sports fishermen both in the ocean and in the
Columbia, are not so restrained.
The federal court has given no consideration,
Judge Belloni conceded that the non-Indian
it appears, to the obligation of the state agencies
gillnetters were taking the rap, but he contended
to audit gillnet landings closely and to suspend
that no other course was available because the
the flshing if the run is below normal. The agen-
states had not assured a 50 per cent supply of the
cies have full authority to end or extend a season
upper-river August run of Chinook by earlier
for conservation purposes or to comply with the
restrictions, presumably a more severe restric-
court's 50 per cent ruling.
tion of ocean fishing than the Oregon Fish and
There Is a way to estimate a run with a
Wildlife Commission and the Washington De-
better degree of accuracy. That is to fish the run
partment of Fisheries applied. He said he would
and compare the landings with those of past
rescind the injunction if the states presented a
years. In 1975, the Indians fishing commercially
"comprehensive plan" satisfactory to the court.
above Bonneville caught a reported 122,300
The state agencies, acting as the Columbia
adult Chinook salmon in their August-to-October
River Fishery Compact, have made an effort to
season. In the Aug. 10-22 season below Bonne-
produce a comprehensive plan for the Columbia
ville, non-Indian commercial landings were
anadromous fish. It was considered briefly in
92,900 adult Chinooks. The August run consists
January and not approved, apparently because it
primarily of upper-river fish, and has provided
consisted of a series of options.
about 40 per cent of the annual non-Indian gill-
The Department of the Interior and its law-
net catch of Chinooks and coho.
yers have flatly rejected the request of Oregon
This newspaper believes the federal courts
Atty. Gen. Lee Johnson that they draft a compre-
have misinterpreted the treaties of the 1850s in
hensive plan. Judge Belloni reasserted that this
ruling that the provisions assuring reservation
was the obligation of the states. But he also
Indians the right to "fish In common" with other
admonished federal attorneys to reconsider and
citizens off reservations mean the right to catch
present a plan.
50 per cent of anadromous fish reaching historic
Obviously, if the second five days of the
fishing sites. Nonetheless, the court has a point
lower-river gillnet season are to be restored,
in complaining that the states have not complied
wholly or in part, the Compact agencies need to
with the order to provide a comprehensive plan
present another formula, not necessarily for the
for the fishery.
year-around but for the August fishery. There
Inasmuch as no one knows what this may be,
will be a revolution, of sorts, if to save the
it is essential that the state agencies, the govern-
gillnet season the commissioners offer to shut
ment's lawyers and biologists and the tribal law-
down the ocean fishing from sport and commer-
yers and council members make a common ef-
cial boats at the peak of the August season for
fort to meet informally and try to agree on a
Chinook and the intermingled coho. U.S. Dist.
plan fair to all users. Management of a fishery
Atty. Sid Lezak and attorneys for the four Indian
by a federal judge is for the birds, not the fish.
Descret News
SALT LAKE CITY. UTAH
94,855
AUG 7
1976
13 Indians Complete Seminary
Training To Teach Own People
"This is a real turning point in the
"This program is consistent with the
history of the Church regarding our
Church's overall philosophy of having
Indian brethren and sisters," Joe J.
seminary and institute teachers all over
Christensen. Church commissioner for
the world instruct their own people,"
seminaries and institutes, said last
the commissioner said, noting that the
week.
program fulfills the promise in Alma
29:8 that "the Lord doth grant unto all
He was speaking of the 13 new Indian
seminary teachers who have just com-
nations, of their own nation and tongue,
to teach his word."
pleted training this year and will begin
teaching on reservations and in other
He said the Indian seminary
predominantly Indian areas this fall.
Until now, there has been only one,
full-time Indian seminary teacher in the
teachers program will be an on-going
sponsible and by keeping their homes
Church, the commissioner said. This
effort and more new teachers will be
and yards in order.
year will mark the first time 10,000 to
trained and sent out each year.
"If you do these things, you will have
15,000 Indian seminary students will be
"Hundreds and thousands of young
the power of the priesthood you possess
taught by Indian instructors.
people will be reached as a result of
through Jesus Christ," he said.
The teachers, who represent several
your dynamic leadership," Commis-
President Romney, who spoke July
different tribes, attended with their
sioner Christensen told the teachers in
29, reminded the group of the noble
wives a three-day orientation confer-
his keynote address at the conference
heritage they possess as Lamanites and
July 27.
ence in the Church Office Building July
descendants. of the House of Israel. "I
27-29 during which they received coun-
He urged them to "avoid the very
see in you the fulfillment of the
sel from several seminary and institute
appearance of evil" and to have the
prophecy (in the Book of Mormon) that
administrators. and Church officials,
conduct of a missionary wherever they
the Lamanites wouldn't be destroyed,"
including President Marion G. Romney
go. "This is an historic period," he said,
he said.
of the First Presidency, Elder Boyd K.
"and this movement won't be without
"You are the ones the Lord has
Packer of the Council of the Twelve, and
opposition. We must be prepared to
raised up to publish peace to your
Brother Christensen.
meet the adversary with power and
people," he told the teachers. "You will
strength."
make records that will last forever."
The teachers, who were all chosen on
President Romney said the time has
the basis of referrals and recommenda-
The commissioner also charged the
come when Lamanites will come into
tions, were called to enter one of two
teachers to strive for unity in their
the Church in great numbers. "From
training programs last fall. Some
families, wards and branches and to set
this point on, Zion will grow among the
trained for three or four semesters at a
a good example in their respective
Lamanite people faster than it has ever
special program at Brigham Young
communities by being financially re-
grown before."
University and others trained in the
field with full-time seminary teachers.
They will take over as area directors
in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, South
Dakota, Montana and British Columbia.
The Caucasian teachers who have been
teaching in these areas will be placed in
seminary teaching jobs elsewhere,
Brother Christensen said.
D,211,962 SUM 318,030
AUG 18 1976
Navajo legal aide urges halt on mineral
By BILL DONOVAN
WINDOW ROCK - The
director of a legal service
agency on the Navajo
leases until tax system is/ready
agency on the Navajo
Reservation recommend-
ed Tuesday that the tribe
receives about $16.3 mil-
place a moratorium on
lion a year from the Pea-
ness 1 per cent of its
new mineral development
body Coal Co. operation
gross.
leases while tribal offi-
at Black Mesa. The tribe,
Zah said, receives $1.4
"It is way past the time
cials develop a taxation
million from royalties.
when tax dollars should
system.
come to Window Rock in-
The Four Corners
stead of Phoenix and
Peterson Zah, director
Power Plant, near Shi-
Sante Fe," he said.
of the legal aid service on
prock, N.M. pays about
the reservation, said he
$7.2 million in New Mexi-
The tribal government
believes a taxation system
co state taxes each year.
is considering tax on busi-
would take care of all the
The tribe receives about
ness on the reservation.
tribe's present financial
$1.4 million in royalty
Earlier this year a tax
needs, thus allowing the
-commission was establish-
tribe to leave its natural
payments on the coal
resources for future
from the Navajo Mine
ed to make recommenda-
development.
which powers the plant,
tions to the Tribal
In past mineral leases
Zah said.
Council.
approved by the tribe,
He explained that the
Zah noted that the coun-
said Zah, the tribe has
states tax non-Indian-
cil first approved creation
accepted royalties instead
owned business on reser-
of a tax commission two
of taxes. This system has
vations under existing
proved to be unfair to the
state and federal laws.
years ago. "The longer
we sit and let the state
tribe, he said.
None of the several hun-
governments steal our
"The total amount of
dred non-Indian-owned
businesses on the reserva-
power, the harder it will
royalties the tribe re-
ceives from the compa-
tion pay taxes to the
be to collect taxes in the
nies is many times less
future," be said.
than what the company
tribe, said Zah, although
pays in taxes to state,
they "benefit from the
federal or county govern-
programs and services
ments," Zah said in a
provided by the tribal
government."
letter to a member of the
Navajo Tribal Council.
All non-Indian busi-
Arizona, for example,
nesses on the reservation
must have a tribal per-
mit, however, for which
the tribe does receive
revenue. In most cases,
the tribe charges the busi--
Indian justice changes
Chief tribal judge listens to human side
By ROBERT OLMOS
W6297F
face increased judicial responsibilities,
training sessions held in Seattle. The
Ordinarily, defendants in the pri-
of The Oregonian staff
some of them caused by new federally
series of sessions, held last year and
marily misdemeanor cases that come
WARM SPRINGS - Most people
sponsored justice programs.
earlier this year, have been invaluable
before Judge Wells are represented by
are afraid to play the bad guy. But Irene
Under her authority today are court
to her, she said.
tribal elder spokesmen.
Wells doesn't mind the part.
and public administrators, probate
"One of the biggest changes caused
"Although our procedures are get-
"Somebody's got to do It," she says.
clerk, probation officer, tribal and Bu-
by the training is being reflected in the
ting more modern, we still have to look
Her remarks are in reference to the
reau of Indian Affairs juvenile officers
courtroom procedures. I believe we are
at the human side of things when the
role she plays In the law enforcement
and two associate judges who fill in
getting more professional in the way
older people appear in court. We have
and justice system of the Warm Springs
when other business calls her away
we do things," she said.
to remember how the old people were
Indian Reservation.
from the bench.
This summer, two Indian law stu-
brought up and we can't always stress
She is chief tribal judge and, as
Judge Weils, a patient, thoughtful
dents interned at the reservation, bring-
the letter of the law in those cases," the
such, she is part of a thrust that is
woman with a calm, unruffled manner,
ing to the judge's courtroom, for the
judge said.
bringing new professionalism not only
takes It all In stride. She should be ac-
first time, defense and prosecution
Elders appear in court in cases in-
to the Warm Springs justice system but
customed to Indian justice procedures,
procedures.
volving their grandchildren, the judge
to those of other reservations across the
coming, as she says, "from a law and
The interns, sponsored by the Amer-
said.
country.
order family."
ican Indian Lawyer Training Program,
Many tribal members, the judge
The new wave is developing from
Her grandfather, Fred Smith, and
were Cathy Wilson, 21, from Arizona
said, have "a lot of hangups" over the
improved training projects for Indian
her father, Martin Sanders, served as
State University, and Doug Hutchinson,
fact that she is judge and her brother is
judges, introduction of new twists to
chiefs of police on the reservation. So
46, from the University of Utah, both
chief of police.
Indian judicial programs and an all-
did an uncle, Woody Smith. And today
first-year law students. They were ad-
"They feel that because we are re-
around stress on dispelling the attitude
her brother, Jeff Sanders, heads the 20-
versary attorneys in a jury trial con-
lated that I will always swing the way
among tribespeople that, as Judge Wells
person police department.
cerning a drunk driving case.
of the police. But I do what I feel is
puts it, "being part of law and order
Her educational background in-
right as a judge regardless of our rela-
makes you a bad guy."
cludes one year of pre-law at the Uni-
tionship," she said.
Mrs. Wells was working as a tribal
versity of Oregon and a special six-
The tribal court is located next to
enrollment officer when the 1965 death
month narcotics course that she hoped
the police department.
of Judge Coquille Thompson led her
would lead her into criminal narcotics
"Next year we will be in larger
tribe to appoint her to a temporary
work. Instead, her training led her
quarters. The tribe is having a new ad-
judgeship.
through positions as a reservation juve-
ministration building constructed and
"I later was made permanent chief
nile officer and the enrollment officer
when that is completed the court will
judge and I stayed on the job until 1967,
job she held before she was tapped for
move into part of the old administration
when I left to raise a family," said the
judge.
building. That will give us a chance to
mother of four (two of her own; two
She and other Northwest tribal
spread out a little more," the judge said,
adopted).
court judges have taken part in Law
glancing at her crowded courtroom
She returned to the bench in 1973 to
Enforcement Assistance Administration
space.
PORTLAND, OREGON
245,132 SUN. 407.136
The
AUG 5 1976
The Oreamian
PORTLAND, OREGON
D. 245,130 SUN 407,106
AUG 15 1976
Tribal court unique cog in patchwork system
WARM SPRINGS - The tribal
Assistance Administration has been
"We have seen many examples of
of the Navajo nation and president of
court here is one of 114 Indian courts
funding a series of training programs
the destructiveness of trying to uproot
the National American Indian Court
across the nation.
totaling $783,299 for Indian judges
hundreds of years of traditional prac-
Judges Association, sees a difference in
They generally handle civil and
since 1971. The project is funded
tices to replace them with another sys-
the performance of those judges.
criminal misdemeanor cases, while
through the National American Indian
tem that may be no fairer and could
"Judges are speaking out more
state and federal courts hold major
Court Judges Association, created with
well fail in the Indian cultures," Velde
about the problems they experience,"
criminal trials.
the help of Arrow, Inc., of Washington,
said.
Justice Kirk said. "Trials of Indians on
In principle, tribes govern their in-
D.C., a nonprofit organization for the
In the past five years, the Indian
the reservation are much fairer now,
ternal affairs. In practice, jurisdiction is
advancement of Indian Americans.
Court Judges Training Program has
more objective."
allocated among three governments -
The seminars which helped Judge
grown from training 42 judges to train-
Justice Kirk believes the LEAA
federal, state and tribal - which re-
Irene Wells of the Warm Springs Reser-
ing more than 175 this year. The cur-
course provides Indians with a feeling
sults in patchwork law enforcement by
vation and other Northwest tribal court
rent series of instruction offers a mini
of self-pride and that it helps them "be-
various agencies that can include the
representatives were supported with
law school education for the lay judges.
gin to determine their own destiny."
Bureau of Indian Affairs, tribal police,
those funds.
They do legal research, write sample
"We want to prepare the Indian
federal law enforcement units and
LEAA Administrator RMhard W.
opinions, participate in moot court and
court judge to assume all judicial re-
state, county and municipal police.
Velde said the program endeavors to
listen to a variety of multi-media pre-
sponsibilities that are given out. It is the
In an effort to help the Indian judge
preserve customs and practices of spe-
sentations dealing with law.
only way Indian judges will ever be on
- who is seldom a trained lawyer -
cific Indian jurisdictions while assisting
Some of the judges have been in-
an equal footing with judges outside the
administer this confusing jurisdictional
judges in developing a fair and equitable
volved in the program since 1971 and
reservation," said Dale Wing, LEAA's
tangle, the federal Law Enforcement
judicial system.
Justice Virgil L. Kirk, Sr., chief justice
Indian program manager.
O.
767
SUN.
1.016,275
AUG 22 1976
Big Cypress Reservation of the
Seminoles: Trip back in time
By George Leposky
Actually, tourists are welcome. The
miles away at the south end of Lake
Seminole men are eager to earn extra
Okeechobee. This picturesque town of
A STARTLED wood duck leaps from
spending money by guiding visitors
about 5,000 people has a Wild West fron-
the saw-grass, gawks at the interlopers
through the vast. swamp. The women
tier atmosphere. Cowboy boots and
while hanging in midair, then wings
make dolls out of cabbage-palm fibers
broad-brimmed hats are typical garb for
away into the deep shadows of a cypress
and dress them in traditional patchwork
the natives, and huge herds of cattle
strand.
tribal costumes. These and other handi-
munch exotic grasses which thrive on
Water gushes over the floorboards. Its
crafts are sold in the settlement's two
the area's rich muck soils. Many of the
engine growling. the ancient Jeep labors
general stores Some families still live in
cattle on Florida ranches contain a
and lurches through the muck. Jesse Os-
picturesque thatch-roofed dwellings
strain of Brahma, imported from India
ceola, great-great-grandson of a notori-
called chickees which may be seen from
because of its ability to resist hot
ous Seminole Indian chief, strains at the
the main road.
weather.
wheel. Oversize truck tires spin, then
bite.
THE SEMINOLES talk of building a
As the center of Florida's sugar cane
campground, but you can "rough it"
industry, Clewiston is proud to call itself
Higher ground. Water only to the hub-
along the banks of a canal if you have
"America's Sweetest Town. During the
caps now. Jesse wipes his brow, swats at
camping equipment. Regular gas is
fall harvest season, Jamaican laborers
a deerfly, then turns off the ignition.
sometimes available, but there's not
burn the cane the day before it is cut.
At first there's only silence. Then the
even a pump for premium. The reserva-
This practice removes leaves from the
ear absorbs the wind, sighing through
tion has no restaurant and the snack
stalks and debris from the fields, mak-
cypress needles. Against this back-
foods available in the stores are strictly
ing the cutters' work easier. Lush crops
ground, soloists play: whining insects,
"survival rations."
of green beans, celery, okra. and sweet
herons crying in the distance, a slither-
The nearest oasis is Clewiston, 42
ing alligator.
AS THE CROW flies. you're 90 miles
corn also grow in the area's drained
from the hotels and nightclubs of Miami
marshlands.
Beach. You might as well be a million
miles away - and a thousand years.
CLEWISTON ALSO is a miniature
Venice, laced with canals and huddled
Jesse is typical of his people, proud
beneath a huge flood control dike which
and reserved. "I like it back here," he
says. "It's always so quiet and cool un-
keeps Lake Okeechobee on good be-
havior.
der those big trees." You know he'd be
Okeechobee is a Seminole word
roaming the swamp often, for love, even
meaning "big water." The lake covers
if he weren't a deputy sheriff and game
750 square miles and is the second
warden responsible for patrolling the
largest body of fresh water in the nation.
Seminoles' 43,000-acre Big Cypress Re-
(Lake Michigan is the largest).
servation.
Lake Okeechobee is a mecca for
The reservation is off the beaten track.
boaters and duck hunters; for fisher-
Roads leading there aren't on most
men out after black bass, panfish, and
highway maps. Many people believe the
catfish; and for bird watchers in search
300-plus Indians who live at Big Cypress
of the elusive Everglades kite. This
prefer it that way, to discourage outsid-
fast-flying hawk is one of America's
ers from coming on their tribal lands.
rarest birds because it feeds only on
a species of snail found only in the
Okeechobee region.
Clewiston's main attraction, though, is
Old South Bar-B-Q Ranch, a
restaurant/museum crammed with an-
tiques. Owner Carroll Benson is proud-
est of his nickelodeons, one of which is
a mechanical singing bird in a cage.
Contd
George Leposky Photo
Josie Billy, a Seminole Indian medicine man, poses with his wife at the Big Cypress Reservation in Florida.
reservations. Advance planning also is
advisable if you want to fish on the Big
Cypress Reservation. Write to The
Atlantic
Seminole Tribe of Florida, Inc., 6073
Ocean
Stirling Rd., Hollywood, Fla. 33024 to
obtain permit information.
St. Petersburg
Tarripo
THE RESTAURANT'S atmosphere ex-
27
tends even to the parking lot, where
FINDING THE Big Cypress Reserva-
1
life-size dioramas re-create the gunfight
tion isn't too difficult. Though maps
FLORIDA
Lake
won't help, highway signs provide direc-
Okeachobee
at the OK Corral, "Hanging Judge" Roy
tions. From Clewiston, go nine miles
Palm
Bean's courtroom, and other frontier
scenes.
west on U.S. Hwy. 27, then, turn onto
Beach
La
Though Old South's decor is a zany
Fla. Hwy. 80, headed toward Le Belle
Ft. Myers e 80
CLEWISTON
put-on, its food is for real. In addition to
and Fort Myers. At Fla. Hwy. 833, turn
Gulf
barbecue, the menu features catfish
left (south) and follow the signs from
27
833
there to the reservation. The trip from
of
fresh from Lake Okeechobee, served
Naples
Clewiston to the reservation should take
Hollywood
with hush puppies so good you'll want
Mexico:
the recipe. It's available.
about an hour.
BIG CYPRESS
Clewiston is about a two-hour drive
One word of advice about this excur-
RESERVATION
Miami
from Miami and Palm Beach on the
sion: Except in town or on pavement,
Atlantic Coast, or from Fort Myers and
you're in a wilderness. If you go off the
Naples on the Gulf of Mexico. It's a good
beaten track, dress appropriately -
50 Miles
one-day excursion from either coast, but
which especially means a pair of canvas
the Clewiston Chamber of Commerce
tennis shoes so you can get your feet.
can help you make motel or campground
wet in the middle of the swamp.
Tribune Map
AUG 15 1976
Indian lexographer perserves
By LAWRENCE SHOOK
Women's News Service
PLUMMER, Ida.
native tongue
Lawrence Nicodemus, a Coeur d'Alene Indian
who lives at Plummer, Ida., is a medicine man,
Washington empire that encompassed 9,000
scholar, lawyer, linguist, "charismatic Catholic"
square miles - about six million acres.
and loner.
Nicodemus doesn't care for titles. But if he did,
Edward Tennant, an Albuquerque, N.M., lan-
guage expert who acted as a consultant to Nicode-
and not if he hung a shingle over his door, he would
now have to add another title: Lexographer.
mus in developing his study course. feels the
With the publication last August of his two-
Coeur d'Alene program will be the prototype for
a wave of efforts to save endangered aboriginal
volume Coeur d'Alene dictionary and accompa-
languages.
nying textbook, he joined the elite profession
whose illustrious members include Noah Web-
More important, says Tennant, Nicodemus'
work may rally the greatly depressed American
ster, Funk and Wagnall and a long-deceased
Indian by helping restore ethnic pride. Tennant
Cherokee named Sequoya.
Using language experts as consultants, Nicode-
says he hopes the bitter rivalry and factionalism
that has weakened the Indian cause might now
mus wrote his dictionary and textbook in the
be healed.
modern mode - a la Berlitz - complete with a
coordinated cassette tape series. Now, for the
"Like nothing else we know," says Tennant,
first time, the Coeur d'Alenes can learn to read
"language seems to bind people together."
and write in their own language.
Not since 1819, when Sequoya completed the
BUT ALTHOUGH Nicodemus' work has in-
Cherokee Syllabrary, has there been a similar act
spired widespread enthusiasm, even in European
of scholarship; linguists and scholars are now
academic circles, it has not yet been incorporated
saying Nicodemus' work represents the most
by the Coeur d'Alene Tribal School. That irony is
complete American Indian language approach
compounded because Nicodemus' own tribal
ever taken.
council arranged funding for his work through
the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
BUT NICODEMUS doesn't give a straw about
Bill Johnson, tribal school principal, says he
that. What he cares about is that the program
thinks Nicodemus' program is too sophisticated
might save his people's cultural heritage from
for his teachers (some who have only eighth
going the way of the passenger pigeon, as has
grade educations) to administer.
happened to so many tribes.
However, others close to the tribe cite this
"I wrote the books," he says, "because I
internal resistance as a prime example of the
thought if the Coeur d'Alenes lost their language,
kind of disruptive jealousy operating within the
they wouldn't know what they really are."
Indian movement today.
Nicodemus has spent most of his life worrying
"In too many tribes," said one source, "there's
about Indians. "They go off to the cities and be-
just a lot of competition and jealousy over who
come urban Indians," he complains. "They forget
knows the most about heritage."
their ways."
Someone else said: "Lawrence is now like a
He says without language the only identity In-
prophet not welcome in his own country."
dians have is their skin color.
Nicodemus calls home a weathered old frame
His fears are supported by evidence; scholars
house built by his maternal grandparents, Louie
estimate that five or six Indian cultures slip into
and Susan Antelope, in 1923. The house stands off
oblivion each year with the death of elders who
by itself on a hillside in a corner of the
were final keepers of the linguistic flame.
reservation.
The Coeur d'Alenes themselves illustrate the
Even though it has only a wood-burning range
situation's precariousness. Of the 1,000 or so sur-
for cooking, a Franklin stove for heat and no in-
viving tribal members, only 15 to 20 still speak
door toilet, the house suits Nicodemus just fine.
the native tongue known for its eloquence and
He has lived there most of his life.
melodic sentences.
What is Nicodemus doing now? He says he is
Although never a large tribe, the Coeur
waiting to learn if there will be more funding so
d'Alenes - the name means heart of an owl in
he can begin rewriting his people's wisdom
French - were once a proud and mighty people.
stories, replacing the richness and color distilled
They maintained a northern Idaho and eastern
away by the scholarly translation of his youth.
"I want to make them like classical short
stories," he says.
AUG 2 7 1976
GALLUP INDEPENDENT
JOM Staff
Laid
Off
Follows School Indian
Program Negotiations
GALLUP
(Staff)
All
Johnson-O'Malley - Navajo employes
in the Gallup-McKinley School District
NEVADA APPEAL
have been temporarily suspended as of
Carson City, Nevada
today. The announcement was sent out
August 1, 1976
to all principals Thursday afternoon fol-
lowing the scheduled me ting between
Navajo Tribal officials and the school
district administration.
Supt. Jack Swicegood in Santa Fe was
unavailable for comment. but he had
From The Rolltop
said, earlier, that if a contract was not
Steven R.
signed Thursday and funds weren't
forthcoming, the employes would be
Frady
suspended.
The JOM-Navajo programs, operat-
KLEPPE VISIT
ing kindergartens. reading labs and
The visit of Secretary of the Interior (Inferior?) Thomas Kleppe
math labs, among other programs, is
this week left a lot of questions unanswered. Many reporters
operated by some 125 employes. It
wondered how the secretary was briefed before coming to Nevada
serves over 7.000 students.
after his faux pas at calling the Ruby Marsh area Ruby Lake. And,
The JOM programs, have been
when direct reference was made to the new Pyramid Lake Indian
threatened all summer. first when the
fishery and possible conflicts between that operation and the
Nevada Department of Fish and Game's fishery, Kleppe was un-
school board demanded full control of
prepared to answer despite being involved in the Bureau of Indian
the program (which, by law. is given to
Affairs and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
the Indian Education Committee) and
It's good that Nevada has received the visit of a high-ranking
second. because of the delay of negotia-
cabinet member who now has a slight personal inkling of some of
tions.
the state's more pressing problems. But we, and that includes
Negotiations with the tribe didn't
several federal employes and members of the press, could view the
begin until the middle of August, too late
secretary's visit only as a political move. It was pointed out by
for employes to begin work on time. But
some obscure federal official that the visit had been designed to
following two negotiating sessions.
meet as many federal employes as possible and give a small pep
talk, such as that presented to the Stewart Indian School employes.
which Swicegood said went smoothly,
the employes were sent to work on a
"good faith" basis, since negotiations
suppose dly had been completed and all
Contd.
that remained was signatures.
While the visit can be viewed only as a vote getting tour for the
Ford Administration (and Kleppe did his homework well, giving
Use commercials ai in right times in his specifies and news cost-
ferences), Nevadans also have to hope that Kleppe now has an idea
of what the state is up against in some of the smaller areas that
don't get as much publicity as say the wild horse and grazing fee
problems. Perhaps the visit will produce some positive results
from the bureaucratic, mahognay-lined offices in Washington. At
least, we hope so.
But, Nevada has long been the orphan child of the federal
government when it comes to visits, and the capital is even more
remote. When was the last time a President visited Carson City?
Could it have been Teddy Roosevelt?
It's too bad that the Silver State's heart doesn't get the attention
the arms and legs (Las Vegas and Reno) do. But, it still manages to
function well, a tribute to the fact that Nevadans, unlike many
other states, will do what's best for Nevada and the rest can scuttle
and flounder for all we care.
AUG 15 1976
Hopi vigilance curbing
sacred-artifact thefts
By JOHN SCHROEDER
The thefts reached
The aircraft, Sidney ex-
plained, can cover the
"The U.S. attorney's of-
near-epidemic proportions
sites in about an hour and
fice in Phoenix concurred
KEAMS CANYON
à year ago for several
Pilot Ted Vaughn spotted
reasons, explained Ivan
when the pilot spots suspi-
and it worked," said
the distant metallic glint
cious vehicles or digging
L. Sidney, Hopi tribal po-
Vessel.
of a vehicle flashing in
lice chief and special
activity, he alerts the
the midafternoon sun and
ground patrol.
The agent said a "very
agent for the Bureau of
eased the controls of the
high retail market" has
Indian Affairs.
The Antiquities Act had
big twin-engine Cessna
developed in recent years
Black market prices for
been ruled "overly
orward.
among some artifact and
the items were high, the
broad" by federal courts,
antiquities dealers, who
Within seconds the sage-
and this was thwarting
Hopi Reservation reserva-
will steal items them-
brush a dozen feet below
tion area had limited law
prosecution,
explained
selves or hire a Hopi -
became a blur as the
enforcement and the
Federal Bureau of Inves-
usually an alcoholic to
plane rushed toward a rock
federal Antiquities Act
tigation agent David Vest
steal them or reveal their
outcropping at 200 miles
lacked teeth for success-
sel of Flagstaff. The FBI
ful prosecution,
has jurisdiction on Indian
location
per hour.
reservations and Vessel
Recently the FBI recov-
The vehicle's startled
Such thefts were almost
works closely with Hopi
ered in Los Angeles and
occupants stared as the
authorities in such thefts.
a daily occurrence, he
New York two of three
craft nosed up and circled
overhead.
noted, "but now they're
"We had a heck of a
Black Ogre religious
extremely rare" because
time getting successful
masks taken from a sa-
Vaughn knew them. It
of the patrols and suc-
prosecutions" under that
cred hiding place. The
was a false alarm.
cessful prosecution of the
law, he said. As a result,
third, Vessel said, has
culprits.
he and Sidney took a new
tentatively been located in
But it proved the swift
effectiveness of a vigilant
Tribal rangers cruise
tack by filing larceny
Germany.
program by the Hopi In-
the area in vehicles and a
complaints, listing the
"As you can see, it's a
dian Tribe to stem thefts
BIA plane routinely pa-
Hopi Tribe as the "vic-
national and international
of artifacts and religious
trols the Hopi-Navajo
tim" and property owner.
problem."
deremonial items secreted
Joint-Use Area for tres-
in various areas of the
In 1974, a man brought
pass violations.
reservation.
two carved wooden fig- Cont'd
ures to the Museum of
some of the religoous
The ancient ruins of
Northern Arizona for an
items are, but said that
Awatovi - destroyed by
appraisal. They were ini-
some have been in exist-
the Hopis in the 1600s to
tially recognized by a
ence "ever since we came
stem the tide of Christi-
Hopi employe for their
to this place." Masks, sa-
anity - resemble a
religious significance.
cred ceremonial stones
"The subject said he
and other religious items
prairie dog village from
are kept in sacred loca-
the air, a reminder of
bought them from an
alcoholic Hopi for $250,"
past illegal digging.
tions "according to Hopi
said Vessel. The two fig-
procedures," he said.
Last March, explained
ures, it was learned, were
Sidney, the Tribal Council
up to 600 years old. Only
Without them, some
issued an order restricting
ceremonials cannot be
Hopi religious leaders
visits to ruins in an at-
knew of their existence.
completed, the Kachina
tempt to stop the
chief added.
vandalism.
"They were appraised
at $65,000," Vessel said.
"It's a very emotional
thing to the Hopi" when
And those Hopis who as-
But for the Hopis, many
such items ae stolen, said
sist in the thefts of sacred
of the items are beyond
value and cannot be
Vessel. "It's like stealing
artifacts appear to be fac-
the Pieta in Rome. When
ing a penalty much stiffer
replaced.
they're gone, they're gone
than larceny.
"As long as we have
forever."
them, there is no value
Hopi religion decrees
for our sacred things,"
The air patrol has pro-
that any tribal member
said Herman Lewis of
duced a half-dozen arrests
who has a role in such
Polacca, the Kachina
in recent months, said
thefts will die, explained
chief responsible for the
Vessel, adding that Hopi
Sidney.
protection of the items for
villagers are now quick to
notify authorities of suspi-
"Nearly every Hopi sus-
social and masked
dances.
cious activity.
pect we had, almost with-
out exception, has died,"
"Some of the things we
But the scars of illegal
he said.
can't replace. They must
digging are still evident
be made according to
at many Hopi ruins.
procedures way back, un-
Gravesites have been dug
less somebody knows."
up and holes burrowed
into the crumbling pueblo
He couldn't sav how old
structures.
Herman Lewis, ]
A
INDIAN NEWS CLIPS
OFFICE OF INFORMATION
202-343-7445
VOL. 6 NO. 38
September 18, 1976
THE WASHINGTON POST, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1976
Neal R. Peirce
Indian-White Conflict:
Civil Rights, Treaty Rights,
Water Rights
HELENA, Mont.Across the "Indian coun-
prevailed in many court tests of treaty rights.
try" of Western America, and in scattered East-
Over $3 billion a year flows from Washington
ern states as well, an eΓa of intense conflict is
into various Indian-related services and eco-
developing between Indians and their white
nomic developments.
neighbors.
But whites living on or near reservations say
The issues range from rights to water from
the federal government has shown scant regard
the Mississippi, the Columbia and Colorado Riv-
for local residents and local governments. The
ers, to fishing for salmon in Washington State,
Indian "problem," they say, was created nation-
from local property taxes on Indian lands in
Montana to fire service for the Oneida Nation in
ally, restitution programs were devised nation-
New York. Controversy centers around law en-
ally, and all should be paid for nationally.
forcement jurisdiction on Indian reservations
from Minnesota and Wisconsin to the Pacific
Threats to the whites' livelihood and lifestyle
coastal states.
have led to the formation of predominantly
white "civil rights" groups in 14 states and crea-
The chief battlegrounds are the reservations,
tion of a national protest group, .he Interstate
originally guaranteed to the Indians "forever"
Congress for Equal Rights and Responsibilities.
but later opened in part to white settlers. Today
The Interstate Congress says whites are not
the ownership pattern of these areas resembles
being treated equally in Indian communities.
a checkerboard, a piece of Indian-owned land
SERVICE FORD LIBRARY
here, white-owned land there.
Since the rise of the "red power" movement
Mr. Peirce writes a weekly syndicated
in the 1960s, Indians have striven to reassert ju-
column on the problems of cities and states.
risdiction over their reservations' original
boundaries. The federal government's policy
switch from assimilation to "self-determina-
"Will we have to yield to tribal law, yet pay
tion" has aided this effort, and Indians have
taxes to state government, which won't serve
Cont'd.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR-BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
1951 Constitution Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. 20245
us?" asks Jack Freeman, the South Dakota
guilt concerning past injustices to Indians
rancher who heads the Interstate Congress.
makes objective treatment difficult. Whites liv-
Lake County, Montana, a community of 15,000
ing on or near reservations say they have as
(85 per cent white, mostly small farmers) pro-
much difficulty getting understanding from
vides a test tube case of the conflicts. There
other residents of their states as from the power
have been court battles over shoreline rights to
circles in the nation's capital.
Flathead Lake and disputes over tax-free sale of
Indians, on the other hand, complain that an-
cigarettes on the reservation and the removal of
ti-Indian prejudice often appears in local com-
Indian-owned land from the tax rolls.
munities, and the national reparations for past
wrongdoings are still inadequate.
Lake County's whites are particularly irked
Local governments' loss of property taxes be-
by the shrinking number of taxable acres while
cause of the special status of Indian tribal lands
inflation wreaks havoc with local governmen:
held in trust should be the easiest problem to re-
finances. Indian landowners can avoid propert:
solve-possibly through direct federal subsidy
taxes by placing land under tribal trust statu
and giving up their right to sell it. Stories circu
to the localities involved. But sponsors of pend-
ing federal legislation to give localities annual
late about neighbors who are 1/16th and 1/32n
Indian avoiding taxes this way.
What's more, whites say, the Indians can vote
payments in compensation for federally con-
in local elections and approve taxes they'll
trolled lands within their borders have shown
never have to pay themselves. They also are eli-
no interest in including Indian reservations.
gible for social services paid for in part through
No one doubts that imposition of local taxes
on Indian reservations, even if such taxes didn't
local property taxes.
The Flatheads reply that the number of con-
violate treaty rights, would be a crippling blow
versions of Indian land to avoid taxes is exag-
to local Indian economies. When Wisconsin's
gerated, and that their real reason is to consoli-
Menomonie Indians were out of reservation sta-
date tribal lands. Lost property taxes, they say,
tus for a period of years, they found themselves
are more than compensated for by federal sup-
hit with a quarter million dollars in annual
port of local schools and economic activity gen-
property taxes-enough to, drive them from a
erated by the reservation.
position of self-sufficiency to poverty. The state
There's been no violence between Lake Coun-
of Wisconsin stepped in to pay them an identi-
tians and their Flathead neighbors, hut whites
cal amount for an annual scenic easement to
reportedly fear that the tribes will try to gain
the banks of the Wolf River and continued the
civil and criminal court authority over both In-
arrangement until reservation status was re-
dians and non-Indians in all the territory that
stored.
once belonged to the reservation. They foresee
Water rights and law enforcement problems
an unfair and inadequate judicial system run by
are particularly difficult to resolve by legisla-
a political system in which they have no voice.
tion-partly because each situation is too
Little of this conflict was apparent 20 or 30
unique for blanket laws to work. When whites
years ago. Then, "assimilation" was official fed-
affected by such issues have appealed to their
eral policy and the Bureau of Indian Affairs
state and federal officials for help, they have
could note in 1957 that the Flatheads were "ad-
encountered some sympathy, some stand-offish-
vanced in the stage of integration with the dom-
ness-but rarely any help.
inant culture." In those days, intermarriage be-
Gradually, court decisions in the Indians' fa-
tween Flatheads and local whites was quite
vor are reducing the rights and impairing the
income of reservation-area whites. Those
common.
But then came the 1960s, with a new federal
whites, faced by vague and unresolved laws, in-
policy of self-determination and the emergence
different state and federal governments and
of younger, more educated, aggressive tribal
fears for their own future, sadly end up bearing
leaders. Today, on the Flathead reservations
an inordinate burden for the cruelty and rapa-
and others across the nation, young and profes-
ciousness of the entire nation in its early deal-
sionally qualified Indian men and women-
ings with its native peoples.
some with legal hackgrounds-can return to
c 1976, Neal R. Peirce
their birthplaces and find employment in feder-
ally subsidized health, welfare and resource
programs.
The younger leaders are speaking out and
challenging states and counties that try to as-
sert jurisdiction over Indian country. Their role
is more important than the highly publicized
American Indian Movement (AIM)-although
AIM has helped create a psychological climate
for greater Indian independence, just as radical
black power groups helped make the demands
of moderate black civil rights organizations
seem more credible in the 1960s.
All the wisdom of Solomon-and then some
-would be required to determine the real "jus-
tice" in most conflicts between Indians and
their white neighbors, between tribal "sover-
eign" rights and legitimate rights of local gov-
ernments and their taxpayers. Strong national
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA BEE
September 9, 1976
Yurok Indians Ignore Court Order,
Block Klamath River With Rope, Nets
By WALT WILEY
littering and swept it off into the
And members of the group, who
Bee Staff Writer
water with a piece of brush." said
said their number ebbs and flows
KLAMATH, Del Norte Co. -
Capt. Jim Barneburg. pilot of Lar-
between 15 and 50 at any one time,
"There's no answer, because we don't
son's jet boat, the Klamath Queen.
said the fact Larson's jet boat tour
have any law enforcement. The
Today, Larson succeeded in getting
guides use the Indians and their
sheriff, the Coast Guard, Fish and
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to
prayer rocks and salmon riffles as
Game, they're all just sitting on their
issue a cease and desist order against
hands."
blocking a navigable waterway.
"museum pieces" is the reason they
have decided to stop its passage.
So said Alvin Larson as he leaned
But. according to Jack Farlis,
against the counter of his tackle shop
assistant chief of construction
"You ought to see the jet boat go up
in Requa at the mouth of the Klamath
operations for the Corps, if the In-
this riffle," said Sergio Fonseca, a
River near here. pendering how a
dians choose to disobey the order the
native of Honduras who has joined the
small group of Indians and their
matter will have to be turned over to
group in the riverside camp as he
friends could shut down the major
the U.S. Attorney's office and then
stood beside the rope and gillnets
would have to be settled in federal
part of his business.
erected to block the boat's passage.
Larson operates a fleet of jet boats
court.
"It just leaves a mess behind the
that haul tourists on a 64-mile trip up
"This is Indian land; those laws
way it goes across the gravel."
the Klamath and this time of year he
don't apply," said a young woman as
Larson denied that the boats harm
said he generally has 90 passengers a
she lounged on an old sora at the in-
the river, but he added, "I wonder
day at $8 a head.
dians' camp upriver.
what they want from us. I've lived
But all this week a small group of
Nearby, salmon and elk meat were
here all my life, too, and I'm going to
Indians 17 miles upriver has had a
smoking in smokehouses built from
be put out of business if it doesn't stop.
rope and some gillnets strung across
poles and branches cut in the area,
"It's bad enough the Indians are
the stream, blocking the boat's
while a dozen or so other members of
allowed to gillnet all the salmon they
passage, and Larson has been having
the group lounged under a brush
want right here at the mouth of the
shelter out of the sun.
river, but when they pull this you
to refund his passengers' money.
"I've lived here all my life. and my
wonder if there are any laws.at all'
He said the boats did not even run
family's land is right up there, but I
today, but he has hopes one of a pair
understand Simpson Timber has built
of legal actions will serve to change
two houses on it - I haven't been
the Indians' minds.
there in quite a few years," said
The Indians, on the other hand, are
Eddie Markeson, a Yurok Indian and
holding out until they get back the
one of the group relaxing in the shade.
land a mile on either side of the river
"I didn't think this idea up, but I
in a strip 20 miles upstream from
sure support it. If my family sold that
Larson's establishment at Requa.
land to Simpson I sure don't know
Yesterday, Larson obtained an
anything about it."
order from Humboldt County
Superior Court Judge Charles
The Indians are calling their en-
Thomas directing that the river be
campment a Land Convention, and
spokeswoman for the group,
opened.
But when Constable Herb Kidd tried
Margaret Carlson said the majority of
those on hand are not Yuroks.
to serve the order the Indians refused
She said she is hoping by holding the
to accept it.
convention she and the others can
"He finally just laid it there on the
show her fellow Yuroks that what
beach and the Indians accused him of
they are doing is right.
Individuals in the camp, while they
wouldn't speak for the group, said no
matter what sort of legal papers they
are served they will not leave the
land.
Sheriff's department spokesmen in
Eureka have said they will not in-
terfere in the case, except to stop
violence.
CHICAGO
SUN-TIMES
D. 536,103 SUN. 709,123
AUG 27 1976
THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC
PHOENIX, ARIZ.
D. 211,962 SUN. 318,839
AUG 21 1976
Watch your manners
The Hopis are allowing non-In-
who call themselves the Smokis
dians to witness the snake dance at
(pronounce Smoke-eyes) and put
Shungopavi today for the first time
on their dances at Prescott.
in years. We trust the outsiders
The important thing, in either
will appreciate the favor and re-
case, is that observers display the
turn the courtesy.
reverence due a ceremonial which
'At the height of the student re-
is essentially religious.
volt the elders of several Indian
Someone recently made a lot of
villages were forced to bar visitors
mileage by suggesting Indians put
from their ceremonial dances.
on a Whiti (pronounced (White-
eye) dance "to perpetuate t h e
Too many hippies, yippies and
ceremonies, both secular and reli-
assorted youth rebels forgot their
gious, of the white businessman."
manners when they visited the In-
sdian reservation in the northeast
If you're going to the Hopi reser-
corner of the state.
vation today, be sure to park your
car in the designated place, leave
Iroquois tribal masks
Now that most of the steam has
your alcoholic refreshments in the
gone out of demonstrations by
bottle, and take no pictures.
American Indian chief Jacob E. Thomas
representatives of the various
And don't panic when the Hopis
carves Iroquois tribal masks at the Field
youth subcultures, the Hopis are
release the snakes after the dance.
Museum of Natural History. Chief Thomas,
going to resume their traditional
They will slither away to their
54, is a Cayugan, a member of one of the
role as hospitable hosts.
homes in the rocks, and you can
six nations that compose the Iroquois con-
The snake dance is well worth
sample your bottle of Snaki (pro-
federacy. He'll lecture 10 a.m. to noon
seeing, whether performed by the
nounced Snake-eye) on the way
and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Hopis or by a group of white adults
home.
(Sun-Times Photo by Jack Lenahan)
CHICAGO. ILL.
NORTHWEST SUNDAY
TIMES
SUN. 9, 090
AUG 21 1976
CONG. SIDNEY YATES (D-9TH) makes a point during the American Indian
partey Aug. 17 at Mundelein college. (Photo by Thom O'Connor)
Indians clash over unity
By JOEL SCHATZ
6,500 to 20,000-represent more than 200 tribes with dif-
Staff Writer
ferent languages and backgrounds. Yet people-white
IS UNITY POSSIBLE in Chicago's American Indi-
people-prefer to "put all Indians into one box."
an community? Is it necessary? Is it even desirable?
While some Indians at the meeting called for soli-
Cong. Sidney Yates (D-9th) believes there must be
darity, others said Indian unity has failed to come
some kind of unified voice for Chicago's Indians; some
about due to internal conflicts.
one or some group that legitimately can claim to
Those conflicts, however, had nothing to do with
speak for the city's several thousand Indians when
tribal differences, Sharon Hamil claimed. The Indian
they are dealing with government agencies, trying to
community here, she said, is in some ways like a
get services and funds.
small town, where everyone knows what everyone else
But many of the Indians who came to talk with
is doing and has done in the past. And they don't
Yates at Mundelein college Tuesday, Aug. 17, insist
forget.
that any sort of unified or representative front either is
WHEN ONE GROUP FIGHTS with another, Hamil
impossible or the wrong goal to be striving for.
said, it usually is because they object to that group's
Yates invited several dozen Chicago Indian leaders
or individual's past actions. The differences are based
to the meeting to tell him what they need, what the
on past performance and personality clashes, not on
federal government is not doing, and what should be
tribal distinctions. There are various Indian groups
done to improve government's handling of services
that work together regularly, she said, despite tribal
and relations with urban Indians here. There are more
differences.
urban Indians in the 9th district, Yates claims, than in
Though the subject of unified representation un-
any other congressional district in the country, except
derlay most of the evening's discussion, the also
one.
were specific "bread and butter" issues, as Yates de-
INDIAN PROGRAMS in Chicago are destined to
scribed them, in need of immediate attention.
fail, one leader from the American Indian Rehabilita-
The three prime concerns were Indian health, jobs
tion Services charged, because they are based on the
and education programs that either are threatened or
idea that all urban Indians are the same.
have been eliminated due to funding cuts
"We are not the same," Joe Whiteeyes declared.
The Indians living in Chicago-estimates ranged from
The Dallas Morning News
The Oregonian
DALLAS, TEXAS
PORTLAND, OREGON
D. 266,667 SUN. 310,530
D. 245,132 SUN. 407,186
AUG 26 1976
AUG 25 1976
Indian Center upholds firing
HEW audit
The American Indian Center (AIC)
related," and involved Mrs. Elder's
board has upheld its Aug. 2 firing of
relationship with her staff and alleged
director Juanita Elder, whose attorney
of CISCO
Sharon Paz, CISCO
board member and a for-
"abuse of procedures."
said Wednesday she may take her case
This is the third attempt to fire Mrs.
mer Interim director of
to court.
Elder, the only Indian member of the
The board refused to reinstate Mrs.
Dallas Alliance which drafted Dallas'
finds debt
the program, said she
hoped the amount could
Elder following a lengthy closed ses-
school desegregation plan, since she
be reduced by as much as
ADAIR VILLAGE A
90 per cent.
sion Tuesday during which she asked
joined AIC four years ago.
preliminary federal audit
Noreen K. Saltveitt,
to hear charges against her.
has shown the Chicano-
CISCO attorney, said, "If
Her attorney, Earl Luna, is now
Indian Study Center of
we had had the kind of
charging Mrs. Elder was denied due
Oregon (CISCO) owes
second, third and fourth
process because she was fired without
the U.S. government
backup forms HEW re-
a hearing and without hearing charges
$26,000 because of ae-
quires or supplies to any-
against her.
counting and bookkeep-
body who asks for them,
Luna said Mrs. Elder may take her
Ing errors in the manage-
CISCO could have avoid-
case to court or to the regulators in the
ment of tax-supported
ed the debt.
Department of Health, Education and
programs for Indians and
"They don't tell you
Welfare.
Mexican-Americans.
what forms to use," she
AIC has been drafting a proposal to
An audit by the De-
added.
HEW for several months, asking for
partment of Health, Edu-
She and John Talley,
money for an Indian clinic in East
cation and Welfare found
CISCO board chairman,
Dallas.
some expenditures by
said the disallowed and
One source said the charges were
CISCO were not docu-
undocumented expenses
"more personal than management-
mented during a period
represented a small per-
from June 7, 1971 to
centage of total grants
March 31, 1976, and that
awarded to CISCO and
other expenses were not
were due primarily to a
allowable under terms of
lack of administrative ex-
the federal grants.
pertise and a lack of tech-
The audit was conduct-
nical assistance.
ed between April and
CISCO, located in
July of this year. CISCO
Adair Village seven miles
was given until Sept. 16
north of Corvallis, was
THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC
to submit further infor-
established to provide a
mation to HEW, includ-
live-in learning environ-
PHOENIX, ARIZ.
ing vouchers and affida-
ment for disadvantaged
D. 211,962 SUN. 318,839
vits which presumably
Indians and Mexican-
would justify some of the
Americans.
expense.
AUG 21 1976
Navajos plan equal-vote study
WINDOW ROCK - Navajo tribal offi-
each elected from an "election
cials have contracted with a California
community."
consultant to develop a reapportionment
The election communities are unequal
plan for the reservation.
in population, Wilson said. Thus one
tribal councilman represents 463 persons
C. Howard Wilson, Van Nuys, said the
while another has 7,977 persons, he said.
tribe will pay his firm $75,000 to develop
Wilson said this will be the reserva-
a plan for more accurate representation
tion's first reapportionment. He said
of the Navajos in the tribal council. The
plans must be submitted within six
council is composed of 74 members,
months to the council for Its approval.
The Phoenix Fazeite
PHOENIX, ARIZ.
D. 121,306
AUG 25 1976
Indians
The Miami Direction
MIAMI, FLA.
D. 384,824 SUN. 486.508
Forming
AUG 29 1976
'Caucus'
6297F
Indian Descendant
Formation of the Arizo-
na Indian Political Caucus
was announced today at a
press conference called
Part of Two Cultures,
by, Floyd Bringing Good.
Bringing Good, chair-
man, said the organiza-
Can Cope With Both
tion already has about 30
members and is conduct-
BY JOY STERLING
SHE STUMBLED THROUGH a
ing a statewide member-
United Press International
few ceremonial dances, then fled to
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Cathy
the sidelines faintly red in the
ship drive. Members will
Chatelain was weaned on Holly-
cheeks.
meet Friday evening to
wood's depiction of Indians. She
"I wish I had a costume," Cathy
start the process leading
admits she tended to side with
said, watching Narraganset girls in
to endorsement of candi-
Errol Flynn in the movie version of
their buckskins. "I love the bead-
Custer's Last Stand.
ing and the feathers."
dates in the November
"An old boyfriend made a big
"When I get a good tan I look
elections.
thing out of the fact I descended
fairly Indian with high cheek bones
from Sitting Bull," she said. "He'd
and long, straight hair," she said, a
"Arizona has the largest
tell everybody and then they'd call
bit defensive about her pasty-white
Indian population in the
me 'Pocahontas.'
complexion.
country with 19 tribes
Kathy is Chief Sitting Bull's
Cathy, 24, now attending Brown
great-great-granddaughter.
University, said that, as she be-
occupying 17 reservations.
Raised in New Jersey, Cathy be-
came interested in her heritage, her
Twenty-seven per cent of
came interested in her Indian ties
only contact was a grandmother in
the state is Indian land,"
five years ago. Now an Ivy League
California who died two months
graduate student, she takes time
he said at Phoenix Press
ago.
from her chemistry studies to de-
Club. "There are 200,000
velop her knowledge of Indians
"I SAVED ALL her letters. I
Indians in the state."
and Indian lore.
don't think she was much interest-
WIDE-EYED AND thin-faced,
ed in me, though. After all I was a
He said contemporary
Cashy looked out of place at the
long way away and she had family
Indians a re becoming
Narraganset Indians' 300th annual
close to her in California."
tribal meeting in rural Charles-
But she liked the idea of being
aware of being involved
town, R.I.
an Indian. "It made me feel differ-
and knowledgeable in "oth-
But they treated their visitor like
ent."
or units of government be-
1
the Sioux princess she would have
Then she told the story of the
sides the federal level."
been a century ago.
boyfriend who called her Pocahon-
"One of Sitting Bull's daughters
tas. A Narraganset woman stand-
Besides endorsement of
married a Montana senator," she
ing nearby said she'd "go for the
said. "That took us off the reserva-
throat" if anyone called her that.
political candidates, the
tion. I'm a direct descendant
Cathy made it clear she thinks
group will be involved in
through the female line."
differently.
voter registration, taking
To the savage whoops and the
"It's nice to keep traditions and
formal positions in issues
pounding of an Indian water drum,
all that bit. But it can go too far.
she tiptoed into the medicine circle
We'd be much better off if every-
and working in political
and latched onto a hefty squaw
one just thought of themselves as
campaigns, he said.
who showed her the steps.
Americans.
The Scattle Daily Times
D. 247,540 SUN. 306,612
AUG 18 1976
Boldt urged to withdraw from
fish cases to end 'discord'
to traditional off -reservation Indian
Norman D. Dicks, one of six
fishing grounds.
Democratic candidates for Con-
The Tacoma Democrat said that
gress in the Sixth District called
if elected to Congress he would in-
yesterday for United States District
troduce legislation to outlaw inter-
Judge George Boldt to withdraw
state transportation, purchase or
from further deliberations in con-
receipt of steelhead for commercial
nection with Indian fishing rights.
purposes.
He said he would make two pro-
Dieks said he did not question
posals a massive program to in-
Judge Boldt's decisions or his integ-
crease the salmon fishery of the re-
rity, but said the judge's name has
gion and a single enforcement agen-
become synonymous with tension
cy, representative of all factions, to
and discord "at a time when we
administer the law.
need judicial actions acceptable to
Dicks also suggested controlling
the number of commercial fisher-
all parties.'
Judge Boldt was author of the
men so that an increased fishery
controversial 1974 decision giving
would not be accompanied by multi-
treaty Indian tribes the opportunity
tudes of new fishermen. Dicks
to catch 50 per cent of the harvest-
made his proposals at a news con-
able steelhead and salmon returning
ference.
Claim 16,000 acres taken illegally in 1870
MASS.
PAGE ON
HERALD AMERICAN
D. 370,000
Indians sue for lost Cape
The Wampanoag Indians of Mash-
According to Russell Peters, presi-
pee, indicating they don't very much
dent of the Mashpee Wampanoag In-
AUG 27 1976
land
like the way the white man runs
dian Tribal Council, Inc., the suit was
things, want their tribal land back.
filed as the result of a recently passed
A suit was filed in their behalf
resolution by the 1000-member tribe.
yesterday in federal district court to
It said the land of Mashpee was
regain title and governing power of
guaranteed forever by Wampanoag
the little Cape Cod town, plus portions
sachems in 1666 and reconfirmed as
of land in three adjoining commun-
never to be sold without the consent
ities, Falmouth, Sandwich and Barn-
of the Indians by the Colony of New
stable.
Plymouth in 1685.
The Indians claim some 16,000
Mashpee was recognized as an In-
acres was taken from them illegally
dian plantation and district by the
by an act of the legislature in 1870.
colony's successors, the Province of
Mass. Bay and the Commonwealth of
They are seeking to regain it by
Mass. until 1870 when the Legislature
authority of a 1790 federal act that
unilaterally declared it a town.
prevents the taking of native Ameri-
can land without the consent of Con-
The resolution, beyond declaring the
gress.
tribe's right to the land and to govern
Cont'd
velopments on Cape Cod, the
New Bedford Gas and Edison
the affairs of the 16,000-acre area, de-
"Permanent resid e nts,
whether they be there law-
Light Co. the First National
clared the intention of the Indians "to
Bank of Boston and others.
preserve the beauty and character of
fully of unlawfully, may re-
main," he said. "The tribe
Margolin said the Mashpee
our land by halting the indiscriminate
suit was one of several filed
development and degradation of our
will seek agreements with
fo r various Indian tribes
woodlands, fields and shores."
them upon just terms for use
of the property."
throughout the country re-
The Wampanoags name 146 defend-
cently based on the 1790
ants in the suit some individual
However, summer folk and
Indian Nonintercourse Act.
land owners and other large corpora-
big companies owning large
The U.S. district court in
tions and real estate developers. The
tracts of woodland and shore-
Maine recently found in favor
town owns part of the land involved
front property in Mashpee,
of the Passamaquoddy and
and the state Division of Flsh and
Falmouth, Sandwich a n d
Penobscot tribes in a similar
Game owns another section.
Barnstable listed by lot num-
suit stating the 1970 federal
bers in the suit, probably
According to Atty. Barry Margolin,
law is still applicable. Fur-
won't fare so well.
who filed the suit on behalf of the
ther action is expected there
Mashpee tribe for the Native American
Listed among the defend-
to return lands to the Indians.
Rights Fund, permanent residents of
ants is the New Seabury
Another case is pending in
the area will not be evicted if the
Corp., which has built multi-
Rhode Island in the Narra-
Indians win.
B
million dollar housing de-
gansett tribe.
THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC
PHOENIX, ARIZ
D. 215,962 SUN. 318,839
AUG 24 1976
1,000 watch as Hopis perform
centuries-old ritual to get rain
By JANA BOMMERSBACH
PAGE ONE
HOTEVILLA The painted dancers
the dirt road that leads to the plaza of
faced each other - the Antelope priests
Hotevilla.
with their gray bodies and the Snake
priests with their brown bodies - and
Later, about 1,000 persons filled the
chanted a low, ancient prayer for rain.
ancient village, sitting or standing 15
deep around the central courtyard or
Their chant often was drowned out by
climbing wooden ladders to stand on the
thunder.
flat, earthen roofs of homes.
The rain started about 3 p.m. last
About 40 per cent of the spectators
Saturday on this arid mesa in northern
were Anglo, some from as far away as
Arizona that is the home of the Hopis.
Massachusetts and British Columbia.
That was an hour before the public
Snake Dance the first that has been
Whether they were aware of the con-
publicized to attract Anglos in the last
troversy that closed the dances to non-
three years was to begin.
Hopis or were struck by the significance
of the dance, they were quiet and re-
But the 700-year-old Snake Dance ritu-
spectful. Only a couple of people had to
al, which is as sacred to the Hopis as
be reminded (gently) that picture taking
the Easter sunrise service is to Chris-
wasn't allowed. The only obvious com-
tians, was now into its ninth day.
plaint was the way some were dressed,
especially a few young women who wore
The rain came in large drops that
washed the red dust off cars and tarned
Contd.
were bull snakes. Many were large,
thorts and halter tops to the religious
measuring up to 6 feet, 5 inches long.
ceremony.
All were angry.
There also were no disrespectful In-
They writhed wildly as the Snake
dians in view at the ceremonies, nor
priests put them into their mouths - the
militants, who in 1972 had closed Hotev-
snake's head facing outward along the
fila to "white eyes" in defiance of the
men's cheeks. The priests held the
chiefs.
snakes' bodies in an S-shaped style and
So they came together, whites, Indians
danced around the plaza whispering
a
and a few blacks, to this dance that is
prayers for rain. Behind each dancer
for the crops of all people whose hearts
was a "hugger," another Snake priest
are good.
who put his left arm on the shoulder of
"This day is very special to every-
the man in front of him and gently beat
1
one," said an Indian from Santa Fe who
his shoulders with a Y-shaped prong
had come to visit an artist friend in
decorated with orange feathers.
Hotevilla and would stay to see his first
After dancing around the plaza to the
Snake Dance in years.
beat of the gourd rattles, the priests put
The gourd rattles of the Antelope
the snakes on the ground. Many im-
priests created a hypnotic rhythm that
mediately coiled. They often struck in
replaced the usual drum beat of many
the direction of the warmth of the
Indian ceremonies.
dancers. Three "gatherers" fetched
The dancers, who had emerged from
them from the ground, stroking their
the kivas, or ceremonial structures,
bodies with their feathered prongs and
where they'd meditated and prepared
then gave them to the Antelope priests
for the dance, faced each other over the
who formed a half moon around the
sipapu, stomping on it to alert the earth
Snake priests.
and cloud people. The sipapu, or stomp
The dance lasted about an hour, fin-
board, represents the point on the earth
ishing with the Snake priests grabbing
from which all creatures emerged from
handfuls of snakes and running to the
the underground.
four corners of the village to release
They sprinkled ground cornmeal on
them.
the sipapu and prayed together and the
As legend goes, the snakes carry the
thunder battered the sky and giant
whispered prayers to the gods.
streaks of lightning lit up the northwest.
The monotony of their prayers went
One young dancer stumbled as he left
on for some time, and then the Snake
the plaza, and then he stopped long
priests broke into pairs to perform the
enough to transfer the rattler he carried
ceremony that gave the dance its name.
in his left hand to the group in his right.
One by one, snakes were fetched from
He thrust his left hand outward. His
a teepee-like structure of cottonwood
fingers and arm already were contorting
boughs in the plaza.
in muscle spasms. Blood ran from the
Some were poisonous rattlers. Some
bitten flesh between his thumb and first
finger.
He stumbled repeatedly, and although
his path wasn't straight, it was deter-
minedly toward the north end of the
village.
Afterwards an Anglo said authorita-
tively: "I'm sure he went back to the
kiva and was fixed up."
The "fixing up" includes the con-
sumption of a green liquid that creates
an immediate and severe nausea.
Is that what stops the agonizing pain
and eventual death from a rattlesnake
bite?
That remains one of the mysteries of
the dance.
As the crowd broke up, a blue streak
of rain could be seen to the northwest,
growing wider by the minute and fulfill-
Ing the prayers of the dance.
And to the northeast, a sweeping blue-
pink-yellow rainbow decorated the sky.
The Julia Tribum
TULSA, OKLA.
D. 79,425
AUG 25 1976
Lawrenceville school educated Indians
1875 letter portrays Cherokee
and a male school that will be put into
operation in October. These schools are
attended by about 2,000 children and
are under the control and support, ex-
life
clusively, of the Cherokee Nation.
"There are something like 2,000 Bap-
tists, nearly the same number of Meth-
odists and two or three hundred Mora-
By BILL SAMPSON
vians and Presbyterians. There is no
Innovate Editor
Episcopal organization in the
A
DESCRIPTION of the Cherokee
country
Nation in 1875 is provided in a let-
"THE CHEROKEES have nearly $3
ter found earlier this year in the ar-
million in U.S. stocks and receive semi-
chives of an eastern preparatory
annually the interest thereon from the
school.
Department of Interior. Fifty per cent
Its existence also points up the im-
of this income is applied to the support
portance of the institution, the Lawren-
of our government, 35 per cent to the
ceville School in New Jersey, to the
support of the schools and the remain-
eastern education of 19th century Cher-
ing 15 per cent to the fund for the edu-
okees who became leaders of that early
cation and support of the orphans.
civilized tribe of Indians, most of whom
now are located in northeastern Okla-
"We have no taxes of a general
nature."
homa.
"The permanent reserve of the Cher-
The letter was written on April 27,
1875, by Cherokee Chief William Potter
okee Nation contains about 3,242,000
Ross, an 1839 graduate of Lawren-
acres of land, some of which is very
good, more indifferent and much that
ceville and an 1842 graduate of Prince-
is worthless
ton, to Mrs. Jane Porter Condit, long-
The eastern portion, on
time Lawrenceville educator.
the borders of Arkansas and Missouri,
is hilly, finely watered from springs
The letter was found in the school
and mostly timbered. The western por-
archives by Mrs. Catherine Lower and
tion is generally more fertile but away
a copy was sent to Cherokee attorney
WILLIAM P. ROSS
from the water courses, mostly prairie.
Earl Boyd Pierce, an authority on
It is beautiful to the eye.
Cherokee history. Parts of the letter
are published here for the first time
(The summer of 1874 was one of
widespread drought in the Southwest,
"Two railroads have been con-
with Pierce's permission.
followed by a grasshopper plague of
Chief Ross, no relation to former Chief
structed, the Missouri, Kansas and
such intensity that it was noted in
John Ross who led the Cherokees from
Texas Line which runs within 7 miles
1828 until his death in 1866, wrote from
many annals and letters of the time).
of this place from north to south, and
his home in Fort Gibson, discussed
"These returns show the existing re-
the Atlantic and Pacific from Missouri.
friends and family matters and then
cognized population of the nation in-
The terminus of the latter is its inter-
wrote:
cluding native Cherokees, adopted Indi-
'THERE IS so MUCH that could
ans, white and colored, to be 18,519.
section with the former at Vinita, sixty
be said depicting the Cherokee Na-
"There are something like 65 public
miles north of here.
tion and the Indian Territory that
schools scattered over the country, be-
"The telegraph follows the line of the
might not be wholly devoid of interest
sides one high school (female) now in
former road with a branch to' this place,
to you that I know not where to begin.
operation, an orphan school (mixed)
which is a military post although there
"I am now receiving returns of the
is not more than a corporal's guard of
census of the Cherokee people taken
the 'boys in blue' here at present.
preliminary to the distribution of
"Tahlequah, 20 miles east, is our
$200,000 of their own money among
them to relieve the destitution caused
capital and the neighborhood in which
by the failure of crops last summer."
our two high schools and home for the
blind and insane are located.
Con't'd
"The Cherokee government is follow-
ing, at a long distance, the form of
your state governments. The people
elect the most of their officers - from
their chief down to the judges and
legislators.
"The Cherokees suffered terribly
during the war but are recovering and
will be soon prosperous and rapidly
progressing in the arts and pursuits of
civilization-if not sacrificed to the cu-
pidity and heartlessness of a border
population and railroad operators."
"But it should not have been. There
OSS HAD TAUGHT in Cherokee
ment and lifted them to prominence
R
schools after his graduation from
among American Indian tribes today.
are very rich Indian tribes in the
country and many individual members
Princeton and was for four years editor
Lawrenceville records show that of 21
of the Cherokee Advocate, tribal news-
of them who are highly educated and
Indians who attended the school be-
paper. He was later a merchant and
as good businessmen as the whites.
lawyer and often represented the tribe
tween 1834 and 1876, 12 were members
"The Cherokees are perhaps the
in Washington. He served two terms as
of the Ross families. William P. Ross
most advanced American Indians, and
chief, appointed in 1866 to succeed his
was salutatorian of the class of 1839. A
the Lawrenceville school is responsible
John Ross and appointed again in 1873.
relative, R. D. Ross, graduated from
for as great a proportion of this civill-
Ross died July 20, 1891, at a time
Lawrenceville in 1840, Princeton in 1843
zation as the schooling which admits a
when the Cherokees were under pres-
and the University of Pennsylvania
goodly number of students to Princeton
sure by the federal government to sell
Medical School in 1847.
College each year.
the Cherokee Outlet for white settle-
ment. The sale was completed in 1893.
Dennis Bushyhead, who served two
"Years and years ago the great
terms as Cherokee chief, 1879-1886, gra-
school for the Cherokees was the
It was that sale, made under duress
duated from Lawrenceville in 1843. He
Lawrenceville school. The Cherokees
and for what the Indian Claims Com-
was the eldest son of the Rev. Jesse
had just moved from Tennessee to the
mission in 1966 said was "an uncons-
Bushyhead, prominent native Baptist
Indian Territory. Many of their fami-
cionable price" that resulted in a $17
minister.
lies had seen so much of civilization
million award to the Cherokees which
revitalized their modern tribal govern-
DENNIS BUSHYHEAD joined the
and had already become so wealthy
gold rush to California in 1849 but re-
that they desired to bring their children
turned to the Cherokee Nation for a dis-
up with every advantage. They had ac-
tinguished political career, twice ap-
cepted the Christian religion and in
pointed tribal delegate to Washington
some cases intermarried with the
and serving in 1890 on the commission
whites."
dealing with the government on the
outlet sale.
The article went on to say that a
number of New York families, are rep-
G. W. Ross graduated from Lawren-
resented among Lawrenceville alumni,
ceville in 1846. J. A. Ross graduated
including Auchinclosses, Scribners,
there in 1847 and became a Cherokee
Morrises and Motts. From the South
merchant. Another 1847 graduate was
were Agnews, Davises, McIntoshes,
C. N. Vann, who became a Cherokee
Whartons and Wyeths.
lawyer.
In 1862 H. C. Meigs graduated from
It seems fitting that in recent
Lawrenceville and became a Cherokee
years a Lawrenceville scholarship
doctor. L. S. Ross, class of 1865, be-
talent search enabled Cleveland
came a Cherokee merchant. S. J.
Burnette of White River, S.D., to
Thompson graduated in 1876 and be-
enroll there. He is a fullblood Sioux
came a doctor. William Penn Ross gra-
Indian.
duated in 1880, the last Cherokee to at-
tend Lawrenceville.
The Cherokee Male Seminary opened
in 1875 and accommodated those Chero-
kees who prohably would have followed
their predecessors to Lawrenceville.
A female seminary at Lawrence-
ville began operation in 1834 in a struc-
ture known today as "Old Davis
House." It was a familiar landmark to
many of the Cherokees who attended
school at Lawrenceville. That building
gained a certain amount of fame when
Housemaster Thornton Wilder wrote
the classic "The Bridge of San Luis
Rey" there in the 1920s.
ANARTICLESS in the New York Mail
in 1893 mentions the
Cherokee-Lawrenceville tradition. It
said, in part:
"There was a sort of amused sur-
prise excited by the announcement that
four or five Indians had come here
from the far West to draw six or seven
millions out of Wall Streets coffers.
WORLD
TULSA, OKLA.
D. 117,736 SUN. 193,984
AUG 24 1976
Navaio Finds Art Mainstream
He's a Navajo painter, a former
and concern for the human form that
When asked about his influences, his
shepherd, a socialite, a comedian, a
are new to Indian painting, most of
ideas, Gorman replies: "I think they
paradox. R. a Gorman, the subject of
which has treated the body in an ab-
come from being aware-of anything:
'American Indian Artists' fourth pro-
stracted, diagrammatic manner.
a candy wrapper, an old lady's wrin-
gram, to be seen at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday
kles, a funeral, a decayed rug, a sound,
on Channel 11, is a prominent figura-
GORMAN'S FIGURES ARE FULL,
a smell
tive painter and printmaker whose
fleshly, explored for their own sake.
work and ideas have brought him into
Whether in the lithographs that he has
GORMAN'S AWARENESS HAS NET-
the mainstream of contemporary
worked on since 1971 or the oils that he
ted his work places in the permanent
American art.
has painted since student days, Gor-
collections of the Metropolitan Museum
Gorman's strongly Mexican figure
man strives to combine matter and
of Art, New York: the U.S. Department
studies differ sharply from the decora-
spirit in his images of the human body.
of Interior, Washington, D. C.; the Mu-
tive line-work of "traditional" Indian
Unlike most Indian painters he is in-
seum of Indian Arts, San Francisco;
painting, but so too does his academic
trigued with nudes and has executed a
the Heard Museum, Phoenix; the Phil-
background. Unlike an older generation
lithographic suite of them.
brook Art Center, Tulsa. His paintings
of trained Indian artists, most of whom
Gorman's use of color is also drawn
have won him major painting awards
received their instruction at the Santa
from traditions outside his native ones
and have been exhibited in private gal-
Fe Indian School Studio (1932-1962),
--his palette is composed of the bright,
leries around the world.
Gorman chose to study in Mexico
shocking hues of a series of semi-ab-
From the Canyon de Chelly hogan
under muralist Carlos Merida.
stract paintings inspired by Navajo
where he lived and tended sheep as a
The impact of Orozco, Rivera, Si-
blankets. With a characteristic mix of
child to the galleries and nightlife of
queiros and Tamayo led him to aban-
humor and seriousness, Gorman has
Aspen and Scottsdale, "American In-
don the conventional Indian represent-
explained the basis for this series of
dian Artists" explores the world R. C.
ation of the human figure and concen-
paintings: "I adapt Navajo rug motifs
Gorman moves through and the work
trate instead upon its mass and shape.
to my canvases because one day the
he creates out of his experience and
His subsequent paintings, principally
rugs themselves will no longer be
imagination.
of Navajo women, radiate an attention
available. Also, polymers are less sus-
"American Indian Artists" series is
ceptible to moths than wool."
narrated by poet Rod McCuen.
MU.WAUKEE JOURNAL
MILWAUKEE, WISC.
U. 350,005 SUN. 543,992
AUG 31 1976
Menominees
George Funk, union vice.
president, said the latest offer
Reject Contract
by Menominee Tribal Enter-
prises, which runs the log-
Special to Y, hans
ging operation and sawmill,
The Journal
fell short of union goals, al-
Neopit, Wis. - Striking
though he felt that the work-
employes of the Menominee
ers should settle.
tribe's logging and sawmill
The union wants a one
operation here voted 64 to 45
year contract, and the compa-
Monday to reject a contract
ny offered a two year pact.
offer that was hammered out
The union also is asking & 40
in five days of negotiations
cent an hour wage increase,
last week.
but the contract offered 30
Negotiations were sched-
cents retroactive to July 1,
uled again Tuesday in the
another 21 cents next July
strike begun July 15 by the
and another 14 cents on Jan.
182 members of Local 4302,
1, 1978. The workers' base
International Woodworkers
pay now is $3.48.
Association.
MILWAUKEE SENTINEL
MILWAUKEE, WISC.
IME UBLIC
D. 180,349
D. 211.902 SWII. 318,839
SEP 2 1976
AUG 25 1976
Ojibwa
Dem backs.
College
Indian land
To Open
Special to The Sentinel
payments
Houghton, Mich. Ojib-
Arizona would receive
wa Community College, on
about 70 per cent more
the Ojibwa Indian Reserva-
from in-lieu payments for
tion near Baraga, will open
its federal lands if Indian
for the first time Tuesday to
Maricopa County now
reservations were in-
about 50 students, authorities
receives $28,000 yearly,
cluded in a bill now be-
said.
but woud receive $964,200
Classes will be in the Trib-
fore Congress, a Demo-
under the bill as proposed
al Center, once known as the
cratic candidate in the 4th
or $1 million yearly with
Congressional District
Capuchin Friary.
the addition of reserva-
said Tuesday.
Indians may attend the
tions, he added
new school free. The college
Tony Mason said he has
The seven counties in
will be sponsored by Michi-
written to Sen. Henry
the 4th District - Apache,
gan Technological University
Jackson, D-Wash., sug-
Gila, Graham, Greenlee,
and supported by the state
gesting that amendment
Maricopa, Navajo a nd
and federal governments.
to the Payment In Lieu of
Pinal - would receive
James Schutte, formerly
Taxes Act that has passed
$6.2 million from in-lieu
with the Baraga school sys-
the House and will begin
payments if reservations
tem, will be educational di-
Senate hearings Friday.
were included, compared
rector of the college.
"The bill goes to one of
with $3.6 million if reser-
Courses offered, which
the basic injustices to the
vations were excluded,
will be approved by Michigan
states that have federal
Mason said.
Tech, may be transferred to
lands," Mason said at a
The money would go
other schools because of
press conference in the
into the county general
Tech's accreditation. One
Hyatt Regency Hotel.
funds as compensation for
course, expected to be popu-
"There is a fundamental
county services provided
lar, will teach students the
inequity in asking local
on the federal land, he
Ojibwa language.
government to provide
added. Those services in-
services to lands it cannot
clude building and main-
tax."
taining roads, police pro-
He noted that almost 75
tection, health services
per cent of the land with-
and education.
in Arizona is federally
The bill was supported
owned and not subject to
in the House by Arisona
local taxes.
Reps. John Rhodes, a
The bill recognizes the
Republican, and Morris
problem and proposes to
Udall, a Democrat, he
compensate for it, but
said. Reps. Sam Steiger
doesn't go for enough,
and John Conlan, both
Mason said.
Arizona Rpublicans failed
to vote on the bill, he
For example, Gila
added.
County, where 96 per cent
of the land is federal, now
Mason said local tax-
receives $73,192 yearly in
payers now are "overtax-
federal funds for those
ed" to compensate for the
lands. It would receive
untaxable federal lands.
$723,650 under the bill as
"The impact on the
proposed, but would get
local taxpayers is both se-
$1 million yearly if reser-
vere and unjust," he said.
vation land were included,
Mason said.
The Bult Make Criture
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC
D. 108,270 SUN. 188,699
PHOENIX, ARIZ
D. 211,362 COM. 318,500
AUG 18 1976
SEP 1 1976
School Fund
Navajos study suit
The U.S. Bureau of
Indian Affairs has
awarded the Navajo
tribe $7 million for educa-
to void bond vote
tional programs in Utah,
New Mexico and Arizo-
na, announced Sen. Jake
Garn, R-Utah.
By BILL DONOVAN
The money will be used
for administration and
WINDOW ROCK Navajo voters in the northern
management of Johnson-
part of Apache County are considering filing suit to
O'Malley programs for
void Tuesday's bond election, if county voters approve
Navajo education.
it, because they say county officials did not publicize
the election in Navajo.
Several members of ACTIVE, the Apache County
TeamInitiating Voter Equality, said county officials
made no attempt to inform Navajos about the proposed
$4.5 million bond election.
Several groups in the northern part of the county are
against approval of the bonds since all the money will
The Phoenix Gazette
be used to improve high schools in the St. Johns area
PHOENIX, ARIZ.
and none will be used on the reservation portion of the
D. 121,306
county.
Results of the election were not available late
Tuesday.
AUG 26 1976
Apache County Attorney J. Kendall Hanson, said
Monday that since there is no written Navajo language
that is understood by any sizeable number of Navajos,
he did not think the county was required to publish
legal advertisements in Navajo.
Court Suit
He said the election, however, was advertised in the
legal advertisement section of the Navajo Times in
English and Navajo by a private organization that will
Asks Halt
handle the sale of the bonds if they are approved.
Rosalind Zah, one of the leaders of ACTIVE, said the
county made no attempt to publicize the bond election
In Project
over the radio in the Navajo language. According to
Hanson, the county is not required to use radio
A U.S. District Court
announcements.
suit has been filed by the
Defendants are Interior
Mrs. Zah said ACTIVE attempted to get radio station
Salt River Pima-Maricopa
Secretary
Thomas
KGAK, of Gallup, N.M., to carry the announcement as
Indian Tribe to halt con-
Kleppe, Reclamation
a public service. The station refused to do SO except as
Commissioner Gilbert
struction of a Central
a paid legal advertisement.
Stamm, Bureau of Recla-
Arizona Project siphon
mation Project Manager
Ray Stevens, assistant general manager of KGAK,
project under the Salt
Clifford Pugh and the con-
said the station does not carry any announcements free
River.
struction firm of Peter
that would have to be paid for in newspapers.
Kiewit and Sons Co., a
The action filed yester-
Glendale firm which holds
day claims the U.S. Bu-
the $34.2 million contract
reau of Reclamation has
to build the siphons.
failed to complete a re-
The suit asks construc-
quired environmental im-
tion work on the project
pact study on the Granite
be halted until a study is
Reef aqueduct.
completed.
THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC
PHOENIX, ARIL
D. 211,902 SUN. 318,839
The Phoenix Gavelle
PHOENIX, ARIZ.
D. 121,306
AUG 26 1976
AUG
28
1976
Census
The Oreganian
Of Navajos
PORTLAND, OREGON
D. 245,132 SUN. 407,186
Planned
A census of three chap-
AUG 22 1976
ters of the Navajo Nation,
which occupies parts of
ringing Good
Arizona, N e W Mexico,
Indian aid
Colorado and Utah, will
New group
be conducted by the Bu-
loses fund
reau of the Census, begin-
backs rights
ning Sept. 13.
About four weeks of
of Indians
for school
field work will be required.
6297F
The Wirector Ur-
The chapters, political
A new Indian organiza-
ban Indian Program in
tion, called the Arizona
Portland is looking for
subdivisions of the Navajo
Indian Political Caucus,
business and industry
Nation, are Red Rock,
has been formed with the
leaders who want to give
Lukachukai a n d Tuba
goal of preserving the
urban Indians and other
City. They were selected
rights of Indians on and
disadvantaged persons an
off reservations.
educational helping hand.
because they represent
Sister Francella
varying degrees of diffi-
The group, whose
Griggs, program director,
Urban Indian Program
culty in census taking.
formation was announced
said an educational pro-
workers will begin con-
The census is the first
Wednesday at the Phoenix
gram used to help Indians
tacting business and in-
Press Club, intends
in a research program de-
and others for the past
dustry leaders the last
through political action to
signed to develop ways to
three years was not re-
week in August to enlist
maintain treaty and
improve the count of the
funded by the Office of
their help.
reservation rights and the
Indian Education.
American Indian popula-
rights of citizenship.
"We need help in buy-
tion in the 1980 census of
"The idea behind the
ing school materials and
population and housing.
Floyd Bringing Good,
program was to have it
to help provide transpor-
The census will aid the
chairman of the organiza-
become a community
tation for students. We
tion, said the group has
thing - to be on its own
can't afford to pay sti-
bureau in exploring the
about 30 members but
- after three years," the
pends; the students will
possibility of using special
director said.
seeks support from all In-
have to work and go to
sources such as popula-
dians and tribes in the
The Urban Indian Pro-
school at night. We have
tion registers and tribal
state.
gram has some funds
money available for
rolls to help improve
through the Comprehen-
teaching and tutorial
coverage and of develop-
The caucus will pursue
sive Employment and
help, but we can't hire,
ing updated intercensal
registration of Indian
Training Act that it can
that help until we have
statistics on the American
voters, endorsement of
use to provide basic edu-
the students," Sister
Indian population. Based
political candidates, par-
cation and training op-
Francella said.
on the results of the test,
ticipation on political
portunities.
the bureau will develop
campaigns, financial stip-
Classes arranged
plans to conduct similar
port of candidates and a
"But the funds are lim-
through the Urban Indian
studies on other Indian
forum in which Indians
ited. I think we can only
Program provide basic
reservations.
can learn to becomein-
help about five and we
education and give stu-
volved in the American
had been hoping we
dents a chance to earn
political process, Cod
could help between 100
the equivalent of a high
said.
and 200," the director
school diploma.
said.
THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC
TULSA, OKLA.
PHOENIX, ARIZ.
D. 117,736 SUN. 193,984
D. 211,962 SUN 313,659
SEP
3
1976
AUG 28 1976
Tribal Officer
Promises Fight
To Keep Post
Bruce Townsend. chairman of the
Delaware Indian's business committee,
Townsend Crow, Townsend's sister and
bal charges against Townsend: Mary
said he will seek a court injunction to
secretary to the business committee;
block a Sept. 11 tribal general council
and Henry Secondine, business manager
and removal hearing aimed at him.
hearing. of the tribe, are to be discussed at the
Townsend said he also would seek a
congressional investigation of the Bu-
Townsend said the charges are false
reau of Indian Affairs involvement in
and represent a "power grab" by a
Delaware tribal activities.
minority of the business committee.
The BIA scheduled the removal hear-
He said Indian Commissioner Morris
ing to coincide with the general coun-
Thompson and Jack Ellison, BIA
cil. which Townsend has opposed. Tri-
director in the Muskogee area, have
joined forces with the minority.
Ehrlichman, who lives in Santa Fe, was asked for
help a year ago by local school officials, Wyant said.
This was after Ehrlichman had asked federal courts to
allow him to work as an atterney for a New Mexico
Indian tribe instead of being sentenced to prison for his
involvement in Watergate.
Since then, Ehrlichman has provided school officials
and others supervising the campaign with several
suggestions on how to obtain the $20 million needed for
the schools.
Residents of the Pinon area have been trying to get
a new school since 1959 without success, Wyant said.
He said the BIA became involved in the school
John Ehrlichman
funding because of Ehrlichman's efforts.
"I was told just yesterday in a phone conversation
Ehrlichman helping
with (Indian Commissioner Morris) Thompson that we
will have new schools by 1979," Wyant said.
Navajos raise funds
The Pinon school was built in 1933, he said, and is
meant to accommodate 300 students. This year, how-
ever, about 330 students are expected to attend kinder-
garten through third grade.
to build new schools
Wyant said he believes Ehrlichman's actions are an
honest attempt to right a wrong and are not self-
By BILL DONOVAN
serving.
PINON - John Ehrlichman, former aide to Prest-
"Ehrlichman has told me several times that he
dent Nixon and a convicted Watergate conspirator, has
wanted no publicity in connection with his services to
been helping Navajo officials drum up support for new
our school," Wyant said. "In fact, he told me that
school facilities.
having his name connected with the school would prob-
ably hurt it."
Doyle Wyant, principal of the local Bureau of Indian
Affairs school, said Ehrlichman has visited the school
Wyant said Jack Anderson, the syndicated columnist,
several times recently and has agreed to promote
has also visited the school and expressed a desire to
financing for a new school here and for one in Low
help. However, he said, there has been no mention of
Meuntain, a small community to the north.
the school's problems in any of Anderson's columns.
Both towns are in the Navajo Hopi joint - use area.
The feattle Daily Times
D. 247,540 SUN. 306,612
OKLAHOMA CITY TIMES
AUG 23 1976
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA.
D. 98,191
Plan to buy out
Indian rights hit
The federal government would
AUG 28 1976
have to buy out Indian mineral
rights and oil. rights throughout the
country if it decided to buy out Indi-
an fishing rights in this area, says
Girl Dancer
Tacoma Mayor Gordon N. John-
ston.
Johnston, a Democratic candidate
Claims Bias
for United States representative
from the 6th District, termed a
suggestion by a candidate, Mike
Parker, to buy the fishing rights as
In Anadarko
"wild and irresponsible," the Asso-
ciated Press said.
In an interview Saturday with
By Lisa John
The Tacoma News Tribune, John-
CACHE - A nation-
ston also criticized another candi-
ally known Indian
date, Norm Dicks, who said that a
dancer said Friday she
way be found to abandon decisions
believes both sex dis-
on Indian fishing made by United
crimination and indi-
States District Judge George Boldt,
vidual discrimination
which already have been upheld by
kept her from the war
a higher court.
dance competition at
On other matters, Johnston said
the recent American
dancing, said she wrote
he favored limitation of terms of
Indian Exposition in
a protest letter to the
public office.
Anadarko.
Anadarko Daily News
Someone with fresh ideas should
paper after the exposi-
be elected to solve the new prob-
Georgette Palmer,
tion but further protests
lems," he said. "I think eight years
17, of Cache, said she
are being left up to the
as mayor or governor are enough.
hadn't been told she
supportive friends.
There should be a 10-year limitation
could not enter the con-
Official Sorry
on a member of the federal House
test she placed third in
Robert Goombi, pres-
of Representatives and 12 years on
last year.
ident of the American
a senator.
"I was getting ready
"They become residents of Wash-
Indian Exposition who
to pay the $5 entry fee
ington, D.C., and because of the
lives in Norman, Fri-
before the war dance
seniority system, they lose sight of
day expressed regret
and was told it was for
why they're there," he said.
over the incident, but
men only," Miss Pal-
said, "I was not going
mer said.
to go against the board
'I Felt Hurt'
of directors.
"I felt hurt and
"Traditionally, there
shocked," she said.
were no lady war danc-
"We were told that the
ers. If we want to
all-women dance com-
maintain the full cul-
mittee had made a new
ture, there would be no
rule They sai dthey fig-
contest for lady war
ured it should be men
dancers," Goombi said.
only."
"In my opinion, the
The Cache High
majority of lady war
School senior, known
dancers would admit
for her award-winning
this position."
hoop dancing and war
THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC
PHOENIX, ARIZ.
D. 211,962 SUN. 318,839
SEP 3 1976
Skull holes possibly connect Indians
By JULIAN DeVRIES
abnormal holes in their
Republic Medical Editor
skulls.
Two research reports on
Their report, published
the same subject, publish-
in the American Journal
and Europeans
ed 36 years apart in the
of Roentgenology, Radium
same medical magazine
Therapy and Nuclear
They note, however, that
were in black and white
may provide a possible
Medicine, attributed the
residents of the New York
scientific evidence does
anthropological link be-
skull holes to a nutritional
area. In researching other
not fully support a heredi-
tween ancient Arizona In-
deficiency. The digging
sites where the skulls
reports of the same phe-
tary origin.
dians and some modern
were obtained were dated
nomenon, the pair found
The only difference be-
families living in eastern
as ranging from 400 to
similar accounts of the
tween the Indian and non-
United States and Europe.
1673 A.D.
abnormal, skull holes in
Earlier this year, an-
Europeans.
Indian skull holes is that
However, 38 years be-
the Indian skulls also had
thropologists, Dr. Dennis
fore that report was pub-
In his report, co-au-
J. Ryan of Arizona State
lished, Dr. Lowell C.
thored with Travers,
holes around the eye sock-
University and Dr. Mah-
Wormley and Dr. J.
Wormley offers no expla-
ets and tiny, spike-like
moud Y. El-Nijjar, of
Townsend Travers, both
projections of bone at the
Case Western Reserve
of New York, published
nation of the holes, but
sides of the skull.
University in Cleveland,
similar findings in the
cautions doctors who may
and pediatrician Dr.
same journal.
encounter them in pa-
Betsy Lozoff, also of Case
tients not to confuse them
OKLAHOMA CITY TIMES
Western Reserve reported
According to Wormley,
with holes drilled in the
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA.
their findings that some
now a Phoenix physician,
skull for brain operations
ancient Arizona and New
the skull holes discovered
or examinations.
D. 98,191
Mexico Indians had
by himself and Travers
The holes described by
the anthropologists are as-
cribed to a form of ane-
AUG 28 1976
mia caused by the
predominantly maize diet
of the ancient Indians.
Indian Aid
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA.
Whether the skull holes
OKLAHOMA JOURNAL
described by Wormley
and Travers also were
Advice Set
DAILY 62,000
caused by nutritional defi-
ciencies is not known.
American Indian stu-
AUG 26 1976
dents attending the
University of Oklaho-
'Bout Time
ma on Bureau of Indian
Affairs scholarships
The choice of Oklahoma by a
should contact Jack
British Television crew to film
Miles, coordinator of
American Indians is long over-
Indian Student Serv-
due recognition of our state
ices, if they encounter
and its Indian citizens by the
problems relating to
news media They shot film
those funds.
at Anadarko, Colony and Ard-
Miles said some stu-
more to show Indian life and
dents may not receive
activities
their scholarship mcn-
This showing will help
ies by the time classes
spread the truth about
begin, and he can help
Oklahoma and its Indians
them work out the res-
and help eliminate some of the
ulting problems.
misconceptions which are all
The office in 213 Hes-
too common.
ter Hall, can be
(Ardmore Ardmorite)
reached by calling
325-2671.
The Phoenix Gazette
PHOENIX, ARIZ.
D. 121,306
AUG 26 1976
Both Protests
Involve Same
Indian Groups
By RICK LANNING
council members were visibly upset.
WINDOW ROCK - An aide to Navajo
#He identified Wilford Tsosie, coordina-
Tribal Chairman Peter MacDonald said
tor of the Navajo Coalition, and Chili
today that some militant Indians who
Yazzie, a Coalition chapter official from
have been protesting the tribe's accept-
Shiprock, as leaders of the demonstra-
ance of a eoal contract are the same
tors.
people who forced Fairchild to close
"They are strongly opposed to mineral
down its semiconductor plant at Ship-
development on the reservation and
rock last year.
some are political enemies of Chairman
Aide Daniel Peaches said the demon-
MacDonald," Peaches stated.
strators - 18 of whom were arrested
MacDonald and Sen. Barry Goldwater,
last night to unlawful assembly
R-Ariz., last year engoted in a verbal
included members of the American In-
battle over who should be held responsi-
dian Movement (AIM) and the Navajo
ble for the lengthy takeover of the
Coalition group.
Fairchild plant.
At least one person was injured when
Goldwater had expressed concern over
Tribal Police Under Chief Roland Dart
what he termed the "lack of leadership
moved in to arrest the Indians when
of MacDonald" and other tribal leaders
violence erupted during the second day
who permitted AIM members to leave
of a sit-in to protest the council's accept-
the plant with their weapons and a
ance of a contract to allow El Paso
promise of amnesty after a weeklong
Natural Gas Co. to mine coal on tribal
occupation of the plant.
land.
Such was not the case yesterday.
Navajo Patrolman Barbara Bigthumb
Chief Dart on Tuesday said be pre-
was stabbed in the hand with a rusty
pared "necessary legal documents" to
nail and required treatment at a local
evict the demonstrators from the council
hospital, Dart said.
chambers, but they left before the
Peaches said the demonstrators, who
papers could be served.
were still in jail this morning, will be
"About 6 p.m., when council began to
charged with disturbing the peace, de-
recess, the demonstrators ran across the
struction of property, and assault and
battery on a police officer.
street and began throwing rocks and
bottles at passing and parked vehicles,"
The 74-member Tribal Council held a
Dart said.
closed meeting yesterday after 40
When the Indians continued to throw
demonstrators took over the council
chambers Tuesday while members were
objects and began turning their violence
having lunch.
on the police, Dart ordered his men to
begin making arrests. Seventeen adults
Although the sit-in ended voluntarily
a nd one juvenile were taken into
seven hours' later, Peaches said the
custody.
THE MINNEAPOLIS
STAR
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.
D. 253,491
AUG 28 1976
Anger flares over
banishing of AIM Indian
By RANDY FURST
He said he returned to the reservation about two
Minneapolis Star Staff Writer
years ago and began organizing there for AIM.
(Saetre claimed Roy had moved back to the reserva-
A district judge in northern Minnesota has sentenced
tion several months before the incident.)
a state leader of the American Indian Movement
Roy, Daniel Goodwin and several others were shot
(AIM) to up to a year In jail and has banned him and
while on the reservation Nov. 11.
his family from the White Earth Indian Reservation
According to Mahnomen County Atty. Michael
for nine years.
Kraker, Goodwin maintained that he had no gun and
The decision by District Judge Warren Saetre last
contended that Roy shot him without cause.
week in Crookston has created controversy on the res-
Roy claims that he was at his house in Mahnomen,
ervation. Saetre sentenced Jerry Roy, the AIM mem-
which is adjacent to the AIM office, when an AIM sup-
ber, on two counts of aggravated assault for a shoot-
ing incident in November.
porter rushed in shortly after 6 p.m. Nov. 11 and said
he had been ordered at gunpoint to leave the office.
Roy said that he listened in disbelief when the judge
Roy claims he went outside and saw about nine
told him that part of his probation was that he and his
armed Indians carrying office furniture out of the AIM
family move off the reservation for nine years.
office and throwing it on the ground. He said they
Saetre, contacted by telephon at his summer home
were also carting out AIM files and throwing them on-
to a bonfire.
in Manitoba, Canada, defended his decision yesterday.
"I know you're not supposed to banish people,"
Roy said he went outside with a gun to stop the
Saetre said, "but I thought it would restore peace in
men, and one of the men allegedly told another Indian
the area. I shouldn't make these comments. I wish you
to "kill the son of a bitch." Roy said the man raised
wouldn't publish this."
his gun to fire when Roy shot Goodwin in the elbow
Saetre said yesterday that he originally had ordered
"in self-defense"
Roy to begin serving his sentence at the Northeast
Regional Correction Center in Saginaw, Minn.,
Roy said he was then shot in both shoulders, the
Monday.
face and just above the heart.
But he said he has stayed execution of the sentence
Kraker sald the state's witnesses testifed that they
until a Sept. 8 hearing at the request of Roy's attor-
came to the AIM building to hold a meeting and be-
cause there was insufficient room, they moved filing
cabinets and furniture outside so there would be
ney, Douglas Hall of Minneapolis, who has appealed
the sentence.
enough room inside for the meeting.
Kraker said the state's witnesses said that they were
Jerry Buckanaga, a member of the reservation's
tribal council and secretary of the reservation, angrily
only burning garbage outside.
denounced the judge's decision yesterday, saying it
VERNON BELLECOURT, a national field secretary
makes "the whole idea of self-determination for
of AIM, who also lives adjacent to the house, testified
Indians a charade."
that he examined the burned remains the next day. He
Buckanaga said he was surprised when he heard of
said` in a telephone interview that they included
Saetre's decision. "I just didn't think judges went
burned files of the Wounded Knee Legal
around doing this any more," he said.
Defense/Offense Committee as well as lists of AIM
supporters and financial records.
Roy, a long-time AIM activist, was born on the
Bellecourt said there had been friction between him
White Earth Indian Reservation and lived there for
and other AIM members and the group who he says
several years before his family moved to Minneapolis.
"raided" the office. He said that the alleged raid was
"an attempt to destroy" the Indian movement.
Cont'd
LOS ANGELES, CAL,
"It has all the earmarks of an FBI provocation," Bel-
MONTBELLO COMET
lecourt said, "with the pitting of Indian people against
W 10 005
Indian people."
Told of Bellecourt's accusation, Kraker said yester-
day, "I think it's too ridiculous to comment upon."
AUG 1 9 1976
Roy's wife, Patricia Joy, testified that she saw six of
the nine men who were allegedly raiding the office
carrying guns. But the state's witnesses testified oth-
erwise.
FTwo new
An all-white jury found Roy innocent of two counts
of attempted murder but found him guilty on two less-
positions
er charges of aggravated assault.
ROY CLAIMS the grand jury that indicted him was
established
also all-white. Kraker said he isn't sure whether there
were Indians on the grand jury, but he said one of the
Board of Education has
members was HawaHan.
authorized the establishment
Kraker said that before the sentencing he urged
of two new positions, that of
Saetre to give Roy 10 years in prison. Hall,
community aide (American
Roy's attorney, argued for probation, Kraker said, and
Indian Project) and that of
the judge decided to compromise by ordering Roy and
supervising classified clerk.
his family banned from the reservation for the proba-
Both positions are to be
tion period.
filled this school year.
The community aide is to
Kraker said yesterday he had "no objections" to the
provide liaison between the
banishment.
school and the home for the
"There are precedents for a judge to use some type
improvement of the learning
of method to keep in the situation participants apart,"
experience of the American
Kraker said.
Indian student, as well as
Saetre said yesterday that he would consider Hall's
provide assistance on school
arguments at the Sept. 8 hearing. But he added that
related problems. In addi-
he believes he was right in ordering the banishment.
tion, the aide is to contact
American Indian parents at
Bellecourt looks at it differently. "What they've
their home, obtain informa-
done," he contended, "is deny this man his birthright
tion which will help teach-
for 10 years."
ers and the school serve the
student better, and provide
information to the parents
about the school. (MUSD re-
cently received funding for a
$22,000 Indian Project de-
signed to provide American
Indians an opportunity to
learn about their culture.)
The supervising clerk po-
sition is, designed to provide
supervision for clerical em-
ployees. The clerkis to plan,
direct and control classified
personnel transactions, in-
cluding the development and
CHICAGO
administration of Eligible
D. 416.314 SUN. 474,203
Lists, hiring of employees,
miscellaneous changes of
status and separation ofem-
ployees.
SEP 2 1976
Additional details n these
positions are available by
contacting the Montebello
Unified School District
Classified Personnel Office,
Russell Means, a leader of the/American
726-1225.
Indian Movement, will begin serving a 30-day
jail term Tuesday after pleading guilty to a
misdemeanor assault charge. He was sen-
tenced Wednesday in Kennebec, S.D., on the
charge stemming from a Feb. 6. 1973, court-
house riot at Custer, S.D. He also was or-
dered him to pay a $100 fine and court costs.
The Brattle Daily The
D. 247,540 SUN. 306,617
AUG
2
6
1976
Boldt calls for agreement
to allow Indians chance to catch
more salmon
By MARSHALL WILSON
chance of Canada making up the
Times Staff Reporter
difference.
TACOMA Attorneys for the
Moos said the big United States
state and federal governments and
lead was due, in part, to late re-
treaty Indian tribes yesterday were
ports from some Indian tribes, par-
ticularly the Lummi, on fish taken.
given until September 3 to work out
Judge Boldt said the question of
an "equitable adjustment" that will
special fishing advantages for the
allow Indians an opportunity to
Indians in the Strait of Juan de
catch more salmon the rest of this
Fuca is now moot, since the fish al-
year.
ready have passed that point this
United States District Judge
year.
George H. Boldt, noting that treaty
Pointing to his efforts to increase
Indian fishermen caught only 6.7
the Indian catch, in compliance
per cent of the Fraser River sock-
with Judge Boldt's 1974 Indian fish-
eye salmon run this year. said the
ing-rights decision, Moos said Indi-
Indians must be given a chance to
ans caught only 1 per cent of the
catch a higher share of other salm-
sockeye in 1974, 3.2 per cent in 1975
or species in Puget Sound.
and 6.7 per cent already this year,
The order came at the end of a
with some catch tickets still to
Al Ziontz, an attorney for the
lengthy hearing on whether Indians
come in.
Lummi and Makah tribes, on whose
should continue to be allowed an ex-
James Johnson, attorney for the
behalf the court action was taken
tra day of fishing each week for the
state, said Indians have been given
yesterday, suggested that an "eq-
remainder of the sockeye season in
extra fishing time this year but
uitable adjustment" might consist
maritime
many of the tribes are not using all
of closing chinook and coho fishing
the extra time allotted.
to all non-Indians.
"THEY PROBABLY chose to fish
Whatever adjustment the attor-
GLEN CARTER, editor
in other areas, for other species,"
neys for Indian and non-Indian fish-
Johnson said.
ermen might work out apparently
will be effective in following years.
the Strait of Juan de Fuca
Charles Peterson, fisheries direc-
ALL FISHING by American fish-
tor for the Makah tribe and a com-
ermen in the strait has been or-
mercial fisherman for 40 years,
dered halted by the International
asked yesterday that the court al-
Pacific Salmon Fisheries Commis-
low his tribe to catch 1,000 sockeye
sion.
for use in the Makah Days celebra-
Donald Moos, a member of that
tion scheduled tomorrow through
commission as well as state fisher-
Sunday.
ies director. said the United States
He also asked to be allowed to
is far ahead of Canada in the total
catch 1,000 more sockeye for a
number of sockeye caught thus far
subsistence program, feeding ap-
this year.
proximately 60 senior citizens each
Moos said the United States has
day at no cost in a tribal restaurant.
taken 1,270,000 sockeye from the
Judge Boldt said that although he
strait, compared to 1,127,000 by
was sympathetic to the request he
Canadian fishermen, with little
could offer no relief since he
thought it "went beyond my author-
ity.'
The Salt Take Tribure
SALT LAKE IIV, UTAH
D. 108,270 SUN. 188 694
O!!! 22 197's
Students Begin
Arriving at
Indian School
TULSA, OKLA.
D. 117.736 SUN, 193,984
Special to The Tribune
BRIGHAM CITY The first contingent of
Indian students has arrived here at the Inter-
mountain Indian School and enrollment is ex-
AUG 26 1976
pected to exceed 800 during the upcoming school
year.
David Burch, Intermountain Indian School
superintendent, said classes will begin Monday.
Indian Land Title Fuss
He said students will be arriving over the
weekend by airplane, bus and private carrier.
Preparations
Prompts Suit for $150,000
They will be assigned dormitory numbers, given
physical and dental examinations and have their
A Tulsa law firm was sued for
THE LAND WAS SOLD TWO ADDI-
previous academic records checked by the staff.
$150,000 in U.S. District Court Wednes-
tional times before Broken Arrow Mall
Mr. Burch said students will be coming from as
day over an allegedly incomplete title
Corp. acquired title and began to de-
far as Florida, Alaska and North Carolina, but the
search of land being developed by Bro-
velop the area. An apartment complex
greatest enrollment will come from the West.
ken Arrow Mall Inc.
and other businesses were built upon
The superintendent explained the evaluation
Lawyers Title Insurance Corp., Rich-
the land.
made by Phoenix area office specialists during the
mond. Va., claims the law firm failed
Mrs. Armstrong filed suit in federal
previous year pointed out the need for more
to detect an alleged flaw in the land
court here Feb. 22, 1974, claiming the
reading and math classes.
title when the land was sold by sur-
deed was void because her sale of the
Math, Reading
vivors of a restricted Creek Indian.
property was not approved in state
court, as required by federal law. That
He said this year's curriculum requires all
Named as defendants were the law
case is still pending.
students to enroll in the two classes.
firm of Rhodes. Heironymus, Holloway,
As that case developed a federal
He said certifications received from area offices
& Wilson and co-partners Bert M.
court receiver was named to take over
indicate the high school students will range in age
Jones. John H. Tucker, Joseph B. Rob-
the property and impound income until
from 14 to 20 years.
erts. George W. Gable. E. D. Heiron-
ownership was settled. The Broken
Post high school students will concentrate on
ymus and Chris L. Rhodes 3rd.
Arrow developers claimed its income
vocational programs. They will be housed sepa-
Broken Arrow Mall Inc. made a
stopped and was unable to pay on the
rately from the high school students. Range is 18
$1,150.000 loan and mortgaged the land.
loan.
to 23 years for the post high school students.
Lawyers Title agreed to take up the
THE INSURANCE COMPANY
$9,700 monthly payments and now
claims it hired the law firm to examine
claims it has paid more than $106,700.
the abstracts. The law firm reported no
The new suit seeks $150,000 damages
defect in title Feb. 22, 1972; according
caused as a result of the allegedly inac-
to the complaint, and title insurance
curate title search by the Tulsa law
was issued.
firm.
The land involved is part of 120 acres
allotted to Billy Atkins, enrolled fullb-
lood Creek Indian who died in 1929. A
daughter, Nellie Atkins Armstrong, ac-
quired the interests of a brother and
sister, and sold the land in 1965 to H.
Harold Becko.
The insurance firm contends Becko
failed to have the sale approved in
county court, as provided for by a 1947
federal law covering the sale of res-
tricted Indian land.
Seattle
Post-Intelligences
D. 206,733 SUN. 259,237
AUG 26 1976
Boldt to Order Indian Fishing for
More Species
By JACK WILKINS
tribal cerenonies and those caught on reserva-
P-I Southside Bureau
tions.
TACOMA - U: S. District Court Judge George
Thus. the effect of compensating Indians for
Boldt said yesterday that since treaty Indians had
the small percentage they caught of the huge
caught only 6.7 per cent of the American share of
Fraser sockeye run would be to allow them more
sockeye salmon bound for the Fraser River in
than 50 per cent of the allowable catch of other
British Columbia, he will order that the Indians
salmon species.
be given compensatory seasons in Puget Sound on
During the hearing, Fisheries Director Don
other species of salmon.
Moos testified that in projecting regulations on
"You will be ordered to make an equitable
other species for Indians and non-Indians. his
adjustment," the judge told James Johnson, as-
department had considered the sockeye catch "a
sistant state attorney general for the Fisheries
different set of books."
Department.
Al Ziontz, attorney for the Lummi and Makah
At the conclusion of a five-hour hearing. Boldt
tribes, said an equitable adjustment would be to
ordered attorneys for the department and the
close all non-Indian fishing for Chinooks and Co-
tribes to attempt to work out agreement on com-
hos.
mercial regulations for other species prior to a
The judge ruled that the question of whether
September 3 hearing on the matter in his court.
Indians should continue to have special privileges
Under Boldt's order of 1974, treaty tribes must
on the sockeye run this year is moot, because
be allowed the chance to catch 50 per cent of the
most of those fish have now passed through
salmon and steelhead at ancestral fishing
American waters.
grounds, plus those used for personal food and
Grattle
D. 205,733 SUN. 259,234
AUG 27 1976
Fishermen Wafer Cheer Boldt Critics
BY JOHN O'RYAN
Marine Fisheries Com-
"Right now we've got
mission to obtain
one damned cent to see
An overflow crowd of
27 Indian tribes. federal
suggestions from Puget
more than 400 indignant
agencies and two state
that my rights are pro-
Sound fishermen that
tected.
sports and commercial
departments regulating
might help Congress for-
fishermen last night
the catch of fish,'
Judge Boldt's decision
mulate a national policy
loudly cheered a parade
shouted one speaker.
gives Indians the right
for U.S. fisheries.
"It's not possible to pre-
to take 50 per cent of
of speakers who de-
Virtually all the
the harvestable salmon.
manded that Congress
serve our fisheries in
speakers at the Seattle
The cheers turned to
this manner."
overturn Judge George
Center meeting also de-
lusty boos when a repre-
Boldt's decision on Indi-
Another speaker shout-
manded that complete
sentative of the "Free-
an fishing rights.
ed: "Congress has ap-
control of Puget Sound
dom Socialist Party" got
The meeting was
propriated $2 million to
fisheries be given to the
up to read a prepared
called by the Pacific
see that Indian fishing
State of Washington.
statement.
rights are protected, but
"We support the
they didn't appropriate
Judge Boldt decision,
Contil
and wish that there
would be more decisions
erything that comes
on the Columbia River
along," he said.
called to consider only
like it," the speaker
and act to prevent "en-
said.
vironmental degrada-
sports fishing and con-
A representative of
Frank Haw of the
charter boat operators
tion" brought on by log-
sumer problems in
State Department of Fish-
asked that Congress ap-
ging and other activi-
connection with the fish-
eries, who served as
ties.
eries, but commercial
propriate funds to help
chairman of the meet-
fishermen turned out in
salmon get over dams
ing, had to pound his
The meeting was
numbers.
gavel for order repeat-
edly to permit the
speaker to finish reading
the statement.
Sportsmen bitterly de-
nounced Indian netting
of steelhead in spawning
rivers. According to fig-
ures presented by the
sportsmen, the Indian
catch of steelhead
AUG 22 1976
ranges from 76 per cent
Indians
"About 25 per cent of
of the fish caught in the
people living on the res-
back into the operation
Fuyallup River to 99 per
ervation are unemployed
of the plant," said Nor-
cent of the steelhead
and 36 per cent under-
thover. "The industry
caught in the Nisqually
Build
employed," said Nor-
really hasn't paid off
River.
thover.
yet; it is still in the
"Indians should not be
The industry employes
red," he a d more
allowed to net off the
fewer than 100 persons,
than $500,000 was invest-
reservations," one
Boats-
said Northover, but
ed in the industry by the
sportsman said. "If they
within another year the
tribe which hopes for
want to catch fish off
Indians hope to double
gross sales of at least
the reservations, they
current production.
$200,000 within the next
should be governed by
And Jobs
"This new industry
few years, he said.
the same regulations as
tends to establish within
"We are now looking
everyone else."
the tribe a sense of
into other areas, such as
It was also suggested
W4297F
irrigation systems, high-
that Indian fishing off
way barriers and flood
By DEBRA SMITH
reservations be limited
pride and self respect,"
control systems," said
to "subsistence only."
The Yakima Indian
Northover said. "About
Northover.
"The Judge Boldt de-
tribe has turned to boat
two or three years ago,
cision has brought a dis-
building to provide more
the Bureau of Indian Af-
aster to our fisheries,"
jobs for its tribal mem-
fairs was calling all the
a speaker declared.
bers, according to Wil-
shots, telling the Indians
A Kent steelhead fish-
liam Northover, chair-
what to do, now it's the
ermen said he had cus-
man of the tribe's Eco-
Indians deciding for
tomarily caught 10 to 20
nomic Development
themselves."
steelhead per year sport
Committee.
Northover said that
fishing in the Green Riv-
The Indians are pro-
the economic committee
er. Since the Boldt deci-
ducing fiberglas boats of
is now negotiating a
sion opened the river to
various sizes, ranging
contract that would al-
Indian nets, he had
from lightweight car-top
low the plant to estab-
caught two fish in three
versions of nine to 20
lishan assembly line.
years.
feet in length. They are
"Right now the plant is
"The Indians put
designed in the factory
producing one boat a
those nets right across
by a designer employed
week," he said. The
the river and catch ev-
by the tribe.
The boats are virtual-
plant is presently in the
ly unsinkable said Nor-
position of being able to
thover; they can be filled
sell all the boats it can
with water and remain
produce, said Forrest
afloat. Many of the
Collins, general manag-
models are self-righting.
er.
The crafts are being
"The boats are among
built in a 40,000 sq.-ft.
the very select group,
plant. Tribal owned
he added, "which regu-
and operated, the plant
latory agencies have
is located inside a
proclaimed seaworthy
tribe-owned industrial
enough to be used at
park on the northern
one of America's most
outskirts of Wapato near
demanding testing runs
the Yakima River.
-the Hell's Canyon Rap-
Tribal leaders decided
ids of the Snake River."
to venture into industrial
"All of the money we
production of this kind
make off sales goes
after reassessing the
economic conditions of
the tribal members,
many of whom receive
public assistance.
BOSTON. MASS
HERALD AMERICAN
D. 370,000
SEP 4 1976
Indians' land suit jeopardizing $175M
in Mashpee property
given exemption from the suit by the Indians.
By ToM SULLIVAN
PAGE
The action allowed the construction of the
MASHPEE - An estimated $175 million
school to proceed.
in lush property is in jeopardy as
The next step, Miss Alberico said, Is to
the result or a suit filed by the Wampan-
take up the matter of signing the contracts
oag Indian Tribe claiming the town is illegal-
by next Wedneslay's deadline or risk suit by
A situated on their tribal grounds.
the contractor.
The Indians, represented by the Native
According to the 1976 town of Mashpee
American Rights Fund, filed suit in U.S.
real estate valuation list, the land in question
District Court, Boston, seeking title to 16,000
is valued at more than $100 million and the
acres of land, including part of the town of
buildings an additional $75 million. There
Sandwich.
was no estimate on the value of businesses.
Cape Cod banks, because of the suit, have
It involves the plush New
notified real estate operators they will not
Seabury resort area which
includes private homes and
handle new mortgages until all legal matters
condominiums, two execu-
are settled.
tive golf courses, a tennis
Construction of new homes has stopped in
club, a marina and acres of
some areas.
Federal funds for the town are being with-
prime land on Nantucket
at John's Pond and the
held jeopardizing construction of a new po-
Sound.
sprawling Popponesset Inn,
lice and fire station and a public works
Also, a partially construc-
a resort complex on Name
assistance project at South Cape Beach.
ted new golf course in an-
tucket Sound.
The suit had, until recently, threatened
other section of Mashpee;
to hold up construction of a $4 million school.
the Lake Wakeby-Mashpee
The main thoroughfare be
The town, only last Tuesday, was granted
Development area; the fresh
tween Falmouth and Hyan
a 50 percent reimbursement by the state
water development project
nis, Rte. 28, winds through
to go ahead with construction of the middle
the contested property.
school.
The register of deeds
Barnstable County has or
One real estate man said lack of mort-
dered a notice of the suit
gage money killed at least one major deal
attached to deeds of all prop
involving several pieces of property worth
erty changing hands.
several thousands of dollars.
Barry A. Margolin of the
Judy Alberico, vice chairman of the school
Native American Right
board's building committee, said the school
Fund, represents some 500
project was salvaged at an emergency meet-
Wampanoags living in the
ing of the building committee with the Wam-
town and 1000 located else-
panoag Tribal Council.
where on the Cape.
Russell Peters, Tribal Council lealer, told
The suit claims the indians
had possession of the land
her the group had agreed to remove the
in 1790 when the Federal
liens from the school parcels-the only land
Indian Non-Intercourse Acts
was passed barring states
for confiscating indian tribak
lands without federal
proval.
Descret News
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
P 34.855
AUG 18 1976
3 to 2.decision
Utes subject
to U.S. laws,
court rules
snowcapped mountains to the north and south of the
The Utah Supreme Court, in a 3 to 2 decision, has
Duchesne drainage basin."
upheld a Fourth District Court decision which in
effect rules that an enrolled member of the Ute
He wrote, "To declare the law to be claimed by
Indian Tribe is subject to the law of the land and not
the appelant would be to abandon all forms of due
immune from accountability.
process and permit an enrolled Indian to commit
crimes or torts at will and be immune from any
Justice A. H. Ellett wrote the majority opinion
accountability to the law of the land.'
upholding the decision of Fourth District Court Judge
Allen B. Sorensen, who awarded $28,000 in damages
Justices J. Allan Crockett and F. Henri Henriod
to Myron Brough, a non-Indian. from Ramon R.
concurred in the decision.
Appawora, an enrolled member of the Ute Indian
Justices R. L. Tuckett and Richard Maughan
Tribe.
dissented.
Stephen G. Boyden, attorney for Appawora and
In the dissenting opinion. Tuckett said the Ute
the Ute Tribe, said today since it was a split decision
Indian tribe had not accepted state jurisdiction by a
the first step will be to petition the Utah high court for
majority vote of the adult indians living on the
a rehearing.
reservation.
He said if the outcome of that is unfavorable, the
He said the Indian reservation was established
tribe will pursue the matter to the Supreme Court of
by Congress and only Congress could terminate the
the United States. "We have no alternative," he said.
reservation or change its status.
"We think they're wrong."
He said the definition of Indian Reservation" as
The case involved an auto accident on Nov. 13,
defined by Utah law indicates that the rights of way
1974, on a county road about two miles south of Fort
running through the reservation are part of the
Duchesne in Uintah County, in which Brough, a
reservation.
pedestrian, was injured. A vehicle driven by
Appawora struck another vehicle, triggering a chain
In the majority opinion, Ellett wrote, "The Ute
nation no longer exists and descendants of the
reaction accident.
inhabitants of that nation are now citizens of the
Appawora asked the Supreme Court to dismiss
United States."
the action on the basis that the district court did not
have jurisdiction over members of the tribe.
Ellett wrote that Appawora claims the reserva-
tion on which he lives "encompasses all the land
within the drainage of the Duchesne River from the
snowcapped mountains on the north to the snowcap-
ped mountains on the south."
The justice said that because of a $31.9 million
settlement between the Ute Indians and the United
States government about 25 years ago, the Indians
lost all rights which they or their ancestors ever had
to the land not theretofore allocated to them. Ellett
said the settlement involved payment for lands on
which the traffic accident occurred.
Citing former precedents in case law, Ellett said,
"No longer can an Indian migrant carry about him a
protecting mantle which makes him immune to the
law of the land so long as he does not stray beyond the
The increased turbidity means
that more silt particles get
through the micron screen that
filters the water. These particles
serve as a "hiding place" for bac-
teria that would normally be
killed when chlorine is added to
the water, according to state en-
vironmental engineers.
Tests show that turbidity is some-
AUG 30 1976
times two or three times above
the acceptable level but, so far,
the bacterial count has never
Indian water system
reached a danger level.
lacks filtering plant
Should that happen, the town of
Eagle Buttte would have to reacti-
vate the wells that formerly sup-
plied water for its 1,900 residents
By Jim Parsons
HUD and the Economic Develop-
and the hospital, school and other
Staff Writer
ment Administration (EDA) put
public facilities. Eagle Butte, the
up most of the money for the
largest town on the reservation,
Eagle Butte, S.D.
project, which is called the Fox
has its own city council and is
The Indians on the Cheyenne Riv-
Ridge water system.
independent of the tribe.
er Reservation have a new $3
million water system that, for
HUD was asked by the tribe and
Except for about 20 ranchers who
three or four months out of the
have tapped into the pipeline, Ea-
year, churns out water that offi-
South Dakota Sen. James Abour-
gle Butte is the only customer
cials say is potentially unsafe for
ezk to allocate some of its emer-
buying water from Fox Ridge,
people to drink.
gency funds to help pay for a
which has a $352,000 loan to pay
filtration plant. The department
off.
Virtually everyone originally in-
said no. A HUD official in Wash-
volved in the project - the tribal
ington replied that on a scale of 0
The pipeline is the first phase of a
leaders, the design englneer who
to 20 the water problem only
water system that will provide
monitored construction and the
rated a 10 as a "threat to health
drinking water to all the outlying
state and federal officials who
and safety."
communities on the reservation if
reviewed the project - knew
about $15 million is appropriated
about the potential health prob-
The official also said, "The pro-
to put in 200 more miles of pipe.
lem.
ject
is complete although it
does not provide water that can
At present, most of those commu-
Various experts and agencies said
meet the standards promulgated
nities get their water from cist-
the water should be treated be-
by the U.S. Environmental Protec-
erns that have to be filled by tank
fore people began drinking it. But
tion Agency."
trucks. Ms. Rilling said some fam-
no one insisted that a treatment
ilies probably use unsafe water
plant, which probably would have
HUD did say the tribe should
from livestock dams or streams
cost an additional $500,000 or so,
reapply for funds during the 1977
that are polluted.
be added to the project, which
fiscal year.
began operating a year ago.
Tribal leaders said they didn't
Abourezk was irritated that the
"I guess everyone wanted the
know they had a problem until
water so badly that they didn't
federal agencies could not come
the system was ready to operate.
care," said Joyzelle Rilling, the
up with the money - estimated
They hadn't been involved in the
at $600,000 to $1.2 million, de-
tribe's economic development di-
planning or construction, which
rector. "It doesn't taste bad or
pending on the type of plant built.
began in 1973.
look too bad so who's going to
"This appears to be the classic
worry about there being too many
Julian Staven, the engineer who
position taken within the (govern-
bugs (bacteria) in it?"
designed the system and later was
ment) bureaucracy," Abourzk said
hired to run it, said last week
The South Dakota Department of
last week. "They all point the
that he still doesn't believe a fil-
Environmental Protection is wor-
finger of glame somewhere else
tration system is needed, even
ried. So is the Indian Health Serv-
and you know who gets caught in
though water-quality experts who
the middle-the people."
ice.
reviewed the plans disagreed
strongly on that point from the
For the moment, Eagle Butte resi-
The federal government's depart-
beginning. Staven retired last
dents who are drinking the water
ment of Housing and Urban De-
year.
velopment (HUD) is sympathetic
aren't in any danger, the experts
maintain.
but not concerned enough to come
In May 1975 the state wrote that
up with a sizable chunk of money
unless filtration was provided the
The water-quality difficulties be-
to help remedy the situation.
system would have to be "discon-
gin during the spring, when the
tinued" or shut down during tur-
heavy runoff increases the turbid-
bid periods.
ity in the water, which is piped
23 miles from the Oahe Reservoir.
But Donald Bogue, head of the
state water hygiene division, said
last week that he wouldn't try to
Cont'd
N.D.
CHICAGO, ILL.
Eagle Bu
S. Dakota
ROGERS PARK-
EDGEWATER NEWS
Cheyenne
Pierre
9,729
River Res.
Missouri R.
AUG 25 1976
Neb.
shut down the system even if he
had the legal authority, which is
questionable. The warning was
NAC: Education
simply a statement of what
should be done, he said.
Ms. Rilling complained that nu-
merous agencies made that point
but that no one followed through
key to Indian
to make sure that the system
would, in fact, produce clean
water. That includes HUD, EDA
and the Indian Health Service,
which is part of the Bureau of
success
Indian Affairs.
By BOBBIE BARNIER
"It is a case of no one being at
Correspondent
fault and, yet, everyone being at
UNEMPLOYMENT, POOR EDUCATIONAL op-
fault. And that," she added, "in-
cludes us (the tribe)."
portunities and a lack of health facilities are problems
that plague Uptown residents, but the Native Ameri-
can Committee, Inc. (NAC) is trying to provide solu-
tions.
NAC started in Chicago in 1969 as an action group
to support other Indian organizations in demands for
better heusing and to stop discrimination against Indi-
ans. From that point, NAC, with its main office at 4546
N. Hermitage, has expanded into a group of 200 mem-
bers offering community services.
According to NAC director, Matthew Pilcher, the
major emphasis is education. NAC has established
opportunities for Indian children and adults, and is the
only community group in Uptown offering this heip,
according to Pilcher.
The Alternative Education Center was established
three years ago for children, age five to eight, who
cannot or will not relate to the public school system.
"There are a variety of reasons why these children at-
tend our school," Pilcher said. "They may have emo-
tional problems or language or cultural barriers."
THE CENTER NOW has an enrollment of 16 stu-
dents and has-expanded the age to 13. Pilcher said the
attendance rate of the students is extremely high and
cites individual attention as the main reason. "Some of
the children have perfect attendance and it's because
they receive special attention. It's a different situation
than the public classroom with 35 students to a class
and the teacher has little time for each student,"
Pilcher said.
According to Pilcher, Indian history and culture
are emphasized at the school along with a basic educa-
tion. Pilcher said there are plans to expand the school,
but they are contingent upon additional funding.
The center is not an accredited school, but NAC is
striving to achieve this goal. "All the teachers are In-
dians, but they are not accredited. We advertised for
two months in Chicago for an accredited Indian teach-
er, but we couldn't find one," said Pilcher. The center
has just hired an accredited teacher who is not of Indi-
an descent.
Cont'd
While NAC offers alternative educational oppor-
tunities for the young, it also offers General Education
Development (GED) courses for Indian adults. The
GED courses are for those who did not finish school
and who want the equivalent of a high school diploma.
The NAC GED Adult Education Program has
graduated eight students in the past two years, and the
director of the GED program, Mike Limas, expects
MILWAUKEE SENTINEL
three more in the next two months.
There are 14 adults in the class, the majority fem-
MILWAUKEE, WISO.
ale, Limas said. Marnie Corbin, a member of the staff,
D. 180,349
said, "Most of the women are going back for their
kids, to show them that education is the only way out
and to find a better job."
AUG 31 1976
ALMOST HALF of the students are planning on
going on to college, Limas said. The GED program has
a career counselor, and students are beginning to real-
ize there are a large number of opportunities for them,
Limas said.
In addition to the education programs, NAC has
social services for youth and senior citizens, a media
department, a resale shop and an arts and crafts shop.
While the 33-member staff is busy with these activ-
ities, NAC has plans to expand present programs.
The first goal NAC is working toward is finding a
large enough building to encompass all of its groups.
Right now, NAC is housed in five different locations
and they are looking for one building. "We are looking
for a location in the vicinity of Broadway, because our
offices are not in the center of the Indian neighbor-
hood," Pilcher said.
NAC is also looking into the possibilities of estab-
lishing a senior citizens center for Indians. Pilcher
would like to see a center set up that could teach the
crafts and languages of the Indians. "Most of the
young generation has grown up in Chicago and has not
had opportunities to learn the crafts or languages on
the reservations their grandparents have," he said.
In the future, NAC would like to set up programs
that would include a health clinic, training programs
for nurses and teachers, and equipment and tools to
teach Indian arts and crafts.
All these projects require money, and Pilcher said
NAC will have to turn to private foundations. "This
year we received $294,000 from the Department of
Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) to run our pro-
grams. However, most of the money is for staffing and
program development, and private foundations could
provide us with the opportunity to do more," he said.
NAC estimates there are approximately 20,000 In-
dians living in Chicago, although the latest census
claims there are approximately 10,000. According to
Pilcher, the main reason Indians come to Chicago is
for jobs, but the lack of educational opportunities may
hamper that pursuit. This is the gap NAC's education
programs are trying to meet, but it will take at least
ten years for these programs to show impact, accord-
ED
ing to Pilcher.
the Indian community Is Lee Thundercloud, shown at
work with staff member Rita Beauprey in the paper's
storefront offices at 1414 N. 27th St.
Cont'd
New newspaper in town
of, for, by Indian people
By KATHI RICHTER
dialog between the Indian
Thundercloud also serves
Thundercloud, wanted to get
For years, the lack of an
community and the organiza-
on the board of the Indian
involved. "No one here has
effective means of communi-
tions whose function it is to
Urban Affairs Council, an
any journalism experience,"
cation has been a major ob-
serve Indians."
umbrella organization for
he admitted. "But they do
stacle in the Indian communi-
In the storefront office at
seven Indian groups in the
everything from reporting to
ty here.
1414 N. 27th St. that serves
Milwaukee area. It was at an
editing, to typing and mail-
as headquarters for the as yet
IUAC board meeting last
Ing.
"The general Indian popu-
untitled newspaper, Thunder-
spring that the idea for an
"Our basic interest is the
lace had very little access to
cloud, 27, pointed out that
Indian- publication was dis-
information," observed Lee
community, to respond to it,"
"there are things going on
cussed and Thundercloud
he said. "That's the role of
Thundercloud, a concerned
that affect Indians and they
volunteered to head up the
member of that community
this newspaper."
don't know about them."
effort.
who wanted to overcome
Thundercloud said the
that obstacle. "The Indian
He said that he hoped the
IUAC is providing funds
paper is now trying to line up
community did not have a
new publication would give
for the paper, which Thun-
people to act as correspond-
means of communication to
the community a "sense that
dercloud hopes will continue
ents, letting the paper know
voice its concerns."
someone cares."
publishing at least once a
of anything that might be of
Also in the first edition of
month.
interest to others in the Indi-
His efforts to change that
situation were realized with
the paper, readers were
The paper's staff of 11 is
an community. Volunteers
asked to offer suggestions for
the publication last month of
composed mainly of commu-
may contact him at the pa-
what is believed to be the
a name for the publication.
nity volunteers who, with
per's office, 933-4100.
first newspaper in the area
The suggestions will be print-
ed in a later edition and read-
designed specifically for the
ers will then be asked to vote
Indian community.
on them.
Thundercloud said that
Thundercloud feels that
most news affecting Indians
the major problems facing
was spread by word of
Indians in Milwaukee today
mouth and was usually "old
are "generally not recognized
or wrong" by the time the
outside of the community."
community heard it - third
He cited housing, unemploy-
or fourth hand.
ment and the education and
A statement of purpose ran
welfare of Indian children as
on the front page of the first
the main concerns.
issue saying that the editors
Last summer, Thunder-
of the paper "recognize the
cloud, who is a student at
need for a responsive infor-
Milwaukee Area Technical
mation and news source that
College, said he "finally de-
will be responsible to the In-
cided that I wanted to do
dian people of Milwaukee.
something" for other Indians.
"Our purpose is to respond
He decided to get involved
to that need with a newspa-
by joining the National Indian
per that will focus on Indian
Youth Council at MATC,
concerns and involvement
where he helps Native Amer-
with issues that affect Indi-
ican students with any prob-
ans," the statement contin-
lems they may face at the
ued. "We will also promote
school.
Scattle
Unst-Antellineurer
D. 206,733 SUN. 259,237
AUG 30 1976
BLAIR F. PAUL
The Indian: One Big Exception
Judge George Boldt's decision in regard to
Blair F. Paul, Seattle attorney, long has defended
ndian fishing rights in this state is perhaps the
Indian causes.
W6297F
irst time we have locally perceived an issue
around which an analysis of the ultimate problem
Congressman Lloyd Meeds' "Other Voices"
and solution might be addressed if only we, as a
column on the Boldt decision published by The
people, will permit ourselves to see the forest
P-I on Monday, August 16, inspires another opin-
ather than the trees.
ion.
While the Boldt decision, as my family and I
Query: In the year 2076 as we approach this
have argued for 50 years, is sound law and
nation's tri-centennial, will we still have special
should have been recognized years ago, It is not
Indian fisheries, reservations, jurisdictional dis-
sound fisheries policy and it is not sound national
putes, water rights controversies, and a Bureau
policy.
of Indian Affairs with a budget of a billion
I leave it to others to defend Judge Boldt's deci-
dollars annually or its then equivalent?
sion, but despite the fact that I believe the decision
Perhaps more importantly. Will the Amerian
is good law, it is bad fisheries policy irrespective
native statistically still appear as if he suffers
from a societal imposed policy of genocide?
of the various property rights that are involved.
We have had "Indian law" for our entire
For years previously, fisheries management regu-
nation's history. The Bureau of Indian Affairs,
lated only portions of the fish runs, distinct and
was first created as a division of the War De-
basically irrespective of what happened in other
partment in the early 1880's. The American peo-
segments of the run. The effect of that was to
ple, partly from a sense of well earned guilt,
preclude Indians from a reasonable return in the
have expended millions and millions of dollars to
streams while others were effectively unregulated.
salve their conscience, but to what end? Despite
Historically, fisheries management failed to regu-
all this special and unique attention to one race,
late dams and industrial polluters of our creeks,
the American native suffers, at least when one
rivers and confluences; there were complicated ov-
looks at the statistics, to a greater extent than
erlapping jurisdictions between the federal and
any other racial or ethnic minority in the United
state bureaucracies and even within the state such
States today,
as State Game Dept. regulating steelhead and State
One has to wonder why, when one looks at the
Fisheries Dept. salmon; and of course we cannot
amount of money and the amount of national at-
forget the federal government's failure to protect
tention we have paid to the problem. There are
our coastal waters from foreign fleets of ocean
probably many reasons for this sad state of
trollers just beyond our six mile limit.
affairs, but I suggest that when one wades
With the Boldt decision, the failure of fisheries
through the chaff, the most valid explanation
to regulate the run of fish as a unit ended.
lies in the fact that discrimination is as insidious-
But while Boldt removed the discriminatory
ly evil when one discriminates in favor of as well
system in regard to the biological nature of a run
as against a race.
of fish, he imposed a discriminatory pattern in
In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled in regard to
favor of the Indian creek fisherman. From a
school funding that "separate but equal" was
fisheries management standpoint, either system is
inherently unequal. As school segregation existed
intolerable.
in the South at that time, one can legitimately
Worse, the Boldt decision, as it represents one
argue that the system was probably as evil to the
small aspect of the national policy toward Indian
affairs, is bad national policy. The American
whites as it was to the blacks. Segregation or a
Indian represents one of the most wealthy econom-
separatist legal philosophy is unjustifiable no
ic entities in the United States today. In this state
the Colvilles "own" over two million acres of
matter what its purpose, what its roots. But
prime Eastern Washington lands; the Yakimas
FORD
because we discriminate on behalf of the Indian
over a million. These two tribes represent the first
we, as a nation, have failed to perceive the effect
and second largest nongovernment land wning en-
# has had on the American Native.
tities in the state. The timber and other rights of
My hypothesis: That until the American Indian
the Yakimas give them a mind boggling annual
budget.
mjoys the same legal rights in his person and his
And yet, who that has traversed the Yakima
reperty as all other Americans he is doomed to
nation hasn't been aware of the incredible visible
thnic failure.
poverty and all of its degrading symptoms. In
this year, 1976, there are many Yakimas who
speak no English whatsoever.
CONT'!
Why? The Yakima nation, like virtually every
other reservation tribe in the nation, is a legally
But there is also a new model which offers the
insulated discriminatory enclave for the "bene-
fit" of its enrolled members. Most of the lands
American people an alternative to that experience
and much of the property of the tribe are held
which is already showing great attributes of
in common. These properties are not in the free
bringing the American Native into the 20th Cen-
chain of American commerce. They are for the
tury. As a result of the Alaska Native Claims
most part inalienable and any contract involving
Settlement Act (ANCSA), tremendous economic
their use with the tribe must be approved by the
wealth was paid to the Alaska natives for the
Secretary of the Interior.
extinguishment of their aboriginal rights within the
state, Thirteen Regional Corporations (not reser-
Many tribal governments are in the process of
vations) were established, all organized under the
buying back lands which left tribal control as a
result of certain Federal legislation late in the last
Alaska Corporation Act. One of those corporations
has already been identified within the guidelines
century. This land, therefore, is being brought
of Fortune's top 125 corporations. Several others
probably also qualify. By the turn of the next
back into the fold of inalienable lands held by the
century, well into the billions of dollars will flow
tribe for the benefit of the tribe. Many other lands
through these corporations. They will be taxed,
which were allotted in the late 1880's, by this date
they will pay their way in the State of Alaska.
have thousands of undivided interests in small
Some of these corporations most assuredly will
tracts precluding their economic viability to any-
probably fail or at the very least be marginal.
one, including the tribe. Non-Indian ownership on
But those which succeed will give their Native
reservations is restrained by law and rights such
stockholders the ability to participate in 20th
as off reservation fishing are non-transferable to
Century economic life.
others. They are tribal rights, not individual.
ANCSA was and is one of the most complex
Indian reservation communities seldom have
bills over enacted by Congress. It took six years
any kind of an industrial base and seldom does a
of one of the most vigorous fights the Congress of
community offer a variety of professional serv-
the United States has ever experienced in its
ices. Seldom does an Indian youth raised on a
committees and on its floor. After all, it ended
reservation perceive the occupational opportuni-
years of neglect and injustice and also award-
ties available in 20th Century America until long
ed & billion dollars and 40 million acres of
after he has lost any opportunity to acquire the
valuable land to Alaska's Natives.
skills necessary to function beyond the borders of
A bill to do likewise state-wide would be vastly
the reservation.
more complex. Here we have treaty rights (none in
Despite the purpose of the Bureau of Indian
Alaska), perhaps 50 times the number of natives, a
Affairs to insure that the lands and assets of
dozen times the tribes and several times the land
tribes are not spirited away by the unscrupulous,
mass. But it is conceivable to accomplish and even
the long and short of bureau negotiations on
more importantly, imperative to native survival.
behalf of tribal entitles is that frequently con-
A country divided itself against itself cannot
tracts which are entered into are far less advan-
stand. Because the numbers of native Americans
tageous to the tribe than had aggressive business
are not really a significant percentage of the
negotiations been carried on by the tribe or its
American people, the tragic status of the Ameri-
representatives. Indeed, the sweetheart relationships that exist
can native seldom reaches the proportions where
it threatens our society. But the native is losing
among an occasional tribal leader. BIA officials
today and will continue to lose until he finds
and the timber industry for example lead many to
himself within the economic mainstream of Amer-
conclude that if there has not been outright fraud
ica.
in the execution of contracts, there certainly have
The American Indian has been a citizen of the
been obvious incidents of conflicts of interest and
U.S. since 1926. He has fought in our wars and
the denial of even an appearance of fairness.
whether citizenship had been granted or not, has
Individual natives own nothing as an Indian
been an American for a long time. To return to
which can be identified as theirs alone. Every-
such a time denies history, denies survival.
thing is held merely because of ones status as an
The answer, as the Alaskan native has
Indian. Frequently an Indian marrying outside of
learned, lies in his ability to deal on the basis of
the tribe denies his children any birthright he
equality with all economic entities existing in the
may be able to transfer to them. For example,
United States today. As to most reservation
for years a Yakima had to have at least equal a
rights, the answer lies in a congressional altera-
quarter blood to inherit any rights as a Yakima.
tion of the institutions into corporate entities
much as Alaska's counterparts. For more in-
choate rights such as off-reservation fishing, the
That is probably the most obvious instance of
answer lies in the condemnation of such rights
legally prescribed discrimination in the nation.
and the payment of dollars to the property own-
By definition, such blood quantum requirements
ers. Reasonable fisheries management requires
are racist. Indeed, they almost strike of legal in-
the end of such interests but to accomplish it
cest.
requires the payment of substantial monies to
The solution, in my opinion, requires the adop-
those who would lose the right.
tion of an entirely new policy of the United States
The U.S., it has been said, recognizes no color,
toward Indians. Thirty years ago, the Congress of
racial, religious or ethnic lines. For the most part
the United States began a policy of termination of
that is true with the one glaring exception of the
Indian reservations throughout the Country. To
redman.
anyone familiar with the per capita distributions
that occurred in Klamath, Oregon and Menomi-
nee, Wisconsin, it is hoped that experience will
never be repeated again. But the concept of
ending federal protection and federal involvement
of a special nature with Indian tribes was then
valid and remains valid today.
RA
INDIAN NEWS CLIPS
OFFICE OF INFORMATION
202-343-7445
VOL. 6 No. 39
September 25, 1976
THE WASHINGTON POST
R
3
Saturday, Sept. 18, 1976
Armed Indians Block California River
By Bill Richards
Federal officials who have jurisdiction
we haven't asked the sheriff to throw
over the river, and the Humboldt County
Washington Post Staff Writer
them off yet either. he said.
sheriff's department seek to avoid worsen-
The Indians have been served with a
KLAMATH, Calif., Sept. 17-A compt
ing what county district Attorney John
court order against their blockade of the
land dispute in this Northern Californ.
Buffington today called "& potentially ex-
river and the U.S. attorney's office in San
wilderness area has escalated into all
plosive situation.'
armed confrontation between authorities
Francisco, representing the Army Corps of
Margaret Carlson, a 38-year-old Yurok
and a hand of Indians who have cut off a
Engineers, yesterday filed a cease-and-de-
Indian and the leader of the land conven-
section of the Klamath River at the height
sist order against the rope and net barrier.
tion, said the Indians and their followers
The Indians have closed off most of the
of the salmon-fishing season.
do not plan to leave the grove until their
The action has provoked fears here
land claims are settled in court.
among officials of.s repeat of the clash
"Our grandparents were cheated out of
32 navigable miles of the river. Norton
four years ago between Indian activists
most of their land along the river 50 years
Toobey, an attorney for the Indian en-
and lawmen at Wounded Knee, S.D., after
campment, said the action rests on a Cal-
armed Indians seized land there.
ago," she said. "Those buyers went to old
ifornia court of appeals decision from last
The Indians and their sympathizers here,
people who couldn't read or write and got
year. The decision, in a case known as
whose numbers have varied from 15 to
them:to turn over their land piece by piece
Arnett vs. Five Gill Nets, prohibited the
more than 50, have been conducting what
for a $10 gold plece."
states from preventing traditional Indian
they are calling a "land convention" since
Carlson has a stack of photo copies of
gill net fishing on private-lands stretch-
Aug. 20 in a redwood grove 14 miles from
deeds and legal papers she says she found
ing one mile on either side of the entire
the mouth of the river.
six years ago in the attic of her grand-
river
The encampment was undertaken to pro-
parents' home near the present encamp-
Local, non-Indian fishermen here said,
test what they claim was fraudulent trans-
ment. The documents include copies of
however, that traditionally gill nets were
fer of Indian lands a half century ago to
deeds signed with crude X's turning over
never stretched across an entire river ..nd
white timber interests with the complicity
ownership of land along the river to an
they charged that the Indians acted to pro-
of the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.
eastern land company or to local land
voke a confrontation.
Most non-Indian campers have been sent
agents.
Al Larson, owner of the Klamath Jet Boat
away from the isolated site here, which
The Indians blocked the river, said Carl-
Kruises, which runs three tourist boats on
is owned by a Seattle timber company, and
son, because tour boats and fishermen
the river, requested the court order against
visitors to the encampment are met by
were crossing through an area that she
the Indians' blockade last week. Larson also
Indian guards carrying rifles.
said belongs to the Indians.
sued the group for $200,000 in what he said
Last week tensibh over the gathering
"Our ancestors are buried along that
was lost business because of the blockade.
mounted when the Indians hung a Γope
river," she said. "They're not monkeys or
and nets across the Klamath and declared
strangers to be gawked at."
The Klamath is one of the busiest salmon
the river off limits to all but those boat-
No formal action has been brought a-
fishing areas on the West Coast and Larson
gainst the Indians by the Simpson Timber
said. nearly 25,000 fishermen use the river
men they allow to pass.
A tour boat carrying 47 passengers
Co., the Seattle firm that owns the red-
every year. He said the blockade cost him
a
wood grove and about 20,000 acres of land
$600 a day in lost boat rentals and tours last
a local constable attempting to serve
court restraining order on the Indians was
along the river. William Carson, an attorns
week.
turned back by armed Indians. Aushot was
ey for the timber company, said the, firm
Larson said the Indians had demanded
fired over the boat but the Indians claimed
did not want to provoke violence by forc-
cash payments at first to pass, up the river
ing the Indians off the land at this time.
and later asked for a deerskin and assurance
the shooting was done by an outsider who
a
They're not there with our consent but
that only his smallest boat would use the
was not a member of their camp.
waterway
FORD
LIBRAR
Cont'd
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR-BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
1951 Constitution Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. 20245
"This is th 20th century," he said. "They're
nothing but a bunch of renegade Indians who
don't have support from the real Indian
deer hides with people like that."
community and we don't deal in money or
A8
THE WASHINGTON POST
Monday, Sept. 20, 1976
Senate Panel Calls Indians Group
A Minority Dedicated to Violence
Associated Press
of Indian, as well as non-Indian, citi-
The Senate Internal Security Sub-
zens in the country," he said. "They
committee said yesterday the Ameri-
are in cooperation with Communist
can Indian Movement is "a frankly
groups, within the United States, Can-
revolutionary organization which is
ada, Puerto Rico, Cuba."
committed to violence."
Leaders of the AIM were not avail-
"The American Indian Movement
able immediately for comment.
does not speak for the American Indi-
The subcommittee said the AIM has
ans," the subcommittee said. "It is a
many foreign ties-with Cuba, the
minority movement which, at the
People's Republic of China, the Irish
most, numbers several thousand fol-
Republican Army, the Palestine Liber-
owers."
ation Organization and organizations
These were among the findings in a
in various European countries.
subcommittee report, released yester-
It said the AIM also "has maintain-
day, based on testimony and docu-
ed contact with and has received pro-
ments received from Douglass F. Dur-
paganda and other support from a
ham, who infiltrated the AIM for the
larger number of left extremist organ-
FBI.
izations" in this country.
Durham, testifying at a closed-door
The report said these include the
hearing on April 6, said the AIM is a
Weather Underground, the Commu-
violent group dedicated to the over-
nist Party, the Symbionese Liberation
throw of the government.
Army, the Black Panther Party, and
"They have trampled the civil rights
the Prisoners Solidarity Committee.
A 20
THE WASHINGTON POST
R1
Tuesday, Sept. 21. 1976
AIM Appraisal Challenged
MAHNOMEN. Minn.-A spokesman for the Amer-
ican Indian Movement criticized a Senate subcom-
mittee report describing the organization as
"revolutionary" and "committed to violence."
Vernon Bellecourt, AIM's national field director,
said the Internal Security subcommittee investiga-
tion was a "stacked deck" in which AIM views were
not sought.
Bellecourt attacked the subcommittee's chief wit-
ness, FBI informer Douglas F. Durham, as a
"pathological liar" and an "errand boy" who never
was in on important AIM decisions.
The Senate unit report said AIM does not speak
for the American Indian, calling it "a minority
movement which. at the most, numbers several
thousand followers."
The subcommittee acknowledged that its report
was based on testimony by Durham, who it said
infiltrated AIM for the FBI. Durham said he was
paid $20,000 by the FBI for expenses.
From staff reports and news dispatches
Rocky Mountain News
DENVER, COLC.
D. 214,400 SUN. 236,003
SEP 10 1376
WASH STAR 9-23-76
Indian Affairs Bureau Chief Quitting
ANCHORAGE, Alaska- Morris Thompson, the
first native American to head the federal Bureau
of Indian Affairs, is resigning to become vice
president of Alcan Pipeline Co. Alcan is a subsidi-
ary of Northwest Pipeline Corp. of Salt Lake City
and one of three companies competing for federal
approval of a natural gas pipeline from Alaska's
Prudhoe Bay.
Colorado
appointment
Mrs. Marilyn Youngbird
Martin, an administrator
of the Federal Bureau of
Indian Affairs, has been
appointed executive
secretary of the new
Colorado Commission on
Indian Affairs, it was an-
nounced by Lt. Gov.
George Brown, chairman
of the commission creat-
ed by the 1976 Colorado
General Assembly.
N150
RA
THOMPSON
ANCHORAGE, A LASKA (AP) -- MORRIS THOMPSON, THE FIRST NATIVE AMERICAN
TO HEAD THE FEDERAL BUREAUNOF INDIAN AFFAIRS RESIGNED TODAY TO
ACCEPT A VICE PRESIDENCY WITH THE ALCAN PCPELINE CO.
THOMPSON BEGINS HIS NEW DUTIESNNOV. 3.
AN AFFILIATE OF THE SALT LAKENC ITY- BASED FIRM, NORTHWESTNPIPELINE
CORP. IS ONE OF THREE COMPANIES TRYING TO WIN FEDERAL APPROVAL FOR A
NATURAL GAS PIPELINE FROM PRUD HOE BAY.
THOMPSON, AN ATHABASCAN FROM TANANA, A LASKA, WAS APPOINTED
COMMISS OF THE BIANIN 1973.
09-22-76 20:06EDT
The Oregonian
PORTLAND, OREGON
D. 245,132 SUN, 40Z,186
AUG 22 1976
Indian fishermen face day's
ill luck on Columbia
By BOB OLMOS
of The Oregonian staff
CASCADE LOCKS - Early morn-
ing sun dapples the Columbia River sur-
face as Harold Green's Fiberglas boat
heads for the nets he's spread out in
good lately," he says grimly.
as he points to the lone Chlnook lying In
eddies and backwaters.
"I've had some trouble keeping my
the boat bottom, "But you can see what
Another day of fishing is under
boat In the marina. The battery was
we get."
thrown in the water and wires on the
Better luck awaits the party,
way. Will he be lucky or unlucky?
boat were cut. I don't know who did it.
though. Another net yields a Chinook
"Last year, I made $1,800 in one
So now I don't leave it at the marina
that later will weigh out at 28 pounds
day. We had to work hard to make it
overnight. I take it to the camp-
on the buyer's scale.
but we did," grins Green, a Warm
grounds," Green says.
The boat swings to bankside scaf-
Springs Indian who ffshes out of tribal
The $5,000 boat, which Green
folding, from which dangle dip-nets.
riverside campgrounds here.
bought through the Confederated
These, too, are checked.
Green, his family and his crews
Tribes' credit department, approaches
The sun, now arching over Mt.
have been at the campgrounds since
the first of five nets spread out at regis-
Hood, makes silhouettes, of the figures
spring, sometimes fishing for the tribe
tered sites.
on the scaffolding and, for a moment,
but mainly fishing for livelihood.
Four pair of arms, including those of
they resemble drawings of turn-of-the-
They live in a trailer, a tepee. They
small Arnold, tug to pull the heavy,
century Indian fishing scenes.
use several small surrounding buildings
nylon net, about 300 feet long, out of
Only four fish are caught in the
for sanitary needs and for drying out
the water and over the boat.
morning run. They are added to the
salmon strips and lamprey eels that are
Only driftwood and river weeds are
catch of the previous night, which is
later worked Into stews.
snarled in the mesh.
stored among wet burlap sacks in a
In late fall, they will return to
There is no luck, either, at the sec-
campgrounds bin.
ond net.
Warm Springs, where the men will try
At the campgrounds, a Vancouver,
to find work as tree trimmers.
in the third, a newiy caught Chi-
Wash., buyer hands Green a check after
nook, estimated to be about 10 pounds,
the fisherman has filled out required
"Fishing hasn't been good lately,"
struggles, slapping the water in fren-
forms - "one for the game department
says Green, as his turquoise-ringed
zied thrashings.
and one for the fisheries department."
hand guides the boat's steering.
But it is the only fish in the net.
Total earned from the two catches:
He comments on the recent court
"They talk about Indians depieting
$55 for 79 pounds of fish.
action that allowed non-Indian gillnet-
the river supplies," Green says, adding
It has not been another $1,800 day.
ters an additional two days of downriv-
er salmon fishing.
"All that means is less fish for us
and, like I said, fishing hasn't been too
MILWAUKEE JOURNAL
MILWAUKEE, WISO.
D. 350,005 SUN. 543,992
AUG 30 1976
Crow Traditions May
Outlive Coal
PAGE
ONLY
By Paul G. Hayes
its Instinet to pull against the rope, took a single step
of The Journal Staff
forward.
Crow Agency, Mont. - The outcome of the struggle
IND
In that onestep, it would learn that the pull was a
between the colt and the boy was foreordained. The boy
signal to go forward. Its memory forever would be
would wis.
locked in place by the pain of the biting, the exhaustion,
The boy was 15, reed slender, his long black hair held
the suffocation. It would be a step from instinctive free-
by a red headband. He worked silently, but confidently.
dom into a life of loyal bondage.
A dozen youngsters ranging down to toddlers watched
The boy was doing much more than breaking this
and learned from the corral fence.
colt. He also was teaching his younger brothers, who
The colt was a week old, brownish red, spindly, a
watched closely from the fence, knowing that they'd be
wild beast. It, too, fought silently, transferring all its
expected to do the same in a few years.
strength to its four thin legs stiffly to resist the boy's
The Great Plains Indians were successful because
pull on the rope at the other end.
they knew horses.
As both pulled, the noose tightened around the colt's
That culture still is alive on the reservations of south-
neck. Its tongue hung out at one side of its mouth, its
eastern Montana. Children of 6 or 7 ride easily and do so
wind was choked off, its eyes glazed.
daily.
Exhausted, the colt would fall on its side with a thud
The horse was a necessity when the Indians were
that raised a puff of dust.
nomadic hunters who fol-
lowed the seasonal move-
ments of the bison. Now the
bison are gone, and the reser-
vations are mere pens com-
pared with the former fence-
less range.
Land Gives Life
PROSPECTING
The reservation has be-
FOR
come a number of things. To
some, it is simply the concen-
Power
tration camp Into which
unwanted persons were herd-
ed. The US government allot-
But It got no rest, no time to gather strength and re-
ted reservation land as a
solve, no chance to draw a sufficient breath. The boy
means to transforming no-
madic hunters into farmers in
was, on it instantly, biting the colt's ear with such force
that the colt had to struggle up to stop the pain.
a single generation.
To the Indians, the reserva-
Then the pulling resumed. It would go on as long as
necessary. The boy would win when the coit, rejecting
tion is everything. Outsiders
may loathe the idea If they
like, but without these lands,
the tribes, the very identities
of the Indians, would vanish.
"We are Indian because we
are land based. Without the
land, we are not a nation,"
sald Angela Russell, director
of coal research for the Crow
Reservation of some 2,-
200,000 acres. There are 4,-
300 Crows here.
But the reservation is home
to all 6,000 Crows, whether
they live on the reservation
or not. It is where their lan-
guage is perpetuated, where
Cont'd
Kinship Strained
the old family relationships
One of the companies,
The other companies, she
are maintained, where some
The traditional relationship
Westmoreland Resources,
said, were afraid they'd lose
cultural sinews still stretch
of brother-in-law and sister-
signed a lease in June, 1972,
control of the coal. They
back to the days of freedom.
in-law, said Angela, is based
and began to mine Indian
were willing to renegotiate,
on good natured kidding. But,
owned coal on so-called "ced-
the compensation to the Indi-
Without the reservation,
in this case, It was clear that
ed area" land north of the
ans, but not their right to
the Indians become Individu-
the relationship had been
reservation. The company
work the land. One possible
als, some succersful, some
strained by the coal question.
was to pay the Indians 17.5
outcome of the Indians' suit,
not, some in cities, some on
cents for each ton of coal it
which Is pending, is that the
The Coal Research Office
farms, some to intermarry
mined. (Ceded areas were
earlier agreements will be
with whites, some not. Their
has attempted to research the
lands removed from the res-
declared void.
culture would dissipate.
alternatives to developing
ervation, usually by acts of
Pat Stands Over Bull is dis-
coal on the reservation and
Congress, and made available
satisfied with the work done
Not All Agree
inform the tribe of these al-
by the Coal Research Office
That Isn't to say that the
ternatives, so It can make en-
so far.
reservation is sufficient -
lightened decisons.
to homesteaders. Much of the
"We still don't know about
poverty shouts that it is not
The office has stressed the
fand remained unused and, in
environmental and social ef-
how to develop the coal. The
- or that the Indians them-
some cases, was returned to
coal office finds only the bad
selves are unanimous about
fects of coal development In
the reservation. In any event,
maintaining the land as the
northeastern Arizona on the
things about coal mining, the
the tribe retained ownership
pollution and se forth. We
foundation of tribal Identity.
Navajos there.
of the minerals under the
"Angela is my sister-in-
lands.)
K. Ross Toole, a Montana
law," said Pat Stands Over
Another Bad Deal
also need to know about the
historian, notes that under
Bull. "But her Ideas and mine
In 1973, however, the
long range problems like
President Dwight Eisenhow-
er there was an effort to
Crows awoke to the newly
water."
are totally different. I do
weaken, if not do away with
what the tribe feels, and she's
escalated value of the coal.
To Regain the Land
the reservation, to ease the
100% environmentalist. The
Mainly, they learned what
Then the motives behind
Stands Over Bull's desire to
Indians out, If necessary, and
Coal Research Office repre-
some other companies were
bring them into the main-
sents one part of the tribe."
paying other people in royal-
develop coal become plain.
ties.
"Almost half of our reser-
stream.
Several Factions
To make a long story
vation is controlled by non-
That policy has been re-
The Crow tribe is democ-
short, they believed them
Indian lessees, ranchers and
versed. The new militancy
racy carried to its ultimate
selves to have been taken
others," he said. "We need
did that, the compulsion of
paralysis. Each adult has a
again, this time by a conspir-
money to buy our land base
the angry young to know the
vote in tribal policy, and 100
acy between the BIA and the
back.
history of oppression, to hate
adults assembled at any one
coal companies.
"Some of these long term
the oppressors and to Identify
time is a quorum for conduct-
"We were operating in a
lessees are retiring or they've
as Indian, to set themselves
ing tribal business.
vacuum of little infomation,"
died, and the tribe has an
apart from the rest of us.
Pat Stands Over Bull said
said Angela Russell. "And
opportunity to get the land
the tribe wanted coal devel-
much of the information was
back.
Certainly not mainstream.
opment, with controls. But he
company information."
"The land Is what we have.
Indian identity has always
has his problems. He was
With a grant from the Na-
It's arenewable resource. Yet
been an elusive problem.
elected chairman this spring
tive Americans Program of
some of these areas have
Diverse forces are always
with a handsome plurality
the US Department of Health,
made several millionaires out
colliding, always changing.
over five other candidates.
Education and Welfare, the
of non-Indians.
But for two tribes in south-
But last June, about 500
Coal Information Office was
"The tribal situation is that
eastern Montana, the com-
Crows gathered on a Sunday
formed.
we're always broke. Well,
plexity is intensified by the
and elected a rival chairman,
"We sued," she said. "We
we've got money there, in
presence of coal.
the candidate who had fin-
named the federal govern-
those resources in the
Billions of tons lie under
ished fifth in the spring elec-
ment as defendant and we
ground.
the eastern end of the Crow
tion.
charged that there were
"We're not talking to the
reservation and underlie all
of the Northern Cheyenne
"This group represents the
many violations of the feder-
coal companies now because
cattlemen. They have non-
al codes in the leases, that the
of the court suits. But we
reservation.
want a share of the profits.
Angela Russell Is the sis-
Indians behind them and they
federal government had vio-
ter-in-law of Pat Stands Over
don't want any coal develop-
lated the National Environ-
To hell with royalties; that's
ment," said Stands Over Bull.
obsolete. We don't want roy-
Bull, the Crow tribal chair-
mental Policy Act, that the
Suspicion of Whites
aities. We want joint develop-
federal government didn't
ment. We want a plece of
Overshadowing the tribal
uphold its responsibility for
that good, black rock.
The Northern Cheyenne,
divisions, too, is the- ever
informing us so that we could
"This is the last big bonan-
who helped defeat Custer,
present belief that somehow,
make informed decisions."
control ge-deposits of coal
40 Cents a Ton
za. We don't want to get
inevitably, the tribes are
ripped off again."
that they won't allow to be
going to be cheated by the
Suddenly, she said, the
mined yet.Story in tomor-
white man. The Crows be-
companies were eager to re-
row's Journal.
lieve they came within a
negotiate the amount of roy-
whisper of being swindled
alties that the Indians would
again this time.
be paid.
man. Their offices are in dif-
The big energy companies
Westmoreland agreed to
ferent wings of a converted
became interested in south-
pay the Indians 40 cents a ton
motel here in Crow Agency.
eastern Montana coal in the
or 8% of the selling price of
late 1960s, securing permits
coal per ton, whichever was
to explore, with options to
higher. Royalties for coal that
lease the land and mine the
already had been committed
coal later. The companies
to the Northern States Power
dealt with the Bureau of Indi-
Co. were to be increased
an Affairs (BIA), a division of
gradually.
the Interior Department.
Suit over
killing
Mpls. Star
of Indian
SEP 11 1976
rejected
By GWENYTH JONES
Minneapolis Star Staff Writer
The father of a 15-year-old Indian
youth killed by a Bureau of Indian
Affairs policeman Nov. 25, 1972,
cannot collect damages, U.S. Dis-
trict Judge Earl R. Larson decided
yesterday.
Leo F. Desjarlais Sr. and his
wife, who has since died, had filed
a $500,000 suit against the federal
government and eight policemen al-
legedly connected with the inci-
dent, in which his son, Brian, was
killed.
Larson's principal finding was
that James Bailey, the Red Lake
Reservation policeman who shot
young Desjarlais, did so in self-de-
fense.
LARSON FOUND that when Bai-
ley first saw Desjarlais he ordered
HE ALSO found that Bailey and
him to stop and drop his weapon.
other officers who came to the
Desjarlais continued to move to-
scene did not act improperly in not
ward Bailey and raised his weapon,
calling for medical assistance when
apparently to fire at Bailey, Larson
they concluded that Desjarlais was
said, and Bailey then fired the sin-
dead.
gle shot that killed Desjarlais.
The Desjarlais family charged
After the shooting, Bailey called
that bureau police conspired to har-
Richard Leonard, supervisor of the
ass youths on the reservation, that
reservation police force. Larson
they tried to "cover up" the shoot-
said Leonard, an officer of 22 years
ing afterwards and planted a shot-
experience, concluded from the
gun under Brian Desjarlais's body.
massive head wound Desjarlais had
Larson said there was no evi-
suffered and the absence of vital
dence to prove the charges.
signs that the youth was dead and
The fatal shooting occurred after
medical assistance was not neces-
police got. a complaint that there
sary.
was shooting near a private home
The presence of a gun under the
in Red Lake. Some shots had been
body was corroborated by a photo-
fired at a police squad car and,
graph taken immediately after the
shortly before Desjarl ais was
shooting, Larson said.
killed, Bailey had heard an ex-
There was no evidence that any
change of gunfire between fellow
of the defendants withheld infor-
officers and the person who was
mation, made false statements or
later identified as Desjarlais, Lar-
took any other action to cover up
son found. The officers were
the true facts, of the shooting, Lar-
searching for the persons who had
son found.
done the earlier shooting.
The Miami Gerald
MIAMI, FLA.
TULSA, OKLA.
D. 384.824 SUN. 486.568
D. 117,736 SUN. 193,984
SEP 9 1976
SEP 9 1976
Getting Honor for Indians
Tribal Meet
Like Shooting for a Star
Plans Disputed
HOUSTON (UPI) - An éngi-
support it."
neer who helped send satellites and
Elliot's resolution already has
astronauts into space is having dif-
been endorsed by Govs. Jerry
By a Staff Writer
ficulty getting a resolution through
Brown of California and David
DEWEY - Indian Commissioner
Congress to honor the first Ameri-
Boren of Oklahoma. He said it also
Morris Thompson was asked Wednes-
cans the Indians.
had the support of the mayors of
day to cancel a Saturday meeting here
Oklahoma City and Los Angeles.
of the Delaware General Council to
National Aeronautics and Space
consider removal of the tribe's board
Administration engineer Jerry El-
If the campaign is successful, the
chairman.
liott, a member of Oklahoma's
week would be Oct. 10-16.
Thompson said he scheduled the hear-
Osage Indian tribe, worked on the
Elliott's effort began, he said,
ing after he was "advised that the
Gemini, Apollo, Skylab and Apol-
when he realized most of the
tribal chairman has refused or failed to
lo-Soyuz space missions but said he
American Indians' problems stem-
respond to such a request by the tribal
could not get a Native Awareness
med from lack of understanding.
grievance committee."
Week declaration from Congress.
"There are American Indians in
However, Howard Barnes, grievance
"For months, all our congress-
medicine, engineering, education,
committee chairman, Wednesday said
men had to do was call the offices
law, in all areas of life in this
the request for a hearing on charges in-
of Rep. Theodore Risenhoover (D.,
volving Chairman Bruce Townsend,
country today," he said.
Okla.) or Sen. Lloyd Bentsen (D.,
Tulsa, was "void" because it stemmed
Tex.) and say they support the res-
"There are two ways to go
from an unscheduled meeting of three
olutions, that's all," Elliott said.
about this type of thing. The first
committee members and cannot be
way (militancy) has failed. The
supported by evidence."
"This celebration and education-
way 1 am going, working within
Barnes said he had not called the
al week is all positive. No funding
the system, is right. But we have
meeting attended by Wathene Young,
is required. There is nothing con-
been unable to reach the hearts of
Scott Secondine and Mary Watters.
troversial about it. I can't see how
those who could make this a reali-
They signed a June 28 resolution call-
any body would say they will not
ty. It hasn't happened."
ing for a hearing Barnes said.
The June 28 resolution also called for
MILWAUKEE SENTINEL
a hearing to consider removing board
vice-chairman Henry Secondine and
MILWAUKEE, WISC.
was aimed at the way the
secretary Mary Townsend Crow.
D. 180,349
bureau administers Indian
Barnes said he met with grievance
preference in hiring and
committee members William Thomp-
promotion.
son and Miss Watters and resolutions
asking Thompson to cancel the meeting
SEP 1 1 1976
Since 1934 the bureau has
were approved.
been required to give prefer-
Barnes said he could find no evidence
ence to Indians when hiring
to support the removal of the tribal of-
Job Policy Rapped
and promoting employes, The
ficers. Barnes said he hoped to have a
bureau now has about 18,000
decision on the status of the general
employes and an annual
council meeting from Thompson by
In US Indian Bureau
budget of more than $1 bil-
Friday.
lion.
Sentinel Washington Bureau
The report was prepared
According to the report,
many non-Indians have left
for the 11 member American
Washlington, D.C. Nepo-
the bureau because of Indian
Indian Policy Review Cdm-
tism. favoritism and tribal
preference. A policy of seek-
mission, which was estab-
power determine hiring prác-
ing Indians to fill every va-
tices In the Bureau of Indian
lished by Congress last year.
cancy has restricted promo-
The management study
Affairs, secording to a man-
Miss Ada Deer, of the
tions and transfers.
was conducted by 11 busi-
agement study released here
Menominee Tribe in Wiscon-
Staffing is "erratic," and
ness executives under the
Friday.
sin, is a member of the com-
the bureau does not try to
direction of Warren King &
mission. Its executive direce
recruit qualified employes at
Associates, Inc., of Chicago.
Outside consultants who
tor is Ernest L. Stevens, a
studied the bureau said that
colleges and universities,
Wisconsin Onelda Indian.
$112.8 million a year could be
according to the report.
saved improving hiring
Some of the sharpest lan-
Indian preference demor-
and agement practices.
is the 59 page report
alizes Indian as well as non-
Indian employes," the outside
consultants stated
The Oregonian
PORTLAND. OREGON
D. 245,132 SUN. 407,186
SEP 7 1976
Shoalwater W6291F Indians retain tradition of hospitality
TOKELAND, Wash. - When white
naults. In canoes just like it, Mrs. Lan-
men first came to Shoalwater Bay 150
dry's father and grandfather and their
years ago, they found a small band of
friends used to sound the Wallapa chan-
Indians Mying in a sheltered cove on the
nel every spring.
north shore.
When Swan wrote of the Shoalwa-
The band had strong family ties
ter tribe in 1852, he described their cus-
with the Quinaults up the coast and the
tom of binding the heads of babies in
Chehalis people to the east and provided
high-ranking families so that the fore-
a way station for. Indians traveling
head was flattened and the head length-
south to the Columbia River to fish or
ened as the child grew.
pick oysters in the tide flats of the bay
Although Mrs. Landry's father was
or trade with inland tribes.
the son and grandson of chiefs, his head
They were peaceable people who
was only slightly elongated. Her grand-
fed everyone who passed their way on
mother told her why.
bountiful supplies of salmon, oysters,
"Grandma would put my dad in his
wild fowl, clams, wild fruit and game.
cradleboard with the headpiece pressed
When James G. Swan, one of the Wash-
against his forehead. But Mrs. Kindred
ington Coast's earliest historians, came
would come to visit every day and
among them in 1852, he found their life
would take the band off his forehead.
so pleasant that he spent three years
As soon as she left, Grandma would put
there.
it back on, but my dad's forehead never
Today, the Shoalwater people live
was flattened like Grandpa's."
on a mile-square reservation north of
Grandpa George Charley, she said,
Toke Point; the bay was long ago re-
could not wear a ready-made hat. He
named Willapa, and their way of life is
had to have a hat steamed and fitted
gone, along with the plentiful food sup-
especially to his head.
ply.
"Mrs. Kindred" was Elizabeth Kin-
But one thing remains the same: The
dred, daughter of the first white settlers
Shoalwater Indians still provide a stop-
on Toke Polnt, who played with the
ping place along State Highway 105 for
WORK OF ART - Fred Landry, designer and co-owner of Smoke Signal
Indians in her childhood and remained
people on their way to somewhere else.
Museum, made Chippewa war bonnet when he was young. It is among
close to them all her life.
Their latest offering to capture the
artifacts exhibited in museum, which is located near Tokeland, Wash.
Her invaluable Indian basket collec-
travelers' interest is a full-scale Indian
tion is in a Washington State museum,
and old-time museum built by Alfred,
The stockade-type walls, the beams
used once long ago," said Myrtle Lan-
but Mrs. Landry's own lifelong collec-
Myrtle and Eugene Landry close to the
and crosspieces are of unpeeled logs
dry, daughter of Roland Charley, the
tion is in the basket corner of the
Smoke Signal tobacco shop, where they
brought from nearby woods, giving the
Shoalwater's last hereditary chief.
Smoke Signal museum.
have sold tax-free cigarettes for several
big building the feeling of a traditional
Some of the trade beads in a glass
There is no admission charge to the
years.
bark-roofed longhouse.
case came from the old tribal cemetery,
museum. "We want children to be able
Designed by Fred Landry and built
Inside are all manner of treasures
renovated last year, where Shoalwater
to come whenever they want,' Landry
by Wayne Swimmer, a Sioux, with a
from both Indian and white history, re-
chairman Earl Davis was buried a year
said. Although flue turquoise jewelry
few helpers, the building's weathered-
flecting the close relationship the Shoal-
ago.
and survenirs are sold is the tobacco
loard front is almost covered with the
waters have always had with the
Another museum memento is a
shop, nothing is for sale in the maseum
painted green and black head of a
whites.
dar-log canoe burned and carved out by
except the paintings of the Landrys'
Altical asa serpent.
"Some of the exhibits are things we
Cleve Jackson, an old chief of the Qui-
12on, Eugene.
Tine Angeles Times
LARGEST CIRCULATION IN THE WEST
nets and a rope across the river about nine miles front its
D. 1.009,719 SUN. 948,746
mouth to ward off boatfulls of sportsmen who flock to the
Klamath for its famous lat summer salmon rung,
About two dozen Yurok Indian tribesmen put an the
SEP 10 1976
nets Tuesday. Two days later-in the face of a Corps of
Engineers cease and desist order and a court restraining
order-the Indians kept guards on the river.
INDIANS DEFY
"We are trying to fish the way our ancestors did," said
Margaret Carlson, a Yurok spokeswoman. "There is noth
ORDER TO CEASE
ing within any law that can stop us from doing this."
On the other side is beat owner Alvin Larson, who file
RIVER BARRICADE
suit asking for a temporary restraining order against the
Indians. Larson claimes he's losing up to $600 à day each
KLAMATH (P)-A stubborn band
day his boats can't ply the river.
of Indians maintained their rope and
3 new barricade Thursday across the
"I've been in this business for 30 years," he said, "some
salmon-clogged Klamath River, ig-
of our people have been coming back every year. They're
noring a court order to reopen the
real disappointed.'
scenic stream to sport fishermen.
The blockade is the lates! development in a dispute that
"We're really evaluating what our
began Aug. 20 when the (uroks served notice that cam-
next step is going to be," said Lt. Col.
pers along the rivers were trespassing on Indian land.
Karl S. Schmid, deputy district en-
Much of the disputed land along the river is owned by a
gineer for the Army Corps of En-
timber company, but the U.S. Supreme Court last year
gineers. "We haven't decided yet, but
gave the Yuroks reservation rights to the riverbed and to
should know what action is going to
a mile-wide strip on either side of the Klamath.
be taken with the next day or so.
The court also ruled the Yuroks could fish with con-
"I hope it doesn't come to force," he
troversial gill-nets, previously banned under state laws
added. "We are trying to avoid trou-
aimed at protecting the salmon-spawning sites.
ble."
The Indians have strung fishing
THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC
PHOENIX, ARIZ.
D. 211,962 SUN. 318,839
SEP 10 1976
The reservation is our land and we
ask no more than the rights of any
Apaches' rights
citizen to the protection of its rights
with regards to that land.
The recent controversy regarding the
A recent letter to the editor contained
sale of the White Mountain Scenic Rail-
the statement, "I would have felt better
road rolling stock has as usual ended up
if the Scenic Railroad had stayed and
with the White Mountain Apache Tribe
Mr. Lupe had gone by flatbed to Utah -
being the scapegoat.
The railroad, without the consent of
To travel by flatbed would indeed be
the Tribal Courtcil, began operating a
improvement over the foot travel
business on the Fort Apache Indian
forced by the U.S. Army the last time
Reservation.
they removed Apaches from Arizona to
This was a direct violation of both
Oklahoma at gun point.
tribal and federal law. It was in effect no
RONNIE LUPE
different than any citizen awaking one
Chairman
morning to find that someone had erect-
White Mountain Apache Tribe
ed a hot dog stand in his backyard
without his permission.
Mpls. Tribune
Neal R. Peirce is a reporter and
writer on American government
and politics and has written nine
SEP 12 1976
books on American states and
regions.
Developing conflict over Indian
By Neal R. Peirce
Equal Rights and Responsibilities.
The Interstate Congress says
Helena, Mont.
whites are not being treated
reservations
Across the "Indian country" of
equally in Indian communities.
Western America, and in scat-
"Will we have to yield to tribal
have no voice.
tered Eastern states as well, an
law, yet pay taxes to state gov-
era of intense conflict is develop-
ernment, which won't serve us?"
Today, on the Flathead reserva-
ing between Indians and their
asks Jack Freeman, the South
tions and others across the nation,
white neighbors.
Dakota rancher who heads the
young and professionally qualified
Interstate Congress.
Indian men and women - some
The issues range from rights to
with legal backgrounds - can
water from the Mississippi, the
Lake County, Montana, a commu-
return to their birthplaces and
Columbia and Colorado rivers to
nity of 15,000 (85-percent white,
find employment in federally sub-
fishing for salmon in Washington
mostly small farmers), provides a
sidized health, welfare and natu-
state, from local property taxes
test-tube case of the conflicts.
ral-resource programs.
on Indian lands in Montana to fire
There have been court batties
service for the Oneida Nation in
over shoreline nights to Flathead
The younger leaders are speaking
New York. Controversy rages
Lake and disputes over tax-free
out and challenging states and
around law-enforcement jurisdic-
sale of cigarettes on the reserva-
counties that try to assert juris-
tion on Indian reservations from
tion and the removal of Indian-
diction over Indian country.
Minnesota and Wisconsin to the
owned land from the tax rolls.
Pacific coastal states.
All the wisdom of Solomon -
Lake County's whites are particu-
and then some - would be re-
The chief battlegrounds are the
larly irked by the shrinking num-
quired to determine the real "jus-
reservations, originally guaran-
ber of taxable acres while infla-
tice" in most conflicts between
teed to the Indians "forever," but
tion wreaks havoc. with local gov-
later opened in part to white set-
ernment finances. Indian land-
Indians and their white neighbors,
tlers. Today the ownership pat-
owners can avoid property taxes
between tribal "sovereign" rights
tern of these areas resembles a
by placing land under tribal trust
and legitimate rights of local gov-
checkerboard: a piece of Indian-
status and glving up their right to
ernments and their taxpayers.
owned land here, white-owned
sell it. Stories circulate about
Strong national guilt concerning
land there.
neighbors 1/16th and 1/32nd Indi-
grave past Injustices to Indians
an avoiding taxes this way.
makes objective treatment diffi-
Since the rise of the "red power"
cult. Whites living on or near
movement in the 1960s, Indians
What's more, whites say, the In-
reservations say they have as
have striven to reassert jurisdic-
dians can vote in local elections
much difficulty getting under-
tion over their reservations' origi-
and approve taxes they'll never
standing from other residents of
nal boundaries. The federal gov-
have to pay themselves. They also
their states as from the power
ernment's policy switch from as-
are eligible for social services
circles in the nation's capital.
similation to "self-determination"
paid for in part through local
has aided this effort, and Indians
property taxes.
Indians, on the other hand, com-
have prevailed in many court
plain that anti-Indian prejudice
tests of treaty rights. More than
The Flatheads reply that the num-
often appears in local communi-
$3 billion a year flows from
ber of conversions of Indian land
ties and that national reparations
Washington into various Indian-
to avoid taxes is exaggerated, and
for past wrongdoings are still In-
related services and economic de-
that their real reason is to consol-
adequate.
velopments.
idate tribal lands. Lost property
Gradually, court decisions in the
taxes, they say, are more than
But whites living on or near res-
compensated for by federal sup-
Indians' favor are reducing the
ervations say the federal govern-
port of local schools and econom-
rights and impairing the income
of reservation-area whites. Those
ment has shown scant regard for
ic activity generated by the reser-
whites, faced by vague and unre-
locai residents and local govern-
vation.
solved laws, indifferent state and
ments. The Indian "problem,"
they say, was created nationally;
There's been no violence between
federal governments and fears for
restitution programs were devised
Lake Countians and their Flathead
their own future, sadiy end up
bearing an inordinate burden for
nationally, and all should be paid
neighbors, but whites reportedly
fear that the tribes will try to
the cruelty and rapaciousness of
for nationaliy.
gain civil and criminal court au-
the entire nation in its early deal-
Threats to the whites' livelihood
thority over both Indians and
ings with its native peoples.
and lifestyle have led to the for-
non-Indians In all the territory
mation of predominantly white
that once belonged to the reserva-
"civil rights" groups In 14 states
tion. They foresee an unfair and
and creation of a national protest
inadequate judicial system run by
group, the Interstate Congress for
a political system in which they
WORLD
MILWAUKEE SENTINEL
MILWAUKEE, WISC.
TULSA, OKLA.
D. 180,349
D. 117,736 SUN. 193,984
SEP 9 1976
SEP 11 1976
Indian Affairs Study
Indian Panel
Given Grant
Could Save Millions
Special to The Sentinel
Keshena, Wis. - The
Menominee Restoration
Committee, interim govern-
By MIKE FLANAGAN
The study, conducted under the
ment of the Menominee tribe,
World Washington Bureau
pervision of Abourezk's commission
has received a grant of
WASHINGTON - A management
produced 23 recommendations and
$307,000 for general adminis-
study of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
number of criticisms of BIA operations
trative services from the US
requested by: (Sen. Dewey Bartlett,
Bureau of Indian Affairs.
R-Okla. produced recommendations
THE MANAGEMENT STUDY
The grant also will cover
Friday that could save hundred of mil-
team discovered a "notable absence
maintaining, improving and
lions of dollars.
managerial and organizational capacity
repairing the tribal office
At the same time, the recommen-
throughout the BIA," little long range
building and establishing a
dations would help Congress establish a
planning and poor communications
public Information depart-
"sound American Indian policy" and
within the BIA and between the BIA
ment.
improve the effectiveness of programs
and Indian tribes.
intended to help Indians, said Sen.
James Abourezk, D-S.D., chairman of
There is a "critical lack of informa
the American Indian Policy Review
tion essential to efficient administra
tion," and the performance of key ad
Commission
ministrators is "not measured against
Abourezk who was not enthusiastic
appropriate yardsticks," the team re;
THE DAILY OKLAHOMAN
about the management study authoriza-
tion when It was attached in January
ported.
Abourezk said one of the most impor
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA.
by Bartlètt to legislation creating the
Indian Policy Commission, said imple-
tant recommendations would eliminate
D. 178,989 SUN. 288,0
mentation of the recommendations
12 area or regional BIA offices and
could achieve $112 million annually in
place increased authority on local
actual savings.
agency offices so BIA decision makers
SEP 1 1976
would be more accessible to Indian
The recommendations also would
tribes.
bring about a one-time savings of $20
million and help the BIA avoid another
At the same time, six regional ser
$10 million in expenditures annually,
vice centers would b eestablished bg
AIM Supporter
Abourezk sáid.
provide administrative support and
technical assistance to tribes, Abourezk
BARTLETT, WHO LISTENED AS
said.
Abourezk outlined the management
"At the heart of these changes is con
study recommendations at a press con-
sultation by the BIA with tribes and re:
Due for Rally
ference Friday, hailed the study as a
liance of the BIA on tribal opinion and
"genuine landmark in the struggle for
comprehensive tribal analysis and
The wife of an Amer-
building.
greater. efficiency and economy in the
long-range plans to guide allocation of
ican Indian Movement
The grand jury which
operation of the federal government."
capital and human recourse into stram
(AIM) supporter im-
convenes Wednesday is
Congress has talked about improving
tegic areas," he said.
prisoned following the
reportedly investigat-
efficiency since the 1950's, but "not
Indian occupation of
until. Friday has anything positive
ing an assassination
been done about it" Bartiett said.
Wounded Knee, S.D.,
threat against Sen.
will speak Wednesday
"The report provides hard evi-
Dewey Bartlett over
dence that sound business principles
during an Oklahoma
the Fourth of July holi-
can be applied to government with tre-
City rally to protest a
day.
mendous rewards in better services,
grand jury investiga-
Meanwhile, the U.S.
lower costs and renewed public faith in
tion.
Attorney's office has
government," Bartlett said.
Michele Camp, wife
dropped subpoenas is-
of Oklahoman Carter
sued two Indians, Le-
Camp, who was con-
Roy Casadas and Bam-
victed of assaulting a
bi Sanchez, who were
federal agent and rob-
scheduled to testify be-
bery during the 1973
fore the grand jury
Wounded Knee conflict,
Wednesday.
said Tuesday she and
The two were among
other AIM supporters
14 Indians who claimed
will speak at the 8 a.m.
harassment by the fed-
rally at the federal
eral government.
Letters the Editor
SEP
9
1976
QUA'TOQTI
Dear Editor,
The jailing of 18 or more
Relatives of the chairman
Sam Akeah and Paul Jones
members of the Navajo
and his friends who made
have the best records so far.
demonstrators at Window
money contributions to his
The prospect of relocation
Rock, is a very poor policy of
political election as chairman,
of more than 3,500 Navajos
our Navajo tribal chairman.
had first priority on all high
from their homes within the
His order to expel visitors
office positions. It doesn't
Executive Order Area of 1882
and denying the news media
matter whether they are
is also blamed squarely on the
within the tribal council
qualified or not, their only
chairman's shoulders for very
chambers, is entirely ill-ad-
qualification was being a
poor representation in behalf
vised and immature. This
crook.
of the Navajo tribe. Also,
only confirms his inability to
The fact that the present
equally to blame is the
lead the Navajo tribe..
Navajo administration was
no-accomplishment tribal at-
Our tribal chairman is not
corrupt and made known to
torney. They are only "free-
an ideal person to deal with
the public by the Bureau of
loaders" and they only rep-
- he is irresponsive and
Indian Affairs (BIA) and Sen.
resent the crooks of this
inaccessible to his own peo-
Barry Goldwater, the chair-
administration, wasting our
ple, especially to the indigent
man charges the BIA with
tribal funds.
Navajos. But he is very
interference into his crooked
The chairman draws a
responsive to the Anglos and
administration and charges
salary of more than $30,000 a
the crooks that he associates
the good senator with politi-
year, the tribal attorney
with. For this reason, the
cal interference.
receives $50,000 a year and
Anglos and the crooks are
I for one, believe the good
the others receive les-
being hired at Window Rock
senator from Phoenix and the
ser amounts, plus expenses.
today - maybe the Anglos
BIA have the best interests of
that are being hired are
the Navajo people at heart,
For this amount. of tribal
crooks, too!
by protecting our interests,
appropriation every year,
The chairman speaks about
to continue watching the
they have not accomplished
self-determination to the
elected crooks at Window
anything in behalf of the
Navajo youth, without men-
Rock.
Navajo tribe.
tioning his implication in the
The Navajo electors are
In contrast, more than 85
corrupt affairs of his own
aware of the corruption that
per cent of the Navajo labor
administration at Window
we are experiencing today
force hold on to menial jobs.
Rock. Implication yes, the
and they should "boot-out"
fact is, the chairman and his
the chairman, including all of
The BIA's top jobs are still in
cronies that he so closely
his crooked associates and
the hands of non-Indians and
associated with the past
clean house. The fact that two
the same is true of the Public
seven years, are all crooks.
more of his cronies who were
Health Service (PHS). The
The truth is, the chairman
recently appointed by him to
chairman talks about self-
selected and appointed the
high office, were crooks in the
determination for Navajos.
crooks into high office posi-
last administration. The
There is no self-determina-
tions, with confirmation by
Navajo tribal records will
tion here, according to the
the Navajo tribal council at
verify this and I myself was
statistics. Besides this, there
his own request.
present when the charges of
is a 60 per cent unemploy-
With all the money kick-
illegal under-the-table deal-
ment rate on the Navajo
backs to the crooks, the
ings were made known and
reservation today.
conspiracy against the Nava-
put on record. So there is no
jo tribe by clandestine meth-
The subsidized government
ending of crooks being ap-
ods and the political plots
pointed to high positions
enterprise that is beneficial to
hatched by the chairman and
the Navajos is the BIA's
within the present crooked
his cronies, had surfaced to
General Assistance Welfare
administration.
the top. So how could he deny
Anytime when the Navajo
grant, where millions of
that he was not involved in
tribe elects a chairman, an
dollars of the taxpayer's
the corrupt policies of his own
individual who is oriented
money is being wasted year
cronies. In fact, he is involved
outside of the Navajo reser-
after year and there is no end
by association, that is very
vation by Anglo-ways, they
to the grave train. These
plain to see - in other words,
subsidized handouts have
always turn into a crook
he is a hypocrite.
before they take the oath of
robbed the Navajo Indians of
For these reasons, the
the initiative that they once
office. I thought the Navajo
chairman should resign from
tribe learned its lesson from
had in the 18th Century.
his own corrupt administra-
the last administration that
Frankie J. Howard
tion in the best interest of the
the Navajo tribe experienced.
Former Navajo tribal council
Navajo tribe. The Navajo
I believe the best qualifica-
member
tribe cannot condone the
tion for a chairman is being a
Tuba City, Az.
present corrupt administra-
traditional Navajo who is
tion. The Navajo tribe had
oriented in the Navajo ways
enough malfeasance in the
and of the environment on the
last administration beginning
Navajo reservation. For
in 1963 - the same is still
example, former chairmen
continuing today
Inside the Capital
Farmington Daily Times
State-Indian Taxing
SEP
1
1976
Accord Possibility
By FRED BUCKLES
These Indian jurisdictions are in Sen.
are moving to Albuquerque. His wife,
SANTA FE - Sen. Ted Montoya will
try to solve the sticky problem of
Montoya's Sandoval-Bernalillo-Rio Ar-
Pat, has been hired as a first grade
riba Counties district: Sandia, Santa
teacher in Albuquerque Public Schools.
taxation of non-Indians on Indian land in
Echols, a senator 10 years, heads a
the 1977 Legislature.
Ana, Cochiti, Santo Dominog, San
corporation that owns an Albuquerque
He will propose legislation authorizing
Felipe, Zia and Jemez Pueblos and part
Spanish language television station.
the governor to enter individual
of the Navajo Reservation "checker-
Echols finished third in the 1974
agreements with Indian tribes and
board" area. Montoya has a "free ride"
Democratic governor primary.
pueblos. Indians would impose taxes and
for re-election. He had no primary or
general election opponent. He says he is
Mrs. Judy Carter, sister-in-law of
the state, already geared up for the job,
weighing a run for Senate majority
Democratic presidential candidate Jim-
would collect them. The state and Indian
whip.
my Carter, will be in New Mexico next
jurisdictions would share taxes. Agree-
ments would be effective unless the
The current whip, Sen. Odis Echols, D-
Monday and Tuesday. Her husband,
Clovis, was defeated for renomination in
Jack, is Carter's brother. She will ride
legislature nullified them at the first
session after pacts are signed.
the primary. Echols, 46, and his family
in the annual Santa Fe Fiesta parade
Monday. Trips to Albuquerque and Los
Sen. Montoya sayd state-Indian dis-
Alamos are also planned. A Carter
tribution of taxes would hinge on state
volunteers luncheon in Albuquerque
services provided. Individual agree-
Tuesday is being arranged.
ments would be needed, he says,
because tribe and pueblo requirements
The family of Albuquerque lawyer
vary. "Some tribes may need high-
Tom McKenna, GOP State Senate
ways," he says. "Others may need
candidate in Bernalillo County District
health services and police protection."
19, is selling red and white "Elephants
Eat Peanuts" bumper stickers for 50
Sen. Montoya adds: "The state could
cents to fund his campaign. Tom
provide police protection, health ser-
McKenna Jr., 23, and his brother,
vices and education on the Navajo
Michael, 21, sold the stickers at the
Reservation. For example, if the pro-
Republican National Convention in Kan-
posed coal gasification plants are built
sas City for donations. The senior
and communities develop, some method
McKenna's Democratic opponent in the
of providing and financing services
would be needed-utilities, schools,
general election is Albuquerque attorney
Les Houston. Houston was second in a
health, welfare and social services."
five-man field in the 1974 Democratic
He says Indian tribes and pueblos are
lieutenant governor primary. Houston
jealous of their own prerogatives.
lost a 1972 bid for the State Senate.
"Tribes and pueblos would view a joint
effort at agreements an erosion of their
Bear Stearns, a Chicago utility analyst
individual sovereignty." Much Indian
firm, rates the New Mexico Public
tax litigation has been filed over the
Service Commission first in the nation in
years. But Montoya, an attorney, says:
"regulatory practices and the resultant
"The courts still have not settled the
impact on electric utilities." The New
Mexico PSC scored 90 on a scale of 100
prime issue of who has authority to
collect taxes on Indian lands. Some
on five 'factors of regulation." PSC
lawyers close to the litigation from the
member Gary Blakeley, Albuquerque, is
state's viewpoint say this is the only
the youngest state utilities commissioner
solution. Otherwise, we will have the
in the nation. He will be 28 Thursday.
legal morass that has existed for 20
Sign on a school bus in Santa Fe:
years."
"Carriers of the most precious cargo."
He has in mind property taxes on non-
There are a staggering 12,025,000 state
Indian use of tribal lands, gross receipts
and local government employes in the
and cigaret taxes. He sees no state or
U.S. and 2,881,600 federal employes.
federal constitutional problems in state-
Indian agreements. He would not create
a new state agency to implement his
proposal. The governor would decide
how to administer the legislation.
Sen. Montoya says: "It's not the kind
of thing that could be accomplished
quickly. The governor could form a task
force or set up some other approach to
negotiate agreements. The central
theme is that the Indians and state
would sit down as equals and work these
matters out as to who, how and where
they shall ha taved"
Farmington Daily Times
SEP
2 1976
Indian Viewpoint
an opinion
THE AUTHOR is a resident of Tohatchi. His commentary
deals with recent leases between the Navajo Tribe and
industry.
By GLENN AVERY
Our general counsel is what we need to replace first in
Isn't there a law on the book now that prohibits a closed
straightening our government.
session? If such law is now in effect, the tribal council, on
Remember Vlassis also had just given up the tribe's fight
the order of our chairman, is in reality in violation of this
for the state land near Aneth, Utah, that contains millions of
statute.
dollars worth of natural resources, just to save a grazing
The council has practically been conducting our
surface for about 10 sheep units yearly!
government affairs under such circumstances too long and is
This is what our chairman and the general counsel call a
being maneuvered by our chairman our general counsel
good deal for the Navajo Tribe.
George Vlassis in implementing many unfavorable contracts
Congratulations to the 11 members who voted against the
or approving leases that are very detrimental to our
new coal lease. This was merely another rush deal, a tactic
livelihood and welfare, socially, economically, environmen-
usually used by our chiarman and his general counsel.
tally, physically and, last but not least, emotionally and
Remember also the force majeure clause inserted into the
spiritually.
contract on the proposed Exxon lease.
The wise move that our chairman should have done is to
let the demonstrators bring their reasons for the
demonstration before the full council. There must be some
very strong reasons for the protests. The presentation of
reasons to the council may really wake up most of our tribal
leaders on their shortcomings in their dealings with some
large companies. This shortcoming was very clearly
demonstrated by the recent vote on the coal lease with El
Paso.
The new fears expressed by a Lou Crowder from the legal
aid department is actually without grounds. If General
Dynamics doesn't follow Fairchild in taking advantage of
our labor force by paying them a rock bottom pay without
any benefits, but getting the company fat financially at the
expense of the employes' disadvantages and inconveniences.
Crowder may be only another Larry Ruzow, a partner with
Vlassis' firm in Phoenix. They are strategically used as
connecting links between the administration and the
different companies such as Tucson Gas and Electric,
WESCO, Exxon, etc., in leasing tribal resources and giving
rights of way.
Vlassis' claim that the new contract is about three times
more than the previous one is without merit, because the
cost of everything has more than tripled in the past few
years. Even the supposed six million dollar bonus coming to
the tribe upon approval of the uranium lease (with Exxon) is
not extra money coming to the tribe, either.
This money will really be coming out of the royalties over
a period of years. If the council is S0 desperate to
consummate a coal lease contract, it should at least ask for
20 per cent of the tonnages at the mine site instead of a set
price of about 55 cents a ton. In another few years the coal
may be selling for $60 a ton and our tribal government will
still be getting a mere 55 cents a ton.
Vlassis' claim that the Navajo Tribe will be setting a
precedence for the other tribes to follow is a mistatement,
incomprehensive and calls for ridicule. The other tribes have
alert leaders to negotiate better deals. Ours literally gives
away our remaining resources.
Coconino Navajo Vote
Interest is 'Exciting'
By JERRY KAMMER
in preparation for this year's elections.
County Navajos must go to Pete.
FLAGSTAFF (Staff) - The interest
Eden recruited and trained election
Both officials said they became aware
of the Navajo people in the electoral
workers, while hudgins explained the
of the difficulty of translating their re-
process has added a new dimension to
difference between a pirmary and a
marks into Navajo. There are no Navjo
the work of two Coconino County elec-
general election the necessity to regis-
synonyms for many English words per-
tion officials.
ter. and the mechanics of completing a
taining to elections. and so the words
"It is exciting to see how much the
ballot.
must be conveyed in a lengthy process
people want to get involved and vote."
The county director of elections and
explaining an entire concept.
said Kathy Eden. director of elections
county recorder said they were some-
Hudgins said the narration of an edu-
for the ocunty."
times frustrated at being unable to un-
cational slide present she prepared
"They are extremely interested in
derstand a word that H being said dur-
for county voters ran 40 minutes in En-
participating in elections and are hun-
ing the formal session. But the fry bread
glish but demanded an hour and a half in
gry for the information our office sup-
and m utton stew. inevitable parts of a
Navajo.
plics them," said county recorder Helen
chapter meeting proved to be pleasant
Hudgins.
compensation. they said.
In Coconino County as a whole. 52 per
Hydgins said the visits to the reserva-
cent of those registered to vote actually
tion destroyed for her the old myth that
made it to the polling places for last
Navajos are remote and humorless.
Tuesday's pirmary. But on the Navajo
"They are usually reserved at first."
Reservation, where the desire to vote
SEP 1 0 1976
she said. "But after you've spoken to
must often be matched by a willingness
them and showed some interest. they go
to make a long ride on mist. e roads.
out of their way to make you feel com-
GALLUP INDEPENDENT
55 per cent of those re'
made sure
fortable and their sense of humor is just
that their votes we'
ed.
fantastic. "They love to kid each other."
Very few Navajob have asked for
write in ballots. said Hudgins. despite
Credits Samuel Pete
the fact that many are eligible because
Eden and Hudgins said the director of
they live over 15 miles from the polling
the Office of Navajo Political Affairs,
place. "They really seem to want to get
EAmuel Pete. was a tremndous help in
there and vote in person." she said.
introducing them to persons in the vari-
Visited Chapter Houses
ous chapters hwose help they would
Both Eden and Hudgins made several
need. Eden said that much of the credit
trips to charter houses on the reservatin
ofor the large turnout among Coconino
Ten Seek Window
Rock Board Posts
FORT DEFIANCE. Ariz. (Dine
Candidates from Window Rock in-
Bureau) - Ten candidates have filed for
clude Amelia Havens. a housewife:
the three positions on the Window Rock
Irvin Jones of the Bureau of Indian Af-
School Board that will be on the ballot in
fairs. Malcom Dalton. general manager
November. Two candidates are pres-
of Navajo Tribal Utility Authority: and
ently on the Board and the other eight
Thomas Kontz. minister of the Navaje
are running for the first time.
Bible Church
Wallace Hanley. of the Navajo Tribal
The other two candidates are David
Administration. and Peterson Zah. di-
Ray. operator of the Navajo Wrecker
rector of DNA. both residents of Window
and Towing Service in SL Michaels and
Rock. have decided to seek re-election to
Tommy K. Begay of Sawmill an emp-
the board. The other candidates include
love of the Navajo Health Authority
Katherine Hillis. an employe of the So-
All 10 candidates will run at large in
cial Services Branch of PHS. And Gar-
nett Yazzie director of the Navajo Fam-
the election with the three candidates
ily Planning Program. both from Fort
who receive the highest vote totals gain-
ing the four year posit on the board.
Defiance.
Montoya: Deliver for Tribe
Pushing
the
"he
delivers"
tribal economy that supple-
velopments on their land.
campaign theme, Sen. Josph
ments natural resource de-
answer on the touchy issue in
"The Indians should have
Montoya, D-N.M., said Satur-
velopment for the day when
San Juan County. The state
the same privileges within
day he has strong backing
the resources run out.
currently is taxing the
their reservations that the
from Navajo voters because of
"Sen. Montoya clearly does
mining of coal from reserva-
all he's done for them.
state has with respect to state
not want to do that," Schmitt
tion leases for the Four Cor-
public lands," he said.
"I've built roads, hospitals
said.
ners power plant and the
and the Navajo Irrigation
Montoya said, "My position
On the question of property
Navajo tribe is not.
Project," the senator said.
with respect to natural re-
taxes on non-Indian develop-
The senator added, "I say
The senator was in Farm-
sources owned by the Indians
ments. the senator said, "I
that before they lease it, they
ington Saturday to make per-
and held in trust by the
presume if they lease this
have the right to impose
sonal appearances at the San
government is that the Indians
Indian land to private individ-
whatever conditions they want
Juan County Fair and shop-
themselves should make a
uals, they should have the
to impose. But it would be a
ping centers and do ribbon-
determination as to what to do
privilege of taxing the
breach of contract if they were
cutting honors to open Demo-
with those resources. And I
leasehold."
to do it afterwards."
cratic headquarters at 905 W.
would respect that judgment."
Apache.
He was asked if Indians
The senator, for the last
On the same subject, Mon-
His re-election opponent, Re-
should have the right to im-
days, has been
toya was asked if legislation
publican Harrison Schmitt, has
pose severance taxes and an-
Schmitt, the former
should be passed clearly giving
implied in local news in-
swered, "Absolutely."
Indians the right to tax de-
astronaut, as being
terviews that the senator has a
But later, he qualified this
to represent New Mexico.
"passive attitude" on Indian
reservation development.
SEP 1 2 1976
"How can he say that?"
Farmington Daily Times
Montoya asked. "I've gotten
millions of dollars authorized
just for roads on the reserva-
Crows vote not to
tion."
He added, "San Juan County
has received close to a half-
renegotiate coal
billion dollars from bills I've
supported since I've been in
Congress. That's more than
By JANICE LITTLE LIGHT
Of The Gazette Staff
any other county except
Bernalillo and Los Alamos."
CROW AGENCY - The Crow Tribal Council voted not to
Montoya's San Juan County
renegotiate leases and permits of Crow coal with AMAX, Shell,
campaign manager, Navajo
Peabody and Gulf as introduced during a special session here
Lake Marina owner Charles
Saturday.
Hughes, said, "I don't know
Speaking in the Crow language in support of a resolution
how anybody in San Juan
to negotiate, a tribal member said, "There are many poor peo-
County can say he hasn't done
ple who need money, so we must go ahead with development."
anything for San Juan Coun-
However, a counter resolution to table the resolution to
ity."
authorize establishment of a 12-member delegation to negotiate
The county is the most
proposed leases with the companies, and allow the tribal chair-
Republican of all in New
man to seek legal counsel to reach an agreement was defeated
Mexico and a traditional weak
by a vote 252 to 227 after about one hour of heated debates.
Advocates of the counter resolution declared the meeting
spot for Democrats.
was in violation of civil rights and therefore unconstitutional.
Montoya's comments in
After adjourning the two hour meeting at 6 p.m., Chair-
news interviews referred to a
man Pat Stands Over Bull said that he was going ahead to with-
running fight with Schmitt
BILLINGS GAZETTE
draw the lawsuit that had been filed against the coal compa-
nies.
over what the two candidates
actually said about Indians in
BILLINGS, MONTANA
"I am going to see my attorneys on Monday," he said,
9/12
"concerning the legal aspects of a withdrawl."
a joint appearance before the
Date
One member of the tribe said, "A majority vote of the
Associated Press Broadcasters
council is the ultimate decision in tribal matters.
Association in August.
"The council has made a decision to continue with the
Schmitt said in local in-
lawsuit." said Urban Bear, a Crow Indian who is a lawyer.
terviews afterwards that he
"Officers serve at the council's will, and a chairman has no
and the senator have complete-
authority to do anything against a decision by majority votes of
ly different attitudes. Schmitt
the tribal council," he said.
Dewitt Dillon, who favored postponing the resolution,
said he believes Indians should
said, "This move is not anti-development, it is a move to stop a
be encouraged to make de-
big sellout.
velopments along certain lines.
"Without the suits, Shell would be mining right now on the
The Navajos, he said, should
reservation." He continued, "Ninety per cent of the Crows are
be encouraged to develop a
for development, but only if done properly."
He added, "The vote today means were going to do it pro-
perly. and not just leave it up to four or five men as it has been
up to now."
Something Moore
By Jim Moore
SEP
2
1976
Navajos Having Problems
Holbrook TRIBUNE
Retaining Own Culture
The Navajo Tribe, as well as the rest of the Native
A difficult language in- print as it is to understand,
American world, have been having problems retaining
Navajo is liberally sprinkled with many accent and
their culture and their past history along with learning
punctuation marks called glottal stops. Misplacing a
the ways of the now-dominent Western European civili-
glottal stop or placing an accent mark just a fraction too
zation and the rudiments of its sometimes overbearing
high can change the meaning of the text.
technology.
"People at the printing plant couldn't believe their
Fortunately, efforts are now being made to preserve
eyes during the final press run," said George V. White,
the past, as well as teaching the present and future.
special publications assistant production manager.
Many schools on the reservations are now teaching their
"They kept asking me, 'Do you really understand that
native languages as well as the English language.
language?' As I carefully checked the accent marks. Of
Recently, I saw where the Apache language, pre-
course I didn't tell them that I had been thoroughly
viously an unwritten tongue, has been compiled and a
briefed by Mr. Platero and had memorized his accent
complete Apache dictionary will soon be on the market
changes in the text."
for the future generations of Apache Indians to learn and
I find it very gratifying that efforts are being made to
use.
preserve our history, in its original form, while striving
Like other Indian tribes, for countless generations,
to construct a better society for all.
Navajo Indian elders have passed their language,
legends, and traditions along to their young. The Navajo
language is being used in the schools, but it hasn't
always been easy.
Mimeographed teaching texts often are saddle-stitch-
ed together on poor quality paper and illustrated with
Crow coal snub
dull, black and white, photographs. Now a new book in
the native Navajo language has been released through
the National Geographic Society.
Published by the society's special publications
irks Shell Oil Co.
division, a lavishly color-illustrated book about lion cubs
has been made available to the Indians.
Robert L. Breeden, special publications director
BY JOEL M. PEASE
Shell and three other fuel
commented about the publication. "We hope that this
Of The Gazette Staff
companies, AMAX, Peabody
initial step in the area of bilingual education will be a
and Gulf, have been attempting
meaningful contribution to Nava education, and that it
HOUSTON, Tex. Officials
to secure leases on the reserva-
will lead to an expanded language program for them."
of the Shell Oil Co. here ex-
tion for several years. Officials
Just in time for the new school year, 18,500 copies of
pressed disappointment and im-
of these other companies were
the book are being distributed to school systems in New
mediately withdrew their latest
unavailable for comment.
Mexico, Arizona and Utah.
proposal to obtain leases and
"This represents a major step in the Navajo effort to
permits to mine coal on the
The four companies are cur-
get the best education tools available for our schools and
Crow Reservation.
rently facing a lawsuit by the
teachers," said Paul Platero, associate director of the
Their action was in response
Crow Tribe, which claims that
Native American Materials Development Center
to a vote by the Crow Tribal
illegal methods were used in
(NAMDC) in Albuquerque.
Council last Saturday not to re-
prior negotiations for the leas-
"More and more we hope to tap the best resources in
negotiate with the company for
es.
American technology," he said.
those leases and permits.
The project was made possible by a Health, Education
Jack L. Mahaffey, general
Tribal Chairman Pat Stands
and Welfare Department grant to the Ramah Navajo
manager of Shell Oil Co. mining
Over Bull has indicated that he
School Board in Ramah, New Mexico, in cooperation
ventures, said, "For several
is considering withdrawing the
with NAMDC.
months we have had discussions
suit and furthering negotiations,
"We're delighted with the book," said NAMDC
with the Crow Indians which
but the decision of the tribal
Director Gloria Emerson. "This is the first time a
we had hoped would lead to a
council opposes such action.
high-quality book with color illustrations has been made
satisfactory new lease.
Coal mining on the reserva-
available in our classrooms. It should be of enormous
"We are of course disap-
tion would mean more money
help to teachers at kindergarten level and well beyond."
pointed that our latest offer,
for the tribe, but many of the
On a more modest scale; 1,500 copies of the same book
have been translated into Keresan, a Pueblo Indian
which we believe was a good
Crows are reluctant to approve
one, was tabled at Saturday's
the massive development which
language, for distribution to schools in New Mexico.
Printing the book in the Indian languages was an
"special tribal council meeting.
could considerably change their
intricate process. NAMDC sent the first Navajo
As a result of this action, we
lifestyle.
translation by telecopier to Sen. Joseph M. Montoya's,
have withdrawn the proposal."
D-N.M. office in Washington, D.C. where it was then for-
Another Shell spokesman in
warded to the National Geographic.
Houston said the coal mining
Paul Platero later flew to Washington to assist editors
situation "rests with the Crows
BILLINGS GAZETTE
and the productions staff in proofing and translation.
now. Any further action must
be taken by the Indian tribe."
BILLINGS, MONTANA
The spokesman also said
9/14
there would be no further pro-
posals at this time.
AUG 3 0 1976
GALLUP INDEPENDENT
Letters To The Editor
Police Article
Called Political
Editor:
said leaders wife. Bennett investigated
The editorial on Tuesday, Aug. 24,
the situation and found that the man,
1976, by your Mr. Donovan on the ad-
during his assigned working hours, was
ministration of the Navajo Police De-
doing his job very satisfactorily and re-
partment under the leadership of Mr.
fused to discmiss the indivual, stating
Lafie Bennett was just blatantly political.
that no one has the right to be the judge
Mr. Bennett, a very close friend of
of what a person does in his free time. It
mine, doesn't really need an Angio to
wasn't long after this that Bennett was
defend him because most of the people
asked to resign as head of the Navajo
that have had dealings with Lafie know
Police Department.
him to be a sincere capable and honest
The difference between Mr. Bennett's
individual when honesty and capability
administration is evident in the stories
appear to be so lacking under the pres-
and pictures that are current news in
ent administration of the tribe.
your paper. Lafie Bennett's people were
Mr. Donovan didn't point out in his
proud to be part of the tribe, both in its
article that Bennett had been called
cultures and beliefs. The current ad-
upon in the past to help organize the
ministration of the police department
police departments of the other tribes in
reminds you more of a political group set
the country. Nor did Mr. Donovan point
UD for the protection and preservation of
out the fact that Mr. Bennett had worked
administration.
very successfully with the previous ad-
Again, let me say, that Mr. Lafie Ben-
ministrations of the tribe and it was not
nett is too tine of a gentleman to be at-
until the current leaders took over that
tacked the way he was with no chance to
politics became such a major force in
set the recrod straight on what hap-
tribal affairs.
pened.
It is a fact that one of the current lead-
ers of the tribe tried to presuure Mr. Ben-
C. P. "Pat" Perry
nett into firing a Navajo policeman who,
2410 E. Aztec B25
it was alleged, was having an affair with
Gallup
Agree on kumors
EDITOR:
vation are being used by a few top peo-
We totally agree with your editorial of
ple of NASBA doing the very thing they
Saturday August 7, 1976, "Time for Re-
say are wrong. For instance, who is the
sults in Navajo Probe," put up or shut up.
president of NASBA and who is or was
We are glad that the Gallup news-
the president of Navajo Housing and
paper has spoken out on false rumors on
Development Enterprise and Navajo
our reservation causing mistrust confu-
Trailer Inc., Board east of Gallup? Yes,
sion. We believe (certain people on the
the same person.
reservation) have work with FBI man in
Watch out for these people, Mr. new
charge of Gallup cause this mass confu-
acting Director of Navajo area.
sion, without any due process. We think
Thank you, Gallup newspaper.
these same acts by these people cause
W. D. Noble and relatives of the
the plane crash in which three of our
three lost Navajo leaders.
young Navajo leaders lost their lives.
Steamboat T.P.
The school boards across the reser-
Ganado, Arizona
Joint
Is
Divided
By JERRY KAMMER
Hopi lands.
TUCSON, Ariz. (Dine Bureau) -
Hopi opposition to the mediator's
Adopting the proposal of a federal
proposal was directed most vigorously
mediator, Judge James Walsh of the
against the Jeddito Island proposal.
U.S. district court in Tucson has drawn a
Some 30 Hopis live in this area, and all
SEP 13 1976
line to partition ane 1.8 million acre
will be forced to relocate.
Joint Use Area equally between the
The Navajo-Hopi land dispute finds its
Navajo and Hopi Tribes.
legal roots in an 1882 executive order
A milestone decision in the long and
issued by President Chester Arthur, set-
bitter Navajo-Hopi land dispute, the line
ting aside 2.4 million acres in northeast-
GALLUP INDEPENDENT
will require the relocation of 3,500 Nava-
crn Arizona for the occupancy of
jos and 30 Hopis.
the Moqui (Hopi) and such other Indians
Judge Walsh was authorized to draw
as the Sec. of the Interior saw fit to settle
the partition line by legislation passed
thereon.
by Congress in December. 1974. The
Over the ensuing years, Navajos set-
legislation called for six months of
tied the outlying area of this Executive
federally-mediated negotiations bet-
Order Reserv ation in ever growing
ween the two tribes in a final attempt to
numbers. while the Hopis remained
develop a mutually acceptable settle-
concentrated around the three mesas
ment to the land dispute.
which they had settled for centuries.
Federal mediator Wildam Simkin
In the 1050's the Hopis initiated court
presided over the negotiations from
action, asserting claim to the entire Ex-
March to September last year, and when
ecutive Order Area. By this time the
the two tribes could not agree, Simkin
Navajos had effectively settled all of the
submitted a proposal to Judge Walsh for
area except for the 640,000 acres which
court-ordered settlement. Sinkin's plan
had been designated in the 1930's and
has now been accepted by Judge Walsh.
40's as the Exclusive Hopi Reservation.
With the parition line. most of the
In the landmark Healing Versus Jones
lands in the northwest and southwest
decision. the Supreme Court supported
portions of the disputed Joine Use Area
an earlier decision by a special three-
will be turned over to the Hopis. while
judge federal court. ruling that both
the northeast and southeast portions
tribes had "joint equal and indivvided"
will be made part of the Navajo Reser-
rights and interests to the 1.8 million
vation.
acres under dispute. The court said it
lacked jurisdiction to divide the land be-
The most controversial aspect of the
tween the two tribes.
partition is the establishment of a
After a series of Congressional battles
"Navajo Island" at the community of
in the early 70's. marked by bitter ex-
Jeddito near Keams Canyon. Mediator
changes between Navajo and Hopi lead-
Simkin suggested forming the island
ers. Congress finally adopted a law in
under terms of the 1974 legislation which
December of 1974 calling for a months of
called for forced relocation to be
negotiations. The law provided that
minimized "as near as practicable."
should the negotiations provide no set-
The Jeddito area. one of the more de-
tlement. the dispute would be settled by
nsely populated parts of the disputed
order of Judge Walsh, acting under
land,s, will be entirely surrounded by
guidelines set forth in the legislation.
MILWAUKEE JOURNAL
MILWAUKEE, WISC.
D. 350,005 SUN. 543,992
SEP 9 1976
Menominees Challenged
on Authority to Seek Funds
Special to The Journal
Wednesday approved the
had a legal right to request
Madison, Wis. - A state
grant, but agreed to ask the
the money.
agency decided Wednesday
federal Law Enforcement
Several persons appeared
to seek a federal legal decl-
Assistance Administration
at the executive committee
sion about whether the Me-
(LEAA) to determine wheth-
meeting to protest that the
eral funds for the State Do-
nominee Restoration Com-
er the restoration committee
partment of Justice for train-
mittee could legally apply for
restoration committee had
ing. of police recruits. The
never told the Menominee
federal anticrime funds.
state must provide an addi-
The committee, which is
people of the grant.
tional $826,600 to complete
the interim government for
The people don't know
funding for the program. This
the Menominee Indians be-
what this proposal involves,"
is the sixth year the council
fore total restoration to tribal
Phyliis Firouard, an attorney
has helped pay for the train-
status is complete, had ap-
for the Menominee Legal
Defense /Offense Committee:
ing program.
plied to the Wisconsin Coun-
cil on Criminal Justice
told the WCCJ.
Approved $44,000 to con-
tinue the Planning, Research
(WCCJ) for about $26,000 in
She said according to law,
and Development Bureau of
federal funds to pay for a
the restoration committee
the Milwaukee County Sher-
could not enter into con-
special consultant for the
iff's Department.
county's sheriff's depart-
tracts, such as the one that
The purpose of the bureau.
would be necessary to re-
ment
is to examine the organiza+
The consultant would help
ceive the money, without the
tion and fiscal problems of
train officers in the depart-
approval of all the Menomi-
nee residents.
the department, according to
ment and would advise Sher-
Because the residents were
a WCCJ analysis.
iff Kinneth Fish. The execu-
tive committee of the WCCJ
not told about the grant, she
Approved about $49,700 to
said the restoration commit-
continue a program to pro-
vide women inmates in the
'tee was not properly repre-
Milwaukee County Jail with
senting the people.
educational opportunities.
The executive committee
approved the project because
any funding for the project
would have dried up if action
had been postponed, accord-
ing to Andrew Newport, of
the WCCJ staff.
However, Charles HIIT,
executive director of the
WCCJ, said the LEAA found
that the restoration commit-
tee acted improperly in seek-
ing the grant the money
would be withdrawn.
The program received
WCCJ funding last year, but
hasn't yet been started be-
cause complete approval
from the LEAA is still pend-
ing. Because of LEAA guide-
lines, however, it was neces-
sary to approve funds for the
second year of operation
Wednesday or else the proj-
ect would have died before it
ever got started.
In other action, the execu-
tive committee:
Approved $500,000 m fed-
MILWAUKEE JOURNAL
THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC
MILWAUKEE, WISC.
PHOENIX, ARIZ.
D. 350,005 SUN. 543,992
D. 211,962 SUN. 318,839
AUG 31 1976
AUG 28 1976
Menominees
Traditional Hopis views
to Vote on Pact
Special to The Journal
Mditor, The Arizuna Republics
because the gods will not listen to the
Neopit, Wis. - The 182
From all reports that I have received
volees of greed and money.
striking employes of the
Menominee tribe's logging
on the Hopi snake dance ceremonials, I
This is why these ancient leaders of
and sawmill industry will
can way ito an these non Indians who
the Hopit object to the Smoki dances
meet Monday morning to
attended that they evidently behaved
put gn by the secular, nonreligious, non-
vote on a contract package
with dignity. and depency as guests of
Indians in Prescott.
hammered out in five days of
the Hopi traditional villages
As one said: "They should have the
negotiations this week.
If you were not aware, then we want
decency not to make money off our
The proposed two year
sacred ceremony." I am convinced that
agreement represents a com-
make it clear that there are Hopi
traditional deremonials put on by the
he is absolutely correct. These non-
promise by labor and man-
Indians are Ifke the Hopi council people
agement over the length of
Hopi traditional villages. They wish to
the contract. The union had
make it absolutely clear that they have
who are all for commercialization be-
squght a one year pact and
nothing to do with the so-called Hopi
cause they have already sold their souls
the firm wanted it to cover
tribal council who tried to make money
to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. And,
three years.
off these sacred ceremonies by their
it was these council people who an-
A joint statement issued
publicity in the news media.
nounced these sacred ceremonials to
Friday by the two sides in the
the news media so that they would
As a result of unauthorized publicity,
contract dispute did not dis-
harvest a great profit from them.
there was a crushing number of non-
close a proposed wage in-
crease.
Indians who invaded the villages. Al-
The Hopi traditional leaders and their
The six week old strike
mest teo many and this is of great
people are decent, honorable, religious
began July 15 by Local 4302,
concern to the Hopi traditional leaders
and hard-working people who would wel-
International Woodworkers
4n the village of Shungopovi. Too many
come all into their midst regardless of
of America, against Menomi-
people can also ruin a great event.
race, color or creed. All they ask is that
nee Tribal Enterprises, the
you respect them, their unusual ways
In addition, Claude Kewanyama, kik-
tribe's only industry.
and their desire to live in their own
mongwi (village chief) of the sovereign
Hopi traditional ways, free from the
village of Shungopovi, deeply regrets
harassment of the BIA tribal council.
that some of his people charged admis-
a sion for the use of their hemes around
The BIA and its converts on the Hopi
$
lands simply must learn that they have
the ceremonial plaza.
got to leave the Hopi traditional village
"These were some of the mo-council
alone and not to try and bring in
people and they should not have done
electricity, water and sewer systems
this. This is a sacred religious ceremony
when the Hopi traditional people do not
and must be open to all free of charge
want them.
b and I deeply regret that this has occur-
red," he said.
In any event, the Hopi traditional
leaders of Shungopovi, through their
IT
It's no wonder that the clouds do not
village kikmongwi, wish to express their
hear, he remarked.
great sense of appreciation to you all
The Hopi traditional leaders, of which
for the proper behavior that you display-
Mr. Kewanyama is one, are deeply
ed in their village on Aug. 21, and their
! concerned about commercialization of
sense of regret that the Hopi counch
any form because they sense that
people tried to profit from a sacred
money only brings trouble and ruin to a
ceremonial.
civilisation. But, more than this, they
CALEB H. JOHNSON
realize that commercialization will
Personal Representative of the Kik-
make their sacred ceremonies powerless
mongwi, Winslow
OKLAHOMA CITY TIMES
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA.
D. 98,191
SEP
3
1376
Indians deserve health care
THE EDITOR:
the Anglos in western, Oklahoma,
es just like anyone else. It hurts
The commentiby RWW of the
and as a result, the Indian has suf-
pur pocketbooks the same as any-
City (about an appropriation for
fered untold misery in discrimina-
one else but we don't moan and
tion.
groan over the fact that the gov-
Indian health care caught my eye:
RWW should read the health sta-
ernment sends millions of aid to
since I am a Native American Inc
tistics for the answer as what
people in other countries. That's
dian. I tried to forget it as the asi-
proportion of Indians will have
what RWW should aim at with his
nine ramblings of the ignorant buts
occasion to benefit from Indian
grumblings.
I must try to enighten this poor
health care. Quite a few non-Indi-
Medicine Herb Woman (CRC),
soul. This is the general attitude of
ans also take advantage of these
Clinton
services, such as Anglo women
married to Indians.
The answer to his question
Where do we stop?" is for him
not to worry because it will be be-
yond his lifespan.
When the Great White Fathers
made all the Indian treaties "for
as long as the grass shall grow and
the rivers flow," they knew that
they would never be able to pay
for all the land and minerals that
they systematically stole and
cheated from the natives. They
BILLINGS, MONT.
created the "100 years of patern-
GAZETTE
alism" because they coveted the
D. 44,000
Indian lands.
This health care and certain oth-
er commitments were stipulated in
AUG 25 1976
the Indian treaties and we mean
to hold the United States to their
word. "A man is only as good as
his word." The Ugly American has
tried to renege on all of his trea-
ties but today the Indian is discov-
Action Line
ering the laws and courts of the
U.S. sometimes work in his favor.
It's bad enough that the Indian
was "treatied" out of everything
but his very soul. Now people like
Action Line answers questions, solves problems, cuts red
tape. Call Action Line at 245-3071 between 8:30 a.m. and
RWW seemingly begrudge them
noon, or write: Action Line, Billings Gazette, Billings, Mont.,
Indian health care. People like
59103.
that should not make such com-
ments unless they know all the
facts of any issue.
I read in The Gazette this week that Indians who are
Incidentally, we Indians pay tax-
enrolled in the Crow tribe and live on the reservation in Big
Horn County are exempt from paying state personal proper-
ty tax. Is this same exemption available to other Indians of
other tribes and on other reservations. I live in Poplar on
the Fort Peck Reservation. L.I. - Poplar
According to the legal division of the State Department
of Revenue the U.S. Supreme court ruled in the case of the
tribes VS. Moe that the wording of the treaty between the
Flathead Indians and the federal government exempts them
from property tax. Other tribes in Montana have submitted
copies of their treaties to the legal division to see if the
same exemption is available to them. At this time, it has
been determined that the Crows in Big Horn County are ex-
empt also.
The Ballas Murning News
DALLA,
D.
266.63/
10,530
SEP 6 1976
Stamping Ground
Canada10
Canada to honor
Six Indian Nations'
40
DEUTSCHE BUNDERPORT
By H. ROWLAND
by Hessian soldiers at 10 for service in
The Iroquois diet featured over 40
the Thirty Year's War, has been
corn dishes with canapes of fried grass-
honored by a West German stamp on
Iroquois artifacts highlight
hoppers and an infinite variety of wild
the 300th anniversary of his death.
Canadian Indian series.
birds, animals, and fish.
The design features the fabulous
That is what fueled Hiawatha in the
creature with one web foot, a cloven
female-dominated "Six Indian Nations"
hoof, wings and the tail of a fish that
Dr. Douglas Hyde, the scholar-poet who
or "the old island on the back of the
was pictured on the title page of his
became Ireland's first president. Radio
turtle," an area of southern Ontario
best known novel's first edition.
of Ireland was among the first to broad-
and western New York where nine
A golden plover in its brooding
cast sporting events live.
tribes including Mohawks, Oneidas,
plumage provides the design for a 50pf
On Oct. 1, the African state of Malawi
Hurons and Onondagas welcomed the
stamp spotlighting Europe's growing
plans an issue of four values picturing
first British and French explorers to
concern for the protection of its game
railroad locomotives. On Oct. 22, two of
this continent four centuries ago.
birds.
the current bird definitives will be
On Sept. 17, Canada winds up its In-
overprinted to honor the centenary of
dian culture series with four stamps
A PAIR OF stamps will be issued Oct.
the Blantyre Mission which was estab-
picturing the artifacts, dress, symbol-
17th to celebrate 50 years of radio in
lished by Dr. Livingstone, the Scottish
ism and way of life of those Indians the
Ireland. A state-controlled station with
missionary after he discovered Lake
white man first met in Canada.
studios in Dublin was established by
Nyassa.
The stamps will be printed in sete-
nant pairs in 6-color lithography plus
embossing. Artifacts pictured include
two masks, one of corn husks; a turtle-
shell rattle; an earthenware vessel, and
a ball club.
BY TRADITION, the Dallas Stamp
Collectors Club takes a Labor Day holi-
day Monday, evening but continues its
plan for a bus jaunt to Oklahoma City's
Skirvin Hotel for the SPA convention
Oct. 1-3. Space is available for 40 per-
sons on a chartered bus leaving North
Dallas Oct. 1, and returning Oct. 3 for a
$15 fare. Call Joe Brooks at 742-930.
Park Cities Philatelic Society holds a
fun and games evening Wednesday at
7:30 p.m. in Patterson Hall on the SMU
campus.
Germany's greatest 17th century
novelist, Johann Jacob Christoph von
Grimmelshausen, who was kidnaped
The Julso Tribur
TULSA, OKLA.
D. 79,425
SEP
3 1376
Deputy chief position
Faulkner candidate
for Cherokee post
By BILL SAMPSON
Tulsa County Sheriff Dave Faulkner
today announced he will run for deputy
chief of the Cherokee Nation under that
tribe's new constitution.
Faulkner said he will retain his job
as sheriff. He is three-eighths Cherokee,
he said.
The tribal position is part-time and
Faulkner said he would not accept any
pay for it if elected. It would require
him to attend periodic council meet-
ings, usually one or two a month, and
to succeed the chief in the event of
death or disability.
Faulkner said he wants to protect in-
terests of the Cherokee people in the
coming Arkansas River bed settlement
that could mean millions of dollars to
the Indians. Bills regarding the federal
government's settlement with the tribe
are pending in Congress.
Faulkner said he also wants to suc-
ceed his grandfather, David McNair
Faulkner, who was last assistant chief
before statehood. The assistant, or de-
DAVE FAULKNER
puty, post has been nonexistent since
Tulsa County sheriff
then and until adoption of the new con-
stitution.
Faulkner said if elected he would
Cherokee Chief Ross Swimmer is ex-
prevent a repetition of past mistakes
pected to announce during the annual
that have embarrassed the Cherokee
Cherokee Nation holiday opening at
Nation financially, costing thousands of
Tahlequah today that President Ford
dollars. He was referring to tribal
has approved the constitution adopted
housing and business management
by the Indians at a special election last
scandals uncovered in the past year
July.
but dating back several years.
Swimmer also was expected to an-
"I would support continuing benefi-
nounce that candidates for the deputy
cial programs of health, education and
chief job and 15 council posts must file
social advancement for all Cherokees."
by Oct. 1 and the election will be sche-
Faulkner said. "I would work with
duled Oct. 26.
other Cherokee leaders to maintain
Others who have expressed interest
pride, dignity, honesty and integrity in
in the deputy job sought by Faulkner
tribal affairs. I want to restore the
are Tulsan Jim Gordon and Sallisaw
proud heritage of Cherokee leader-
Mayor Perry Wheeler.
ship."
Gordon, who led Swimmer in votes
Faulkner is descended from a long
cast for chief in Oklahoma in the 1975
line of Cherokee leaders, including the
election only to lose it in absentee
Rev. Stephen Foreman, Indian educa-
balloting, is expected to head a slate of
tor, and John Thompson Adair, onetime
candidates opposing Swimmer's ad-
justice of the Cherokee Supreme Court.
ministration.
Faulkner has no opposition to re-
Wheeler is a Swimmer-appointed
election as sheriff this year as result of
tribal councilman serving on an In-
his successful litigation to disqualify
terim body that has no legal authority
the two Democratic and one Republi-
ustil elected.
can opponents who had filed. The liti-
Faulkner is running as an indepen-
gation was based on. a new state law
dent candidate for deputy chief, aligned
which stiffens education requirements
with no faction in Cherokee politics.
for sheriff candidates.
The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, TEXAS
D.
.30
SEP
8
1976
Sitting Bull's relative
says everyone American
PROVIDENCE, R.I.
To the savage whoops and the
Cathy Catelain was weaned on Holly-
pounding of an Indian water drum, she
wood's depiction of Indians. She admits
tiptoed into the medicine circle and
she tended to side with Errol Flynn in
latched onto a hefty squaw who
the movie version of Custer's last
showed her the steps.
stand.
She stumbled through a few cere-
"An old boyfriend made a big thing
monial dances, then fled to the side-
out of the fact I descended from Sitting
lines faintly red in the cheeks.
Bull," she said. "He'd tell everybody
"When I get a good tan I look fairly
and then they'd call me 'Pocahontas.'.
Indian with high cheek bones and
Kathy is Chief Sitting Bull's great,
long, straight hair," she said, a bit
great granddaughter.
defensive about her pasty-white
Raised in New Jersey, Cathy became
complexion.
interested in her Indian ties five years
Cathy, 24, now attending Brown
ago. Now an Ivy League graduate stu-
University, said that, as she became
dent, she takes time from her chemis-
interested in her heritage, her only
try studies to develop her knowledge of
contact was a grandmother in Califor-
Indians and Indian lore.
nia who died two months ago.
Wide-eyed and thin-faced, Cathy
"I saved all her letters. I don't think
looked out of place at the Narraganset
she was much interested in me though.
Indians' 300th annual tribal meeting in
After all I was a long way away and she
Rural Charlestown, R.I.
had family close to her in California."
But they treated their visitor like
"It's nice to keep traditions and all
the Sioux Princess she would have
that bit. But it can go too far. We'd be
been a century ago.
much better off if everyone just
"One of Sitting Bull's daughters
thought of themselves as Americans.
married a Montana senator," she said.
"There's nothing wrong with being
"That took us off the reservation. I'm a
a doctor or a lawyer and still being a
direct descendant through the female
member of the tribe," she said.
line."
(UPI)
1 Crusade for Justice files.libel suit
Attorneys representing the American Indian
The mait, the filing of which was announced at
Movement (AIM), the Crusade for Justice and
a Wednesday press conference at Crusade
Crusade leader Rudolfo "Corky" Gonzales filed
headquarters, asks that the or genizations and
a $3.2 million libel suit Wednesday against offi-
Gonzales be awarded $3.2 million in compensa-
clais with the Connecticut State Police and the
tory and punitive damages and that those
U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.
named as defendants be ordered to apologize in
Rocky Mountain
The suit - filed in U.S. District Court in
writing for the transmission of the erroneous
Bridgeport, Conn. - results from a nationwide
bulletin.
COLO.
bulletin sent out by the Connecticut State Police
D. 214,490 SUN. 236,903
Department reporting that the Crusade, AIM
The suit names Edward Leonard, the com-
and Gonzales had embarked on a piet to 2x11
missions of the Connecticut State Police; Leon-
cop a day" coinciding with the beginning of the
ard Chapman, commissioner of the Immi-
SEP
2
1976
nation's Bicentennial celebration 08 July4
gration Service, and Rebert Money, chief
According to the complaint, a copy of which
investigator for its Connecticut offices
was made available in Denver, the false bulle-
According to suit, Money became familiar
tin has impeded the fund-raising efforts of AIM
with a "street level" rumor about the supposed
and the Crusade damaged the reputations of
plot to murder policemen and passed it along to
the two organizations and Gonzales and violat-
Leonard, who authorized transmission of the
ed their civil rights.
bulletin:
The Oreumnian
PORTLAND, ORE
D. 245.132 SUN. 407,185
SEP
4
1376
Optimism W4297F voiced on ending fishing controversy
Negotiations between Indian tribai
court after every Fish and Wildlife
mission, said he also is optimistic that
season set by Oregon and Washington
attorneys and the Oregon Fish and
Commission meeting," he said.
the negotiations might resolve the con-
fisheries officials is fair to the Indians,
Wildlife Commission have generated
troversy that has led to numerous court
John R. Donaldson, director of the
While the negotiations 90 far have
optimism among participants that the
hearings and decisions during the past.
Columbia River fishing controversy can
commission, described the talks as
been primarily between representatives
nine years.
be resolved.
"very meaningful."
of the Indians and the state, Steiwer
PAGE ONE Butting our heads against each oth-
said sports and commercial fishing in-
Gov. Bob Straub, in a speech Thurs-
Donaldson said the negotiators are
er is not only expensive but futile,"
terests would be consulted before a fi-
day in Astoria, disclosed the "delicate
trying to work out a formula for deter-
Steiwer said.
nal agreement is reached.
and vital" negotiations between the
mining what is a fair share of fish for
The impetus for the negotiations
state agency and Yakima, Nez Perce,
Indian fishermen and a means of involv-
was a court session several weeks ago
Umatilla and Warm Springs Indians.
ing the Indians in comprehensive plan-
in which U.S. District Judge Robert Bel-
Persons involved in the negotiations
ning for management of the Columbia
loni told attorneys they should try to
were unwilling Friday to disclose der
River salmon flohery,
resolve issues in the fisheries controver-
talls of the discussions, but they said the
"I'm enthused, Donaldson said.
sy. through negotiation rather than re-
talks are more serious and stibstantive
Jack Stelwer, chairman of the com-
turning to court every time there is a
than any previous ones.
disagreement.
Dennis Karnopp, attorney for the
Confederated Warm Springs Tribes,
In 1960, Belloni ruled that Indian
said he is "hopeful something will take
treaty fishermen have a right to catch a
place."
fair share of salmon returning to the
'What we hope to achieve is some
traditional Indian fishing grounds.
mains of management of the fishery
Since them, Belloni has frequently
without constantly having to go back to
been asked to decide whether a given
Another supporter of the group,
Melinda Rorick of the Native Ameri-
can Solidarity Committee, said she
flew into Oklahoma City from San
Francisco Tuesday night to "ob-
serve" the situation involving AIM
and the grand jury.
"The" reason our people are gath-
ered here today is to expose the ille-
gal abuse of the grand jury system,
by the U.S. attorney's office and the
FBI," declared another spokesman,
Dwain Camp, Ponca City.
Among the signs that were being
carried was one by a 3-year-old girl
which read, "Will my life always be
a harassment?"
"End grand jury abuse, support
Indian resistance" was another sign
being carried. Still another sign
read: "Stop FBI attacks on Indian
people now."
OKLAHOMA CITY TIMES
OKLAHOMA CITY TIMES
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA.
OKLAHQMA CITY, OKLA,
D. 98,191
D. 98,191
SEP 1 1976
SEP 1 1976
$200,000 offered,
PAGE
AIM supporter says
By Jim Bradshaw
A supporter of the American Indi-
pared to seek immunity from the At-
an Movement claimed today he was
torney General of the United
offered $200,000 by federal agents in
States," the letter said. "In addition,
Alamosa, Colo., in early August to
we will provide protection and
testify before an Oklahoma City fed-
whatever else is available to us."
eral grand jury concerning explo-
sives thought to be in his possession.
Mrs. Pritchett confirmed that she
indeed wrote the letter, but only aft-
Leroy Casados charged in Oklaho-
er she said the U.S. Attorney's Office
ma City that two agents of the Alco-
learned "that he wanted to talk to
us."
hol, Tobacco Firearms Division of
the U.S. Treasury Department made
Casados and his wife, who live in
the offer at the Alamosa airport.
Denver, had been subpoenaed to tes-
tify today before the federal grand
Casados, who is not an Indian,
jury.
make his statement at a press confer-
However, the U.S. attorney's office
ence in front of the Old Post Office
withdrew the subpoenas last week-
Building downtown.
end, resulting in charges by AIM
U.S. Atty. David Russell, when in-
leaders that the U.S. attorney's of-
formed of Casados' claim, said,
fice was merely harassing Indians.
Abuses alleged
"That's obviously ridiculous.
Several other AIM leaders were
"I haven't talked to the agents, but
called to testify before the federal
Ron English, St. Paul, Minn., was among
I can say that's ridiculous," he add-
grand jury last month.
leaders of the American Indian Movement who
ed.
claimed today the U.S. Attorney's office is ha-
Speculation is that the U.S. Attor-
rassing Indians. English, almember of the na-
Asst. U.S. Atty. Susie Pritchett,
ney's Office is investigating an al-
tional governing board, said he came to Ok-
who has been handling cases involv-
leged assassination threat against
lahoma City to examine alleged abuses against
ing AIM, claimed: "As far as the
Oklahoma Sen. Dewey Bartlett.
AIM supporters.
U.S. Attorney's office is concerned,
AIM leaders have strongly denied
that's absurd - a bunch of bunk."
the allegations.
At the same time Casados re-
About 25 sign-carrying Indians
vealed the alleged $200,000 offer, he
were on hand at today's press con-
produced a letter to him from Mrs.
ference, which was called to criticize
Pritchett, offering him immunity
the U.S. Attorney's office for using
from prosecution in exchange for
the grand jury as a "tool" to harass
testimony "for the government con-
them.
cerning the explosives known to
Several Indian leaders from out-
have been in your possession."
of-state were on hand for today's ac-
tivities.
The letter was written Aug. 16, aft-
er the money was allegedly offered.
Included among those was Ron
English from St. Paul, Minn., who
"For your testimony, we are pre-
said he was one of the organizers of
AIM in the late 1960s and currently
serves on the governing board of the
group.
Cont'd.
Host
Entelligenerr
D.
SEP 4 1376
MINORITY VOICES
Dollars Dwindling
For Indian Programs
BY TERRY TAFOY W 6297F
cultural programs for Indian students,
Director, Indian Child's Services
there has been an unexpected side-bene-
fit of Title IV, in the formation of the
Native Americans were guaranteed
Indian Parent Advisory Committees.
education. We paid for it with our land.
They have resulted in an increased co-
To assist in financing Indian education,
operation and consolidation among the
numerous resources exist; unfortunately
Indian parents.
most are inadequately funded.
In some cases, particularly in urban
In, 1972, the Title IV Indian Education
settings, Indian parents who did not
Act was passed, authorizing federal
even know of one another's existence
money for Indian Education. The $18
are coming together for the sake of
million given the program was impound-
Indian self-determination, the real issue
ed by then President Richard Nixon,
of Indian education.
and later released by a lawsuit in the
The problem has arisen, however,
spring of 1973, as a result of the com-
that more and more organizations are
bined efforts of the Native American
applying for the limited Title IV funds.
Rights Fund and other Indian organiza-
At the same time, Title IV funds will be
tions.
reduced for the coming year, and a new
Title IV in its broadest sense is an
division of it will be created for Native
effort of the federal government to help
American Scholarship funds.
subsidize Indian self-determination in ed-
Regrettably, Congress approved the
ucation, something long mouthed by pol-
scholarship, but rather than providing
iticians and treaties, but until recently,
new funds, mandated that the money be
rarely a reality.
taken from the previously budgeted
Funding through Title IV is primarily
funds.
available to eligible school districts, lo-
Indian tribes and urban groups are
cal educational agencies, and non-local
now realizing this means many of the
educational agencies (for example, Bu-
programs presently funded will not be
reau of Indian Affairs schools and agen-
funded next year. The competition will
cies supported or made up of Indian
be too great.
Parent Advisory Groups).
Frequently in school districts with a
small Indian population, the Title IV
Title IV allows a greater flexibility in
program is the only thing that holds any
14 the funding of programs than other
relevance for the Indian students. Tu-
sources of Indian education funds, such
tors, Indian instructors and counselors
as the Johnson-O'Malley Act, which re-
hired through Title IV money will disap-
quire statements of strict, "standard"
pear, since they were paid for with
academic responsibilities and objectives.
'soft money," rather than being a regu-
Title IV programs do not always
lar part of the school system.
have this academic stress because they
As competition increases, those who
are constructed by the parents them-
evaluate the Title IV proposals for fund-
selves, rather than by professional edu-
ing will begin rejecting proposals, not
cators. Thus Title IV can mention such
because they poorly represent the needs
things as "influencing attitudinal
of Indian students, but because they
changes."
may not totally conform to the techni-
The Indian Education Act emphasizes
calities of proposal writing.
Indian cultural activities, while the
Programs that are large enough and
Johnson-O'Malley money goes to fund
rich enough to have, access to a profes-
programs of a more remedial nature. It
sional grant writer probably will be the
is stressed that Title IV is to supple-
ones that will receive continued funding.
ment and not supplant JOM programs.
The small programs will suffer. The
The Act is available to a school district
funding crunch will hit the small tribes
only with the organization and supervi-
and organizations with few other re-
sion of the Indian Parent Advisory Com-
sources to meet needs. In other words,
mittee, which determines how to spend
those programs that need the funding
the funds.
the most will have the greatest difficul-
In addition to its support of Indian
ty obtaining it.
The Dallas Morning News
There's no, sense
1ng thousands of peop
DALLAS, TEXAS
she added. Court determina-
D. 266.667 SUN. 310,530
tions would be required to
resolve the situation. The de-
cisions would take months or
SEP 8 1976
years and might not nęcęs-
sarily be in favor of the Indi
Engineer fails to get congressional
ans.
But a case can be made, she
said, that if local property)
support for national 'Indian week'
taxes imposed ove the years
on Indian owned land on res-
ervations were invalid the
HOUSTON (UPI) NASA engineer
knew the lack of congressional support,
land could not have been
Jerry Elliott, member of Oklahoma's
was not apathy.
seized for nonpayment of
Osage Indian tribe, Tuesday said his 4-
"In May, Sen. James Abourezk
taxes imposed over the years
month effort to obtain congressional
introduced the resolution, waited two
have been taken, it thus could
support for a Native American aware-
weeks and then withdrew his support.
not have been legally sold
ness week will fail without quick
No reason was given, and my questions
the subsequent owners.
action.
were not answered," Elliott said.
Thousands of Acres
"For months, all our congressmen.
The veteran space flight controller,
Exactly how much land is
had to do was call the offices of Rep.
who worked in Gemini, Apollo, Skylab
involved is not known. In
Theodore Risenhoover, (D-Okla.) or
and Apollo-Soyuz missions, then step-
Wisconsin, it could be thon-
Sene Lloyd Bentsea Texas) and say
ped up his personal campaign to set up
they support the resolutions, that's
the Oct. 10-16 celebraion and education
sands of acres worth
all,' Elliott said.
week.
hundreds of millions of dol-
This celebration and education
"The Bicentennial really isn't much
lars, said John Wiley of Wau-
week is all positive. No funding is TO-
for the American Indian to celebrate,"
sau. He is director of Wiscon-
quired. There is nothing controversial
he said. "On the other hand, it has
sin Judicare, a legal aid orga-
never happened before that this coun-
nization active in Indian af-
about it. I can't see how anybody would
try paid tribute to the citizens who
fairs.
say they will not support it."
have been here considerably longer
An Indication of the scope
The soft-spoken Efflott, 34, has ob-
than 200 years.
of the issue, Wiley said, is in
tained the endorsements of the gover-
"The stereotyped and distorted
land inventory records for
nors of California and Oklahoma, and
images that this country has of Ameri-
the Bad River Indian Reser-
the mayors of Oklahoma City and Los
can Indians persists. It needs to be
vation in Ashland and Iron
Angeles, He said in at least one case he
corrected."
Counties. Of the 118,000
acres of reservation land, it
appears that 30,000 or more
may have been taken from
MILWAUKEE JOURNAL
MILWAUKEE, WISC.
Court War
Indian owners for nonpay-
ment of taxes.
Several recent court deci-
D. 350,005 SUN. 543,992
sions on taxation of Indians
are behind the question of
Possible Over
land ownership. The most
recent, a US Supreme Court
SEP 5 1975
ruling in June, declared that a
Chippewa Indian in Minneso-
Indian Land
ta could not be assessed a
personal property tax for a
mobile home he hauled to a
reservation.
property taxes. Much of the
Wisconsin Revenue De-
By Charles E. Friederich
land is now held by non-In-
Journal Madison Bureau
dians and has been developed
partment officials have vir-
Madison, Wis. - A wisp
with summer homes, resorts
tually conceded that Wiscon-
of a legal cloud is forming
and other businesses.
sin has no authority to levy
over ownership of thousands
"The implications could be
income taxes on money
of acres of privately held land
staggering," said Marina
earned on reservations by
on Indian reservations in
Shulstad, an attorney who is
Indians living there. The
Wisconsin, and the cloud has
an expert on tax laws as they
Revenue Department also is
the potential of billowing into
affect Indians. She is with the
studying implications of
a thunderhead.
US Interior Department's of-
sales, gasoline, cigaret, liquor
At stake could be millions
fice in Minneapolis.
and other taxes collected on
of dollars worth of reserva-
Long Process
reservations.
tion, lands that once were
It Is legally possible, she
But so far the state has not
owned by Indians but were
said, that the present "own-
reached a conclusion on the
seized over the years by
ers" do not really* own the
status of property taxes, ac-
counties for nonpayment of
property and that the original
cording to John D. Niemisto,
owners of their descendents
an assistant attorney general.
might claim it.
Contd.
Years ago, the Wisconsin
But these are state laws,
Supreme Court ruled that
and the whole direction of
reservation lands could be
the Supreme Court decisions
taxed if they no lenger were
has been toward invalidating
held in trust for the Indians.
the application of state laws
U.S. Seeking
But it is missible that the
to Indians living on reserva-
Albuquerque Journal
Wisconsin decision could be
tions. Whether these state
challenged in light of the US
laws would provide protec-
Supreme Court ruling, Niem-
tion to present owners is,
Liquor Sales
SEP 15 1976
isto said.
according to Atty. Shulstad,
Rooted in Culture
"an unsettled area."
The property taxation is-
Several Alternatives
By Apaches
me is rooted in Indian cul-
The Bureau of Indian Af-
sure, according to Wisconsin
fairs has requested additional
Judicare's Wiley. It dates to
personnel- to study the com-
By BILL HUME
1883, when Congress enacted
plex situation, determine the
legislation permitting reser-
extent of the ownership ques-
The Mescalero Apache Tribe should
vation lands, then held in
tion "and set the record
be allowed to sell liquor at their Inn of
trust for the Indian communi-
straight Including, if nec-
the Mountain Gods near Ruidoso with-
ty, to be allotted to individual
essary, litigation," Mrs. Shul-
out having to acquire a state liquor
indians.
stad said.
license, the U.S. Attorney's Office
"The whole concept of in-
It. is difficult to predict
argued in a brief filed in their suit
dividual land ownership was
how the issue might finally
against State Liquor Director Carlos
entirely foreign to Native
Jaramillo.
Americans," Wiley said.
"They regårded land as their
be resolved, Wiley cautioned.
It is possible that ownership
"The United States seeks a declara-
mother - and you don't own
could be challenged through
tory judgment from this court that the
your mother."
one or several test suits
Mescalero Apache Tribe has the sole
If the notion of owning
,land was alien to the Indians,
against present owners, by a
authority to license and regulate the
the notion of paying taxes on
class action suit on behalf of
sale of liquor through tribally operat-
It was incomprehensible.
all affected Indians or by oth-
ed outlets located within the outer
Local authorities levied prop-
er means, he said. Should it
boundaries of the reservation, so long
erty taxes, but in many cases
turn out that the Indian
as these outlets are operated in con-
the taxes were not paid.
claims are valid, it is conceiv-
formity with the tribal liquor
Eventually, counties took
able that some sort of claims
ordinance the federal brief,
over the lands by tax deed.
commission would be set up
formity with the tribal Fquor ordi-
Much of the land was sold to
to work out settlements, he
nance the federal brief, signed by
'non-Indians; counties still
speculated.
Asst. U.S. Atty. Ruth Streeter argued.
own other parcels, Wiley
Mrs. Shulstad said that if
said.
the Indian claims were found
The brief, on the merits of the case,
to have merit, "they will be
Fight Certain
argues the federal viewpoint of the
handled in an orderly fashion.
law, based on the facts stipulated to
In Wisconsin, the Menom-
recognizing the rights of all."
last month by the state and the U.S.
inee tribe elected not to have
^
Attorney's Office.
its lands allotted to individu-
als until termination of reser-
vation status occurred, so the
The brief cites several cases limit-
ownership problem is not
ing the jurisdiction of state law on
thought to be serious there,
federal Indian reservations. including
Wiley said.
Supreme Court cases which permit -
If a serious threat to own-
even in New Mexico- the sale by
ership develops, a well fi-
Indians on reservations of tobacco
nanced fight by the present
products exempt from state taxation."
owners can be expected. And
formidable legal arguments
"Note also that New Mexico's Alco-
will be presented against dis-
holic Beverage Control Act provides
rupting the status quo.
for imposition of taxes
the
There are, for example,
brief stated. No argument was made
state laws that embody the
concerning the taxes, however.
maxim that possession is
nine-tenths of the law. Stat-
New Mexico Deputy Atty. Gen. Tom
utes of "adverse possession"
Dunnigan said he had taken over the
prohibit challenges to the
conduct of the state's side of the Mes-
ownership of property if it
calero case from Asst. Atty. Gen. F.
has been fenced, farmed or
Scott MacGillivray, who is ill.
otherwise occupied without
challenge for (depending on
"I haven't started it," he said of the
the circumstances) 10 to- 20
state's argument on the merits of the
years.
case. He said he hadn't yet seen the
federal brief, which was filed Sept. 9.
Contd.
"It hasn't gotten to my personal at-
tention yet," he said.
THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC
PHOENIX, ARIZ.
The federal brief noted that federal
D. 211,962 SUN. 318,839
law requires Indian reservation liquor
operations to be operated "in conform-
ity with" applicable state law:
SEP 10 1976
The use of the phrase "in conformity
with" to indicate strict compliance
with all of New Mexico's Alcoholic
Beverage Control Act was not intend-
Redistricting studied to help
ed, the brief argued. "Conformity
means merely in harmony with and
not in strict compliance with.
Indians
The Mescalero case arose when
State Liquor Director Carlos Jaramil-
lo, on advice of Atty. Gen. Toney An-
aya, last year denied a Mescalero ap-
By BILL DONOVAN
For example, the tribe's largest com-
plication to move a tribally owned liq-
WINDOW ROCK. The U.S. Depart-
thunity, Shiprock, N.M. and LeChee, a
uor license to the Inn of the Mountain
ment of Justice is studying the supervi-
small community near Ganado, both elect
Gods.
"sor districting patterns of four counties
one representative to the 74-member
with large Indian populations in north-
tribal council. Shiprock has a population
The reason was that the inn lies
western Arizona and northeastern New
18 times larger than LeChee.
within the five-mile buffer zone of the
Mexico
The Navajo Tribe recently hired a
Roger Schwartz, an attorney for the
town of Ruidoso, even though it lies on
department's Indian lights division, said
California firm, C. Howard Wilson,
the federal Mescalero Reservation,
Thursday he is studying the county
which conducted a reapportionment
and is in the next county from Ruido-
supervisor districts in Coconino and
so.
Navajo counties in Arizona and McKin-
study for the redistricting of Arizona
ley and San Juan counties in New
voting precincts, to do a similar study
Rather than seek to purchase a high-
for the tribe. Tribal officials have said
Mexico.
priced Ruidoso buffer zone license,
that the reservation voting precincts
the Mescaleros persuaded the federal
The investigations to the
would be changed before the 1978 tribal
government to file the suit seeking the
elections.
judgment that a state license is not
required.
one the department eonducted 4wo years.
Schwartz and another Justice Depart-
ago in Apache County, Arizona, ,That
ment attorney spent Tuesday and part
Liquor operations without a license
probe resulted in reapportionment of its
of Wednesday in Apache County review-
at the Inn have continued under terms
supervisor districts.
ing the county's election process:
of a temporary restraining order.
The Justice Department claimed that
Apache County officials were depriving
the Navajos of fair representation by
"(Federal law) grants the tribe the
allowing only one supervisor district for
option to allow the sale and consump-
the 30,000 residents of the Navajo Reser-
vation while giving two to the predomi,
tion of alcoholic beverages within its
nantly Anglo, 7,000-population nonreser-
reservation and to regulate the condi-
vation portion.
tions of such sale or consumption
provided such regulation is in con-
Schwartz said the department has just
formity with state law, the brief
begun its new study and it will take two
argued. "The enforcement of (federal
months to complete. He said it took the
law) is a federal operation.
"(Federal law) does not grant the
State of New Mexico any licensing or
Indian rights division more that itwo
other regulatory authority over the
years and a court fight to get Abache
Tribeand it is submitted that this
County reapportioned.
court should issue a declaratory judg-
ment to that effect with appropriate
The investigation of the four counties
injunctive relief."
is. part of the Justice Department's
efforts to insure that counties with large
Should the Mescaleros win the case,
Indian populations have equal voter
it presumably would clear the way for
representation, Schwartz said.
operation of Indian-owned liquor es-
The department also is investigating
tablishments on Indian reservations
the council precincts 'on the Navajo
all over New Mexico, outside the
Reservation, be said, because of com-
terms of the state's quota system of
plaints that several large communities
issuing licenses.
are not gettim equal representation
Deseret News
SAIT AKE CITY. UTAH
State, Inderal and local gvernments can encour-
age maximum use of water by encouraging the
AUG 2 4 1976
transfer of rights from existing non-uses to energy
uses, by encouraging conservation of existing
supplies so more water becomes available, and by
developing new sources, Weatherford said.
Water theme: Share
Carver warned that it will be necessary to further
resolve Indians' general relationships with state
governments before addressing the problem of
compensation for water rights.
"In other words, I think that whatever is decided
By Nick Snow
by Congress or the Supreme Court about the rights of
Deseret News energy writer
the federal government with respect to reservations
PARK CITY Government and Indian
other than Indian reservations will be a starting
officials must work more closely to share scarce
point, but not a limitation, on how it will choose to
water because of growing demands for energy
deal with the rights of the Indians," he added.
development, three experts said today.
Carver also predicted that Indians will probably
The trio Gary Weatherford of UCLA Law
eventually: be compensated for their water rights,
School; John Carver, Denver University Col-
instead of having them replaced or preserved in kind.
lege of Law, and Dallin W. Jensen, assistant
"A third guess is that it will not ultimately be
Utah attorney general - spoke at a conference
possible to integrate the claims of Indians into state
on energy and public lands.
systems of water administration under the present
The conference, which began Monday and
state of the law concerning Indian rights generally,"
will conclude Thursday, is cosponsored by the
he continued. "As a corollary, I do not believe the
University of Utah College of Law, the U. of U.
federal courts will accept the task, for lack of an
Division of Continuing Education and the
acceptable theory for their guidance in the case law.
Environmental Law Institute, Washington.
"For these reasons, I forecast that a new and
"Multiple purpose water management is a
independent instrumentality will be created to hear
reflection of the fact that the resource contains
and determine all controversies with respect to
varied values for human society," Weatherford
monetary compensation for any losses suffered by
said. "Water has utility for potatoes, potash,
Indians to their rights which can not be accommo-
power, perch and poetry.
dated within state water law administration sys-
"Most values have been recognized through
tems," Carver said.
preferences in legal rules and entitlements in
Noting that states throughout the Mountain West
contracts. To change the relative position of any
are in various stages of revamping and upgrading
one of the values requires adjustment in the way
their water allocation plans, Jensen said it is because
the other values are regarded in the system," he
"the competition for water has never been greater.
continued.
"Not only must potential energy projects com-
Preference for the preservation of minimum
pete for water with other consumptive uses such as
municipal, industrial and agricultural, but also with
flows for fish and river runners, for example,
increasing demands to leave water in natural stream
can mean reduction in crop land, according to
channels to satisfy instream flow needs for recrea-
Weatherford. "Hydro-power production can
tion and fishing purposes and to protect the natural
mean foregone storage. Storage means
stream environment," he said.
shoreline camping and lake fishing, but it also
The western states are experiencing demands
means evaporation which means some loss in
upon the available water resources to satisfy an
utility of the resource.
ever-increasing volume of uses. The need for the
states to formulate and implement a coordinated
"The trade-offs occur not only between uses,
program for the allocation and utilization of their
of course, but between regions. Saline agricul-
water resources has never been greater, Jensen said.
tural return flows from an upper valley can
reduce or raise the cost of agriculture down-
Attention is presently focused on state water
stream, he said.
planning programs, allocating unappropriated
But, Weatherferd added, despite its new
water, completing existing appropriations, making
proper changes and transfers and handling interstate
prominence, energy is not a newcomer in water
appropriations, such as those caused by piping coal
demands.
on a slurry line from one state to another, according
to the Utah legal official.
'It has played a significant role in western
water development and management since the
"While It is true that some of these reforms still
turn of the century, initially through hydroelec-
reflect a piecemeal approach to solving water
production and later through the addition of
problems, nevertheless it appears that a number of
coal-fired steam generation plants," be said.
states are trying to stake out and implement a more
comprehensive and coordinated state water policy,"
The competition has stiffened, be continued,
Jensen said.
because "the rise in energy demand is
paralleled by heightened water demand for
other uses and values in the multiple purpose
family, particularly water quality, Indian
development and recreation.
Arizona Republic
Oct. 9 hearing planned
SEP 1 1 1976
Judge favors plan to divide
disputed Navajo-Hopi land
By BILL DONOVAN
TUCSON-Federal Judge James Walsh said Monday he favors the proposal sub-
mitted by a federal mediator to end a century-old land dispute between the Navajo
and Hopi tribes.
Before issuing an order to this effect, however, Walsh has scheduled another
Farmington Daily Times
hearing for Oct. 9 with representatives of the two tribes to discuss possible
problems.
The partition line, drawn up by William Sinkin of Tucson after six months of
negotiations between the two tribes,
SEP 1 4 1976
would force the relocation of some
3,500 Navajos and 30 Hopis.
Hogue Quitting
Walsh's decision is expected to end a
dispute that has been the subject of
Tribal Council
fights in courts and in Congress since
1962.
Burnham Chapter voted
Monday evening to accept the
The disputed land surrounds the pres-
resignation of Navajo Tribal
ent Hopi Reservation northeast of Flag-
y
Councilman Benjamin Hogue if
staff but is within the larger Navajo
he would agree to submit his
Reservation. Navajo attorneys have
resignation in person. Hogue
been trying for 14 years to get the Hopis
submitted a letter Aug. 25 to
to take a cash settlement instead of the
Chapter President Wally Davis
land. The Hopi Tribe has steadfastly
resigning the post he has held
rejected this offer.
for 14 years.
Both tribes have voiced objections to
Hogue's resignation follows
the Simkin's proposal. The Hopis object
the renewal of the tribe's lease
to the establishment of what they call a
with El Paso Natural Gas Co.
"Navajo island" at Jeddito, a small
for strip-mining of about 40,000
Navajo community near Keams Canyon.
acres of coal in the Burnham
In the proposed partition, Jeddito
area. The tribal council's re-
would be located within the new Hopi
newal of the lease brought a
Reservation but would remain Navajo.
flood of protest.
Simkin favored this part of the propos-
Hogue, in his letter, said he
al since it would reduce to 30 the
had considered the matter
seriously before submitting his
!
number of Hopis who would have to
be relocated.
resignation.
"The Bible says, 'A house
The Navajo Tribe's objections center
divided against itself cannot
on tribal officials' beliefs that a better
stand.' I have stood for certain
line could have been drawn, which
types of development, which
would have resulted in fewer Navajos
have been opposed," the letter
having to be relocated.
said.
According to the bill passed by Con-
"Burnham people are willing
gress in 1974, relocation will begin in
to work together, but as long
two years. A five year period has been
as interferences are made, my
set aside for relocating the families. If
term as councilman has no
they agree to move during the first four
useful effect for people to
years, the families will receive a bonus
progress," the letter con-
in addition to relocation expenses.
tinued.
The problem with relocating the Nava-
The councilman said he
jo families, according to Navajo offi-
lacked support from the
cials, is that there is no more room on
chapter.
the 25,000 - square mile reservation for
Once his resignation is
any more livestock growers. Tribal offi-
formally accepted, the Navajo
cials point to Bureau of Indian Affairs
Tribal Council will declare a
studies which claim that most of the
vacancy to exist and the
reservation is already overgrazed.
chapter may proceed with
The tribe is trying
election of a new council
outlined in the 1974 bill. :
member.
acres of land near House ROCK Valley
Paria Plateau owned by the Bureau of
Land Management.
MacDonald Warns
By JERRY KAMMER
and the Hopi Tribe have been "insensi-
WINDOW ROCK. Ariz. (Dine Bureau)
tive and uncooperative." MacDonald
GALLUP INDEPENDENT
Navajo Chairman Peter MacDonald
said the relocation program" could be-
has warned that unless the federal gov-
come a national scandal like Kent State
ernment and the Hopi Tribe show grea-
or My Lai."
ter concern for Navajos living in the
"We have been warning what the con-
SEP
16
1976
Joint Use Area, the plan to relocate
sequences of relocation might be,"
Navajos from half the area will face "a
MacDoanld said. "That was not idle talk
tremendous amount of resistance. and
to scare people. Some people apparently
maybe even a refusal to make any kind
believe that the Navajo people will just
of move."
pick up their sheepskins and walk away.
Charging that the federal government
That is not going to be the case."
of Relocation Resistance
MacDonald warned that unless
tribes. The plan would establish bound-
about these things?"
949116.
Navajo needs and concerns receive at-
aries foreing some 3,500 Nava jos to re-
tention. "we will amke a stand using
loeate from lands which would be turned
Donald said he has contracted the
every means we have. even if it means
over to the Hopis.
Secretary of the Interior and members
barricading ourselves there,"
About 30 Hopis would be forced to
of Congress. asking that relocation
Plan Would Move 3,500
move from land which the mediator's
commissioners Hawley Atkinson and
plan would give to the Navajos.
Rev. Paul Urbano be removed. Atkinson
MacDonald's remarks come after an
announcement from federal district
The plan will be reviewed in Tucson
and Urbano have had serious disagree-
court Judge James Walsh expressing
Oct. 9. in a meeting among Judge Walsh
ments with the only Indian member of
the commission. Robert Lewis of Zuni.
tentative support for a federal
and lawyers representing the two tribes.
whotold Atkinson last month he was res-
mediator's plan to divide the disputed
Mac Donald expressed anger that the
Navajo application for federal lands in
igning.
Joint Use Area equally between the two
the House Rock Valley is being delayed
Lewis Wants Indian Members
by an environmental impact study that
Lewis has submitted no formal resig-
will probably not be completed until
nation; however. and according to reli-
early 1988. Navajo acquisition of 250,000
able sources he is working ot have At-
acres of federal land was authorized in
kinson and Urbano replaced by Indians.
1974 legislation to settle the Nav jo-Hopi
Lewis himself has refused to comment
land dispute.
on his activities.
"This is typical of the process that has
caused us so much frustration, "Mac-
Donald went on to charge that
Donald said. "Here we are about to have
"the Hopi Tribe doesn't care what hap-
a court order forcing several thousand
pens to the Navajos."
people to leave their homes and yet we
"They just want us off the land and
have no place for them togo. This causes
have never tried to sympathize with our
a tremendous amount of anxiety."
people." he said. MacDonald said Hopi
Reassurances Seen Lacking
officials should show a willingness to
The Navajo chairman took a slap at
settle the land dispute "without requir-
the controversial Navajo-Hopi Reloca-
ing the relocation of such a vast number
tion Commission. charging them with
of people.'
"failure to work with the Navaj people
"Federal officials have said the Nava-
to ease their fears."
"There have been no reassurances to
jos must cooperate." MacDonald said.
the people as to how they will earn their
"Bt if cooperation means only that the
livelihood in whatever place they are
Navajo people will blindly take orders.
forced to go." he said. "The people fear
it has no meaning. The government and
they may be taken to this place and just
the Hopi Tribe must also be willing to
left there. What about jobs. schools.
cooperate with us. or we will not be wil-
hospitals, roads what have we heard
ling to cooperate with them."
SEP 1 5 1976
SALT LAKE TRIBUNE
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
GALLUP INDEPENDENT
Date
9/16
Indians'
BIA Suspends
Problem
Reviewed
Auctioneer
Discrimination
PHOENIX, Ariz. (AP) - The auction
against Indians exists in
duties of a White Cone contractor who
the Salt Lake City area,
sold $1.1 million worth of U.S. govern-
but the
ment livestock at 75 per cent of market
problem is
value to his business partner and other
more in
associates have been suspended by the
terms of In-
Bureau of Indian Affairs.
dian people
W.D. Baker of Jospeh City, Ariz., the
not being
contractor, conducted auctions at White
trained for
particular
Cone until last Sunday. White Cone is a
jobs."
Navajo settlement in the jointuse area
Reynold
north of Holbrook. The Navajos have
been ordered to sell their livestock to the
Harrison,
Mr. Harrison
new assis-
government to clear the range.
tant director of the Utah
Baker not only did the buying for the
Native American Consor-
government. but the same day sold the
tium, Ine., 120 W. 1300
government's livestock at auction.
South, added that this
BIA officials said Baker's conduct at
agency is actively en-
the auction was investigated and no
gaged in both job train-
further action was planned.
ing and job counseling
"While we have no evidence, nor feel
for the metropolitan area
native American popula-
any wrongdoing has been committed,
tion estimated at 8,000
siufficient grounds exist for people to be
suspicious," said Jose Zuni, BIA direc-
persons.
More Effective
tor of administration in Washington.
Zuni said Baker is still the contractor
"Our approach here is
for the appraisal function of the contract
becoming more effec-
`Hve," said the 31-year-
until it expires Sept. 30. He said Baker
old Navajo with ad-
has announced plans to bid when the
ministration and
contract is issued again. S
paralegal experience.
The cattle auction had been going on
Mr. Harrison, a native
almost daily for more than three
of Fruitland, N.M., has
months. The BIA and Baker acknow-
been working about six
ledged they did not follow the usual pro-
years as a paraprofes-
cedure of publicly advertising a federal
sional lawyer in the tri-
sale.
bal courts on the Navajo
Lynn Montgomery, assistant project
Indian Reservation.
manager in the BIA's joint-use area of-
Cultural Differences
fice in Flagstaff, said the government is
"One of the big prob-
trucking the livestock directly to market
lems of urban Indians is
in Phoenix and Cortez, Colo., until the
adjusting to cultural dif-
conflict question is cleared up.
ferences," Mr. Harrison
The joint use area office is responsible
said.
for removing and selling some $4 million
He noted that the Utah
worth of Navajo livestock, to open the
Native American Consor-
land for Hopi settlers.
tium, with 10 employes
and both private and
governmental funding,
has stressed orientation
programs for Indians in
the Salt Lake City area to
to prepare them to make
transitions from rural to
city living.
All Souls' Unitarian Church. He conse
tinued to contribute to magazines and
'Mr. Ware at time on
the board of the Family and Child
Welfare Services here. He was
ber of the National Press Club,
Civil War Round Table, the Army and
Navy Club and the Aviation Club.
He is survived by a sister, Mrs. Ed
ward D. Bement, of Cape Code:
The family suggests that expres-
sions of sympathy may be in the form
of contributions to Roxbury Latin
THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC
PHOENIX, ARIZ.
D. 211,962 SUN. 318,839
newspapers.
SEP
9
1976
School.
San Carlos Lake is closed
by hazard from dying fish
Leonard Ware, Author, Editor, Dies
fairs officer for the U.S. Information
Agency in Tel Aviv, Israel, in 1949.
He returned here in 1953 and served
at the State Department and then as
program director of Interior's Bureau
of Indian Affairs, until retiring in
Mr. Ware taught English and his-
tory at Marjorie Webster College un-
til 1969. He wrote a biography of Mrs.
James Storrow, a well known Boston
He also wrote brief histories of the
Washington Harvard Club, of which
he had been a board member, and of
By ROBERT L THOMAS
San Carlos Lake and lower Painted
to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to avoid
Rock Reservoir have been closed to the
pollution caused by the dead or dying
public because of the health hazard
fish and to prevent fishermen from
created by thousands of dead or dying
becoming mired in the mud flats around
fish, the Arizona Game and Fish De-
the lake.
partment said Wednesday.
civic leader.
"Already the smell of dead fish is
San Carlos Lake, east of Globe, will
tremendous," said John Artichoker, BIA
be closed indefinitely and Painted Rock
1964.'
director for the area, "and the deep
Reservoir, west of Gila Bend, will be
layer of silt and mud poses an addition-
closed for three weeks.
al problem to sportsmen using the
Al Guenther, wildlife manager of the
lake."
game department, said the Army Corps
of Engineers closed Painted Rock be-
Artichoker said old U.S. 70, a paved
cause the decomposing fish had created
road which crosses Coolidge Dam and
Mass., then joined the Springfield
(Mass.) Union as a reporter. Later he
became an editorial writer for the
During World War II, he served in
Washington, London and the Pacific
goes to Bylas, will remain open to the
as a commander in the Navy's histori-
cal Division. He later contributed to
the late Samuel Eliot Morrison's his-
After the war, Mr. Ware returned to
the Boston Herald as director of the
editorial page He took further studies
at Harvard and Colby College, includ-
ing Russian, and was named public af-
noxious hydrogen sulfide gas fumes.
public.
tory of the Navy in World War II.
The massive die-off of fish, involving
"The water level in the lake is now
mostly carp and goldfish, was caused by
about six inches above the dead storage
the corps flushing stagnant water from
and we expect it to reach dead storage
the upper reservoir into the lower
in a wek," he said,
impoundment.
Last week the surface temperature of
Last June a fish die off happened in
Boston Herald.
the man-made reservoir was 87 degrees
the upper lake and the condition wors-
and the oxygen readings had dropped to
ened until the corps decided it was
2.5 parts per million a few feet beneath
THE WASHINGTON POST
necessary to clean out the lake by letting
the surface, indicating a low level of life
the water flow through the Painted Rock
support.
dam, into the lower lake and down the
Gila River.
Jim Sprague, fisheries supervisor for
the department, said worsening condi-
In the process the poisonous water
tions soon will make the lake's fish
killed the fish in the lower lake. The
Sept. 23, 1976
undesirable as food.
three-week closure will allow the hydro-
Leonard Ware, 76, a former newspa-
perman, government official and an
author, died of an arreurism Sunday at
Mary Hitchock Hospital in Hanover
Mr. Ware, who lived at 3614 Idaho
Ave. NW was vacationing in New
England when he was stricken. He
Born in Roxbury, Mass., he was a
Unless a major storm occurs soon,
had lived here since 1953.
graduate of Roxbury Latin school and
Harvard College. He served as an
Army officer during World War P.
In the early 1920s, Mr. Ware taught
Middlesex School Concord,
gen sulfide fumes to dissipate and give
the corps time to clean up the dead fish.
much of the lake's fish life is doomed,
Sprague said.
The San Carlos Indian Tribe closed
On July 1, the Arizona Game and Fish
San Carlos lake Wednesday by erecting
roadblocks on all dirt roads leading to
Commission removed all bag limits on
San Carlos fish in an effort to allow the
the shrunken lake.
public to harvest as many fish as possi-
The closure was necessary, according
ble before the die-off began.
B8
N.H.
GERNED
WORLD
TULSA, OKLA.
D. 117,736 SUN. 193,984
SEP 3 1976
Board Tries to Avoid
Dual-Language Voting
I think they would be and I think it's
NS
worth the money."
By DAVID MACKENZIE
his presentation Thursday was the first
He said the U.S. Justice Department
World Education Writer
for the school board.
and Bureau of the Census have agreed
The Tulsa School Board Thursday
Dual-language ballots are required in
to review the survey, and that the plan
heard plans to circumvent a federal
a district when there is a minority
"is a little unique, because we are the
speaking a recognized language other
first political sub-division in the
law requiring election materials and
than English and where the illiteracy
country to take advantage of the bai-
voting machines in the Cherokee lan-
rate is five per cent or more, Fist said.
lout provision."
guage.
Fist said this situation does not occur
Besides an acceptable survey, a fa-
If successful, the effort would repor-
in Tulsa County but does in a small
vorable ruling would be required from
tedly be the first in the nation to avoid
part of Osage County that's in the
U.S. District Court, but Fist predicted
dual-language voting information, ac-
school district.
this would be "a formality."
cording to David Fist, school board at-
Fist wants to use what he called the
Fist at first used the figure of $15,000
torney.
"bailout provision" to sidestep the law.
for added school district costs in pro-
Fist urged the school board to join in
That would mean determining that the
vlding information in Cherokee, but
the plan along with the city of Tulsa
minority group in question - Chero-
then he said it may have been any-
and the Tulsa County Area Vo-Tech
kees - didn't have an illiteracy rate
where from $10,000 to $20,000.
District, two other government agen-
over five per cent.
"The whole tab for the election was
cies affected by the federal Voting
Fist suggested having a University of
$32,000," said acting Supt. Dr. Bruce
Rights Act of 1975.
Tulsa professor, identified only as Dr.
Howell, "and normally it's between
School officials have grumbled that
Bailey, do a survey in parts of Osage
$18,000 and $20,000."
that law meant unnecessarily spending
County in the Tulsa city limits. The
The board also heard a progress re-
thousands of dollars - they're not sure
survey would cost about $9,000.
port on planned improvements for 13
how much - on Cherokee ballots and
north Tulsa schools.
voting machine columns.
THAT COST WOULD BE SPLIT
Dr. Paul McCloud, assistant superin-
They noted that nobody voted in
three ways, with Tulsa being solely
tendent for research, planning and de-
Cherokee in last January's school elec-
responsible for the survey cost in
velopment, presented the 34-page docu-
tion and that interpreters provided to
Rogers County. Fist said the survey
ment, commenting, "These are efforts
help Cherokee-speaking voters provided
could be done before the next school
we've made over a year, and I think
no voters with any aid.
election in January.
we've made considerable progress, but
"There's no guarantee the results
I'd be the first to admit that we've not
FIST'S PLAN SURFACED RE-
would be favorable," Fist warned, "but
solved all the problems or met all the
cently at a vo-tech board meeting, but
needs of north Tulsa's schools."
One focal school is McLain High, the
target of a grand jury probe last
spring. One solution recommended
there and at other north Tulsa schools
is greater parental involvement.
BOARD PRESIDENT DR. HOBART
Sanders called that "one of the higher
priority items. Without motivation of
students by parents these solutions will
be only 25 per cent effective, if that
much."
The board went into executive ses-
sion to consider a personnel matter,
and was expected to hear a report from
hoard member Ray Conard on the
earch for a new superintendent.
Conard denied a report that only
eight applicants are left, four from
within the school system and four from
outside. He-said the number of outsid-
ers was eight until last week, when two
decided not to stay in the running.
Conard is expected to recommend a
candidate int the board meeting next
Tuesday p.m.
A
INDIAN NEWS CLIPS
OFFICE OF INFORMATION
202-343-7445
Vol. 6 No. 40
October 2, 1976
THE WASHINGTON POST
Monday, Sept. 27, 1976
Tribe Opposes
Sale of Land for
U.S. Flood Project
By Chris Shuey
Special to The Washington Post
The proposed Orme Dam is about one-fifth of the
FORT McDOWELL, Ariz., Sept. 26-The small
$2 billion Central Arizona Project, a plan to bring
avapai Indian tribe has voted to refuse to sell
Colorado River water into the arid lands around
most of their 24,000-acΓe reservation in western Ari-
Phoenix and Tucson. The proposed dam has been
zona to the federal government for use in a massive
designed to provide flood control for the eastern
flood control and irrigation project.
portion of the Phoenix metropolitan area, and to
Saturday's vote, which is not binding on the gov.
hold Colorado River water when ground water sup-
plies in winter months are adequate.
ennment, was 144 to 57 against selling the land.
There are 456 members of the tribe, which once had
The government will make the ultimate decision
on whether to build the dam. Secretary of the Inte-
hout 6,000 members on a 10 million-acre reserva-
rior Thomas C. Kleppe, who oversees both the Bu-
tion.
reau of Reclamation and the Bureau of Indian Af-
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation had sought to
fairs, is expected to decide around the first of the
year if eminent domain will be used to acquire the
buy 16,985 acres of the tribe's reservation for use in
reservation land over the objections of the Yavapai.
the water project. The government offered to pay
"The feeling among federal officials is that if
$33 million for the land, or about $73,000 to each
there is a large majority (of Indians) against the
member of the tribe.
sale, the government will begin looking for alterna-
The government hopes to use the land to hold the
tive sites," Tribal chairman Clinton Pattea be-
Waters backed up by the proposed Orme Dam, a
fore Saturday's vote.
offelong, 190-foot-high earthen structure that would
built near here. The reservoir created by the
dem would force the relocation of some 345 Indians
who still live on the reservation.
GERALD FORD LIBRARY
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR-BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
1951 Constitution Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. 20245
CHICAGO
SUN-TIMES
D. 536.108 SUN. 709.123
SEP 11 1976
Indians bureau
bill goes to Ford
WASHINGTON (AP) - The
House passed and sent to Pres-
ident Ford on Friday a com-
promise bill providing special
retirement benefits for certain
employes of the Bureau of In-
dian affairs and Indian Health
Service.
The bill would apply to non-
Indian employes passed over
for promotion because of laws
giving preference to Indians
for posts in those agencies. It
would not apply to employes
otherwise entitled to full re-
tirement benefits.
The House approved the
measure, 3 combination of
UP-136
House and Senate bills, by
R B
voice vote.
(VETO)
WASHINGTON (UPI) -- PRESIDENT FORD TODAY CAST HIS TH VETO,
REJECTING LEGISLATIO: TO INCREASE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR
INDIANS BY PROVIDING EARLY RETIREMENT BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN NON-INDIAN
EMPLOYES OF FEDERAL INDIAN AGENCIES.
IN A STATEMENT, FORD SAID HE STRONGLY SUPPORTS THE "OBJECTIVE OF
HAVING INDIANS ADMITISTER THE FEDERAL PROGRAMS DIRECTLY AFFECTING
THEM". BUT HE SAID THE BILL "15 THE WRONG WAY TO DEAL WITH THIS
PROBLEM".
THE MEASURE WOULD HAVE PROVIDED SPECIAL RETIREMENT BENEFITS FOR
CERTAIN NON-INDIAL EMPLOYES OF THE BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS AND THE
INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE WHO ARE AFFECTED ADVERSELY bY INDIAN PREFERENCE
REQUIREMENTS.
FORD SAID THE BILL WOULD PROVIDE "WINDFALL RETIREMENT BENEFITS TO
A RELATIVELY SMALL NUMBER OF NON-INDIAL EMPLOYES OF THESE AGENCIES".
THE INDIAN EMPLOYES AND OTHER NON-INDIAN EMPLOYES IN THESE SAME
AGENCIES WOULD NOT RECEIVE THESE BENEFITS."
FORD SAID THE PAYMENTS "WOULD SERIOUSLY DISTORT AND MISUSE THE
RETIREMENT SYSTEM TO SOLVE A PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT PROBLEM FOR WHICH
THERE ARE MORE APPROPRIATE ADMIHISTRATIVE SOLUTIONS".
HE SAID THAT HE HAS BEEN ASSURED THAT MANY OF THE MON-INDIAN
EMPLOYES WOULD HAVE "AMPLE OPPORTUNITY FOR FULL CAREERS WITH THE
INDIAN AGENCIES IF THEY SO DESIRE."
UE ADDED THEIR PROBLEM "SHOULD BE REDRESSED WITHOUT RESORT TO
COSTLY RETIREMENT BENEFITS.'
UPI 09-24 06:11 PED
BILLINGS, MONT.
GAZETTE
D. 44,000 SUN. 56,000
SEP
2
1976
Jobs, workers often
By JANICE LITTLELIGHT
Of The Gazette Staff
Putting the right man in the
mismtached
However, "I'm very glad to
be working here," he said, It is
right job may be the employ-
a good atmosphere to work in,
ment office's ideal, but some-
said Thomas, who graduated in
times skills go begging in the
"starting at rock bottom" by ac-
Richard Sutton was awarded
1972.
marketplace or are simply not
cepting a trainee position in the
a master's degree from the Uni-
But he doesn't want to be a
offered for sale.
area most interesting to her.
versity of Montana in Business
waiter forever. With experience
The result is either under-
A state Job Service official
Administration in 1974. He was
in teaching agriculture to farm-
employment or underutiliza-
in Helena said people with spe-
a trainee clerk for the city un-
ers in French West Africa,
tion.
cialized fields of education and
der CETA until two months
Thomas said he wants to return
Underemployment is the col-
doing work below their educa-
ago.
to Africa in the same capacity,
lege grad who waits tables, the
tional level are classified as
He said his is not "a hard-
but the Agency for Internation-
geologist who works as a jani-
"underutilized," and a person
ship case."
al Development (AID) requires
tor, the engineer who sells ap-
earning substandard wages or
"I just want a permanent
pliances.
working less than 30 hours a
job so I can stay here," Sutton
a master's degree.
Underutilized is the teacher
week is "underemployed."
said, "because the living out
So, he said, he will be going
who flees the classroom for
"Underemployment is a dif-
here is easier - not as much
to graduate school after he
higher pay in a lower status job,
ficult thing to pinpoint," he
pressure."
leaves Billings.
the scientist making a killing as
said.
He is a native of Buffalo, N.
"Many young people are
an insurance agent or the nurse
Y., and came to Montana in
leaving Billings," he said, "be-
who finds work as a secretary.
In the winter a construction
1970 as a U.S. 'Air Force launch
cause there are no opportunities
here."
Sometimes the job market is
worker is not underemployed if
control officer at Malmstrom
a Catch-22 situation. You can't
he works only three days a
Another waiter at the Rex,
Air Base in Great Falls for four
get a job without experience
Corby Skinner, said he is there
week. The matter of wages
and you can't get experience
years.
by choice because he is also
earned places him in a category
without a job.
There is no great demand in
going to graduate school.
with people who work 40 hours
Employers prefer hiring
and earn as much as he would
the outside world for his type of
According to Skinner:
someone with experience rather
experience, Sutton said.
"Doing well in school doesn't
earn in three days.
than someone with a record of
"I am now doing what I bas-
In a Billings department
have much to do with getting a
educational achievement, ac-
ically studied, and with the ex-
good job. But I don't feel inade-
store, a receptionist-switch-
cording to a 1975 Eastern Mon-
perience, I will be moving up."
quate because I went to
board operator who studied
tana College graduate.
English, graduated from Rocky
He said he will be getting a pro-
school."
"In the job market I was
motion with a 33 per cent in-
He recently received a con-
Mountain College and did work
competing with people who had
toward a master's degree is
crease in pay next month.
gratulatory letter from the col-
experience, and most agencies
The problem in Montana is
"underutilized."
lege president on getting
that the pay scale does not
straight A's.
filled openings with an experi-
Underemployment, accord-
enced person," said Birdie Rod-
equal the cost of living, accord-
ing to Clarence Nybo of the
The head of the BIA higher
riguez, who has a business de-
ing to the former Easterner: "It
state Job Service in Billings, "is
education office in Billings, Carl
gree, specializing in accounting.
still a little more predominant
is about three or four years be-
Vance, said: "The demand for
Now she holds a CETA
hind the rest of the country."
for women than for men. In se-
Indian people with college de-
(Comprehensive Employment
Sutton said one has to give:
lecting careers they have avoid-
grees is a lot greater than the
Training Act) position with the
ed the hard sciences where the
either the cost of living goes
Billings Indian Center as a
down or salaries go up. An in-
greatest demand exists."
flux of industry into the area
supply, and as soon as Indians
bookkeeper trainee so she can
According to Gary Lythgoe,
would relieve the two prob-
get out of college, they can find
gain experience.
a counselor at the same agency,
"Few employers in Billings
lems, he said.
jobs."
there is a higher percentage of
are enthusiastic about training
women in the labor market and
There is not enough industry
However, Indian Center per-
in Billings, Sutton said. "Com-
sonnel see it differently. There
people," Rodriguez said.
the number is growing.
She said she applied every-
pared to back East there is no-
are many who have just gradu-
With the rise of the unem-
where: Bureau of Indian Af-
thing here."
ated and are without jobs, ac-
ployment rate, highly qualified
Many college graduates do
cording to one who completed
fairs, Indian Health Service,
individuals go into jobs with
take trainee positions.
his education in June.
Montana Job Service, other
lower educational require-
agencies, and newspaper list-
A number of UM graduates
Some are employed, but are
ments, he said.
ings. "I made a job out of look-
wait on tables at the Rex Hotel.
in the "underutilized" category.
There are others who, like
ing for a job," she said.
Mark Thomas does, and consi-
A typist for one of the off-
Rodriguez, do not want to leave
Because Rodriguez wants to
ders himself underemployed.
ices at the BIA in Billings re-
Billings and must settle for
ceived a degree from EMC in
remain in the accounting field,
trainee positions.
June. According to the clerk,
and because she doesn't want to
"I'm here at this job as a mat-
move away from Billings, she is
ter of survival because there are
no jobs."
BIA relieves contractor
Hopis, Navajos
of duties as auctioneer
urged to vote
By TOM KUHN
against Steiger
The Bureau of Indian affairs on Thurs-
"The contract has been modified to
A Hopi leader has urged members of
day suspended the auction duties of a
separate appraisal function and auction
the Hopi and Navajo tribes to vote
contractor at White Cone who sold $1.1
function, to remove the stigma that
against Rep. Sam Steiger, R-Ariz., in his
there could be a conflict of interest or
U.S. Senate race with Dennis DeConcini.
million worth of U.S. government live-
some monkey business involved," Zuni
stock at 75 per cent of market value to
said.
The Rev. Caleb H. Johnson, vice
his business partner and other
He said Baker "is still the contractor
chairman of the Navajo-Hopi Unity
associates.
Committee, issued the call for Steiger's
for the appraisal function" until his
defeat after a Sept. 11 committee meet-
W. D. Baker of Joseph City, the
contract expires Sept. 30. At that time,
ing in Old Oraibi. Steiger sponsored the
contractor, as recently as last Sunday
Zuni said, the contract will be put out to
bill that established guidelines to end a
conducted an auction at White Cone, a
bid again. Officials said Baker has an-
century-old land dispute between the
Navajo settlement in the joint use area
nounced he intends to bid.
two tribes.
35 miles north of Holbrook. The Navajos
"Baker will not be involved in the
have been ordered to sell their livestock
Johnson was in Phoenix Thursday to
auction of livestock that has been pur-
to the government to clear the range.
talk to DeConcini about his position on
chased," Zuni said. "This will be per-
the 1.8 million-acre dispute. It was not
Baker not only did the buying for the
formed by a different individual."
known whether the two met.
BIA, but the same day sold the govern-
The White Cone auction of sheep,
ment's livestock at auction. Records
Steiger's primary election opponent,
cattle and horses had been going on
show his partner in a livestock dealer-
Rep. John B. Conlan, R-Ariz., had work-
almost daily for more than three months
ship was one of the largest buyers.
ed for repeal of the law.
when the newspaper looked into it. The
The "contract modification" suspend-
BIA and Baker acknowledged they did
Steiger carried the Hopis in the pri-
Ing Baker's auction duties was prompted
not follow the usual procedure of pub-
mary, but not the Navajos. and there-
by reports in The Arizona Republic last
licly advertising a federal sale.
fore isn't expected to get many Navajo
month that detailed Baker's associations
Baker said news of the auctions went
votes in the general election. It was
with the men who bought government
out "by word of mouth and telephone."
estimated that a boycott of Steiger by
livestock from him.
the Hopis would cost him about 200
He said everyone who showed up for the
auction had conducted livestock business
votes, since most of the Indians general-
BIA officials in Washington and Flag-
ly do not cast ballots in off-reservation
with him.
staff said Baker's conduct in the auction
elections.
was investigated and that no further ac-
Lynn R. Montgomery, assistant project
tion was planned.
officer in the BIA's joint use area office
in Flagstaff, said the government is
Arizona Republic
"While we have no evidence, nor feel
SEP 1 7 1976
trucking the livestock directly to market
any wrongdoing has been committed,
in Phoenix and Cortez, Colo., until the
sufficient grounds exist for people to be
suspicious," said Jose A. Zuni, BIA
conflict question at the White Cone auc-
director of administration in Washing-
tion is cleared up.
ton, in announcing the contract
Montgomery said the BIA will call for
restriction.
bids for the appraisal job Oct. 1. The
specifications for the auctioneer are be-
ing prepared, he said.
Arizona Republic
"Our intentions are that the appraisal
bidder will not be eligible to bid on the
disposal (auction) contract, and vice
SEP 17 1976
versa," Montgomery said.
Montgomery and his boss, William L
Benjamin, were advised of Baker's con-
flicts of interest two months ago. No
move to investigate the conflicts was
made until the newspaper made in-
quiries, according to government
sources.
The joint use area office they adminis-
ter is responsible for removing and
selling some $4 million worth of Navajo
livestock, to open the land for Hopi
settlers.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA.
Dallas Times Herald
OKLAHOMA JOURNAL
D. 243,524 SUN. 299,959
DAILY 62,000
SEP 9 1976
SEP 1 1 1976
Bill Tharp
Indian Bureau management
termed 'inadequate'
WASHINGTON (UPI) - A task
Why Indians
force analyzing the Bureau of Indian
Affairs (BLA) concluded Friday almost
Are Worried
`every area of personnel management in
the agency was "inadequate" and rec-
ommended a massive restructuring in-
WE JUST HAVEN'T been listening.
cluding closure of 12 BIA area offices.
The Indians have been trying to tell us ever since we arrived
The task force said a new organizational
that they have a lot to offer, but we just paid them no mind.
structure must be implemented to move
We misinterpreted their actions. The first missionaries saw
decision-making closer to the tribal lev-
them standing on a bill greeting the sunrise with open arms and
el.
jumped to the conclusion they were sun worshipers.
The report by the American Indian
Actually, they were praying to the Great Spirit, thanking Him
Policy Review Commission task force,
for the sun and beseeching his watchcare during the day for
manned by 10 executives from private
them and their family.
industry, envisioned an annual savings
The early missionary saw them pray before a buffalo skin and
of $122 million if the government adopts
jumped to the conclusion they worshiped the buffalo.
the recommendations.
Actually, they were offering their prayer of thanks for their
In its report, the task force concluded
daily food, which, for the most part happened to be buffalo.
there was "a notable absence of man-
White men, ever since have watched them sit a their camp-
agerial and organizational capacity
fires the greater part of the night and read no meaning into it.
throughout BIA."
other than that, possibly they wanted to keep warm.
"Decisions are made on a day-to-day
They watch them dance and think the exercise is as frivolous
basis with little long range planning," it
as their own gyrations at a discotheque or night club.
added. "Communication among the or-
We just haven't been paying attention.
ganizational levels is poor, as are agen-
Serious, old-time Indians are worried about the direction
cy-tribe relationships."
we're going. The white man said it was better for them to give
up their culture and quit teaching it because it just hindered
their entry into the main stream.
The old-time Indians realize they have traded their birthright
for a mess of pottage. The white man isn't going anywhere. un-
less he takes his eyes off the materialistic and gets back to
studying the campfire.
Archie Sam, just back from Natchez, Miss., where the white
man is suddenly becoming very concerned about preserving
some of the Indian heritage of the region, told me this week why
the old chiefs studied the campfire all night.
They sit and try to get themselves right with the Great Spirit.
SEP 11 1976
believing that the more of them that are attuned to His voice.
the stronger will be the prayers that ascend from their campfire
to heaven.
They can read in the fire if there is someone in the circle or in
Indian health
the dance who is giving off bad vibrations, and they will see that
person removed.
bill approved
Quickly, switch from what you are reading here and let your
eyes drop to the left-hand bottom of the page. See what Billy
WASHINGTON (UPI) -
Graham is saying.
The Senate has passed a
"
People are aware that there is something radically wrong
3-year $475 million bill to
with our world. Today, many have become jaded and tired of
provide health care for
our materialistic society, and hunger for something more. There
American Indians.
is a spiritual vacuum in the hearts of many people. and they are
The bill passed 78 to 0
looking for something to fill it."
and was returned to the
The old-time Indians know that their young ones. ridding
House, which passed
themselves of the old ways, are running after false gods.
similar legislation.
The white man does not study his religion as hard as the old-
The bill would provide
time Indians do. He would not sit and stare at a campfire all
funds to train Indian
night to give his prayers more meaning.
professionals and serv-
He scarcely takes the time to pray - and tries to keep it a
ices to provide proper
secret when be does.
health services to
He is off on a tangent and the old-time Indians know it. They
Indians.
worry for the future of their people.
U.S. Attorney Says Probe
Of
Tribe
Won't
Die
Vine
By HOWARD GRAVES
in Albuquerque, N.M., last
and 1975.
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - U.S.
July to consider information.
The first interest in possible
MacDonald has denied any
Atty. William C. Smitherman
That jury hasn't returned any
criminal wrongdoing on the
wrongdoing by his adminis-
says a federal investigation
indictments.
reservation came in December
tration.
into alleged criminal wrong-
The current federal grand
1974 from Dennis Ickes, then
One of those indicted and
doing in the Navajo tribal
jury in Phoenix meets Wednes-
head of the Justice Depart-
convicted was a staff assistant
government is "not going to
day to consider information
ment's Office of Indian Rights.
to MacDonald, who was
die on the vine."
from Tucson Gas & Electric
Ickes, who was based in
elected to a second, four-year
He and Justice Department
Co. officials on business rela-
Washington, spent weekends
term in 1974. His annual salary
officials in Washington, D.C.,
tions with the tribe.
and holidays in his lone in-
is $30,000.
also doubt that the probe will
The jury also may hear
vestigation, he said.
The 44-year-old Smitherman
be influenced by the Nov. 2
witnesses concerning federal
He left Justice last March to
said tribal financial records
presidential election outcome.
monies placed by a Navajo
become deputy undersecretary
are bad. He said because of
"The U.S. attorney's office
entity with a Beverly Hills,
in the Interior Department.
tribal accounting procedures it
and the federal grand jury will
Calif., investment firm in 1974
Smitherman and other Jus-
is difficult to tell where federal
continue the investigation until
monies have been mixed in
we exhaust all leads,"
tice Department officials in-
with tribally derived funds.
Smitherman said. "It's a conti-
terviewed by a reporter said
"It takes time to reconstruct
nuing investigation."
the probe is considering al-
the tribal financial affairs," he
1976
leged mail, fraud, embezzle-
said in an interview. "Our
He said, too, "A change in
ment, use of bribes to obstruct
the (federal) administration
investigative techniques are
interstate commerce and, in
not any different than in
won't have a deleterious ef-
general, criminal misconduct.
fect..."
Farmington Daily Times
reconstructing bank fraud or
Most of the investigation's
land frauds. We've got to be
There are some Navajos and
focus is in and around Window
careful of the character of the
non-Indians working on the
Rock, Ariz., the Navajo capi-
money we're dealing with."
nation's largest Indian reser-
tal.
Smitherman, a native of
vation who question how far
Smitherman said Tribal
Calvert, Tex., and a Baylor
and to what depth the probe
Chairman Peter MacDonald
University law school gradu-
will be carried.
hasn't been subpoenaed by
ate, said, "We've got to be
investigators.
They declined use of their
patient and cautious. but not
overly so. We build a case one
names in fear of losing tribal
step at a time. It's not how
and federal jobs and possible
intimidation.
soon I get it done, but that it's
done properly."
At least seven Navajos and
He said, "In view of the
one non-Indian have been in-
large amount of public money
dicted, convicted or sentenced
spent on the reservation and
as a result of the investigation
the methods of accounting for
by Smitherman's office and
that money, problems are
the Federal Bureau of In-
created which cause this type
vestigation.
of an investigation. It lends
A task force of two attorneys
itself to abuse."
from the Justice Department
Federal documents obtained
was especially assigned to the
earlier this year by a reporter
U.S. attorney's office in
indicated an estimated $443
Phoenix last January to handle
million in federal grants and
the probe.
contracts were sent to the
Navajos in 1975.
There have been two federal
Government sources said the
grand juries in Phoenix in-
amount may be closer to $500
volved in investigating what
million annually for the esti-
one investigator calls alleged
mated 150,000 tribal members
financial corruption in the
who live on the 25,000 square
tribe.
mile reservation in portions of
A grand jury was impaneled
Arizona, New Mexico and
Utah.
Congressional sources say
there is no federal office that
actually knows how much pub-
lic money goes to the tribe.
10
Monday, September 20, 1976
THE DAILY OKLAHOMAN
Executives Shudder
Over BIA Policies
By Vivian Vahiberg
Their prescription for the BIA
-"BIA internal communications
Washington Bureau
was, first, a major organizational
are poor
information filters
WASHINGTON - A group of cor-
change - climinating all twelve
down from the central office to area
poration executives took a look at
area offices, creating six regional
and agency operation, but it is not
the Bureau of Indian Affairs' person-
service centers, and making agency
discussed - it is imposed
nel policies and shuddered.
heads responsible for the adminis-
directives are often superficial and
trative effectiveness of their person-
"Almost every area of personnel
inappropriate. Almost continual in-
nel while making centralized groups
management in the bureau is inade-
ternal reorganization and changing
responsible for programs.
quate," they concluded in their
interpretations of Indian preference
create a rumor-intensive environ-
They called for a large scale train-
ment where many employees spend
ing and recruiting program, so that
Civil Service
excessive time generating or react-
the BIA not only attracts but grooms
ing to rumors."
qualified Indian talent. They called
-"Bureau moral suffers because
for more systematic attention to job
"management study" which will be-
of Indian preference." The study
classification requirements - mak-
come part of the American Indian
group concluded that failure to un-
ing sure individuals fit the jobs that
Policy Review Commission's evalua-
derstand Indian preference has
need to be done, and making sure
tion of Indian policies.
that the bureau is not over or under-
caused many problems and has
Here is what they found:
staffed.
led to situations where jobs are not
-"There is a notable absence of
The group concluded that output of
managerial and organizational ca-
filled or they are filled by people who
BIA employees "is very low" and
pacity throughout BIA."
are under or overqualified for them.
that the BIA has made "excessive
use of temporary employees."
-"Decisions are made on a day-
"Job catergories are being altered
to-day basis with little long-range
It suggests dealing with non-Indi-
to fit the applicant - being down-
planning."
ans adversely affected by Indian
graded when a competent candidate
preference by giving them limited
-"Nepotism, favoritism, and in
is unavailable and raised when an
some cases, tribal nowe determine
appointments or special projects,
hiring practices. Vacancies are filled
administrator wants to provide a re-
making them personnel, budget or
too slowly."
ward without justification."
management specialists.
-"Management is often 'autocrat-
The study was done by a group of
The study group noted that many
volunteer executives from industry,
other studies have been done on the
ic' or 'dicttorial.' Employee input is
business and academia. It was Okla-
BIA - and few of the recommenda-
not solicitied and, if volunteered, re-
mains unanswered."
homa Sen. Dewey Bartlett's persist-
tions implemented. So, to make sure
-"Training activities are inade-
ence which caused the management
its recommendations don't follow the
quate at all levels and do not meet
study. A similar study had been
same course, the group asked Con-
made of the Oklahoma state govern-
gress for a law setting up a special
BIA needs. As a result, many under-
developed and underutilized employ-
ment when Bartlett was governor,
office within the Office of Manage-
and he insisted that such a study be
ment and Budget to oversee imple-
ees operate marginally and mishan-
made of the BIA or he would not ap-
mentation of the recommendations.
dle their assignments
manage-
ment intern programs for Indians
prove formation of the policy review
commission.
and meaningful employee orienta-
tion programs are practically nonex-
Members of the stuy group includ-
istent.
ed persons from Honeywell, Inc.,
-"Training deficiences at the su-
Dow Chemical Co., Phillips Petrole-
perintendent level result in quasi-po-
um Co., JC Penny Co., Carnation
litical and political appointees, mak-
Co., Colt Industries, Wiyot, Union
ing functional effectiveness acciden-
Carbide Corp. and the University of
Arizona.
tal."
BILLINGS, MONT.
GAZETTE
D. 44,000 SUN. 56,000
AUG 29 1976
Newspapers debate right to run for office
By CHARLES S. JOHNSON
Of The Gazette State Bureau
CUT BANK - Should an Indian who is not subject to state
Leo Kennerly Jr.
taxes or courts be allowed to vote in state elections and run for
seeks House seat
office?
from Glacier
The Cut Bank weekly newspaper asked this provocative
County, but
question earlier this summer. It quickly triggered a war of
some question
words with the rival weekly in Browning on the Blackfeet Indi-
an Reservation on the opposite end of Glacier County in north-
his right to
ern Montana.
office because
In many ways these two small newspapers are the voices
he's an Indian.
for their communities and reveal the many differences that sep-
arate them even though they are only 35 miles apart.
The Cut Bank Pioneer Press, edited by J. Riley Johnson,
serves mainly the eastern, non-Indian portion of the county (al-
find it "threatening that a state with 5 per cent Indian popula-
though he recently hired a correspondent in Browning).
tion should have some Indian representation in the state legisla-
In Browning, the Glacier Reporter, run by Larry D. Miles,
ture
is aimed for the most part at Indians living on the reservation.
But the Cut Bank editor raised another question and sug-
Johnson raised the emotional issue in an editorial in June
gested turning the tables: "Can a white man run for the Black-
after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states do not have the
feet Tribal Council?"
right to tax Indians living on reservations. He then zeroed in on
Miles responded that Johnson apparenty did not appre-
a specific example close to home - Leo M. Kennerly Jr., a
ciate "the difference between state government and a private
Blackfeet Indian from Browning and the Democratic nominee
corporation."
for the House of Representatives from Dist. 14.
Johnson, a former executive secretary of the Montana Re-
"Can he serve in the legislature and pass judgment on
publican party, said in an interview that he did not advocate
state matters if he is not a citizen of that state?" the editorial
preventing reservation Indians from voting or seeking office.
asked. "That is, he is not a taxpayer or subject to that state's
laws."
Miles fired back through his Browning paper, blasting
Johnson's editorial as "nonsense" and adding: "His thinking
BILLINGS GAZETTE
that one should not be able to vote or run for office unless he
pays taxes represents the kind of antediluvian thinking upon
BILLINGS, MONTANA
which the poll tax was predicated."
Date
9/22
The Browning editor, who is not an Indian, said he didn't
Cheyenne will study Navajo coal effects
By BEVERLY BADHORSE
The 40, including 10 Busby High
group will explore alternate economic
Special to The Gazette
School students. were chosen from 81
developments.
applicants. The school intends to con-
Visits are planned to a Navajo
LAME DEER - Forty Northern
duct student body panel discussions at
food cooperative, a wood-processing
Cheyenne are going next week on a 10-
the end of the tour and is supplying
plant, a uranium mine, a massive irri-
day tour to see what coal development
chaperones and a bus.
gation project and an arts and crafts co-
has done for - or to - the Navajo re-
Purpose of the tour, which is co-
operative.
servation.
sponsored by the Research Project, is
"We plan to steer clear of officials
The trip carries six college credits
to "better prepare Northern Cheyennes
and tribal councilmen and talk with the
through Navajo Community College
for an informed decision concerning
Navajo and Hopi families living in the
and will be conducted as a seminar in
their future.'
area of mining and power plant opera-
tribal economics by Susan Braine, publ-
In addition to on-site visits to the
tions," said Susan Braine.
ic information officer of the Northern
Peabody Coal Co.'s Black Mesa mine
The group will leave Sept. 29 and
Cheyenne Research Project.
and the Four Corners power plant, the
return Oct. 8.
Oregon Journal
PORTLAND, ORE.
D. 139,332 SAT. 131,534
SEP 10 1976
Proposed W6897F BIA Closure Gets
Mixed Reception Here
A businessmen's task force recom-
Sister Francella Griggs, executive di-
mendation that $122 million be saved
rector of the Urban Indian Program and
by closing the Bureau of Indian Affair's
herself part Indian, admitted the news
12 area offices - including Portland's
"tickled" her.
- has been met with mixed feelings
"The reason we - and similar pro-
here.
grams in most major citles - are in
The report of the American Indian
existence is that the BIA didn't do its
Policy Review Commission Task Force,
job. If it had, people would have stayed
manned by 10 executives from private
Industry, said in Washington, D.C. that
on the reservations, if the jobs and edu-
almost every area of personal manage-
cation they wanted had been there -
ment in the government agency was
and so many reservations wouldn't
"inadequate."
have been closed," Sister Griggs told
The task force recommended a mas-
The Journal.
sive restructuring of the BIA, including
"I'm not antl-fed, but I am against
closing the 12 offices and opening six
the way things have functioned for the
regional service centers In an attempt to
Indians. If we could have the money the
move decision making closer to the trib-
BIA has gotten all these years, the Indi-
an people would have gotten the train-
al level.
ing they needed," she added.
Director of the local BIA office,
"I agree that they've been spending a
which serves more than 30,000 Indians
lot and not getting much done."
of 41 tribes in Oregon, Washington and
Established by Congress early In
Idaho, said the move would take BIA
1975, the review commission found the
authorities farther from the Indian peo-
BIA guilty of making no long range
ple.
plans, poor inter-agency communica-
But the Urban Indian Program, set up
tion, and too strict control of daily Indi-
three years ago "to do the job the BIA
wasn't doing," called the recommenda-
an life.
tion a step in the right direction.
"Every tribal decision throughout the
"I haven't seen the report so It's pre-
United States is subject to BIA veto,
cipitous to say anthing, but if we're to
every decison," said the commission's
offer better service, then the closer we
chairman, Sen. James Abourezk,
are to the reservations, the better," said
D.-S.D.
Francis Briscoe, BIA area director based
"That has to stop and the Indians
in Portland.
must make their own decisions," he
Refuting the notion of paternalism on
said in announcing the 59-page report.
the part of the Bureau of Indian Affairs,
The final report to Congress is due next
Briscoe said Indian-BIA business could
February.
be slowed down "if we have to take
The 12 BIA offices are located in
back to the seat of government matters
Portland; Billings, Mont.; Juneau, Aias-
which don't necessarily require a top
ka; Aberdeen, S.D.; Albuquerque, N.M.;
level decision."
Anadarko, Okla.; Minneapolis, Minn.;
He added, however, that "we can ad-
Muskogee, Okla.; Window Rock, Ariz.;
FORD
just ourselves to the tune of the times
Phoenix, Ariz.; Sacramento, Calif., and
- we want what's best for the Indian
Washington D.C.
community."
MILWAUKEE SENTINEL
The Inlsa Tribune
MILWAUKEE, WISC.
TULSA, OKLA.
D. 180,349
D. 79,425
SEP 16 1976
[SEP 15 1976
For Arkansas riverbed
'Audit Not Unique'
U.S. advised to make
To The Sentinel:
In recent weeks news sto-
ries and editorials have ap-
restitution to Indians
peared relative to the prob-
lems of the Lac Courte Or-
ielles band of the Chippewa
tribe and the involvement of
By BILL SAMPSON
Congressional consideration of the con-
my office in seeking their
The Department of Interior has ad-
struction of the Arkansas River naviga-
resolution. While I do not
vised Congress to make restitution to
tion system, the Secretary of the Interi-
take issue with the specific
Oklahoma Indians for having taken the
or's trust obligation to protect the prop-
stories as published, I must
Arkansas River bed for dam sites and
erty interests of Indian tribes would
point out that the matters
a navigation channel.
have compelled a request for legisla-
tion to compensate the Choctaw, Chick-
which have appeared in print
The department's advice is an impor-
may have unintentionally
tant legal step toward settling the own-
asaw and Cherokee Nations for the de-
ership matter with the Cherokee, Choc-
struction of their property interests in
produced an impression
the Arkansas River bed.
which is not totally accurate
taw and Chickasaw Indians who proved
their title to the river bed in a 1970 U.S.
"The enactment of the subject bill
and may have served to ob-
will be the first step in making such
scure the major issues in-
Supreme Court case. Since then the
volved.
property involved has been appraised
restitution to the three Indian nations."
at $177 million.
The stretch of the river in question is
First, I do not make, nor
The legal advice to the legislative
between Muskogee and Ft. Smith, Ark.
have I ever made, any allega-
counsel of the Congress was written by
BARNES CITED two examples of
tlons of wrongdoing relative
Duard R. Barnes, acting associate so-
legislation to support his opinion. One
to the operation of the Lac
licitor of the Interior Department's
was a 1944 act to pay the Cheyenne
Courte Orielles financial af-
Bureau of Indian Affairs.
River Sioux for loss of property in the
fairs; nor did I single out
The Congressional counsel had asked
Missouri River bed in connection with
Tribal Chairman Odrick Bak-
Barnes for an opinion about bills pend-
construction of Oahe Dam. The other
er for personal criticism.
ing before both the House and Senate
was a 1946 act paying Indians on the
If reference is made to sim-
authorizing the Secretary of Interior to
Fort Berthold Reservation for property
llar situations involving Indi-
meet with the tribes to consider restitu-
loss due to construction of the Garrison
an tribes, it can be seen that a
tion.
Dam on the Missouri River.
call for an audit of the Lac
AFTER RECEIVING the history of
Barnes' opinion indicates the federal
Courte Orielles is not unique.
the case, which shows the Corps of En-
government, particularly the Secretary
Therefore, it should not pro-
gineers constructed the dams and chan-
of Interior, was mistaken in a letter
duce a predisposition that
nel without determining ownership of
dated March 28, 1908, declaring the
there was wrongdoing on the
the river bed and without consulting
Cherokee Nation was not entitled to
part of anyone, since it is fre-
the Indians, Barnes wrote:
royalties for excavation of sand and
quently found that tribal
"I firmly believe that if the Supreme
gravel in the navigable portion of the
problems merely reflect the
Court's pronouncement has preceded
Arkansas because after 1907 the "equal
inadequacies of the federal
footing doctrine" of new states vested
system under which the
title to the river in the state of Okla-
tribes operate. If, in fact, any
homa.
fiscal procedures on Indian
That letter established a policy which
reservations around the coun-
was contrary to the Cherokees' treaty
try are inadequate, that is
of 1828 with the United States which
more of a reflection on the
gave them a fee simple title to their
Bureau of Indian Affairs and
northeast Oklahoma lands and to an
other federal agencies that
1838 patent confirming that title issued
by President Van Buren.
grant funds for Indian pro-
grams and have correspond-
Completion of this legal step by
ing oversight responsibilities
Barnes has given rise to speculation
the bills could be enacted into law dur-
to see that the funds are
properly spent.
ing the current session of Congress.
The money matters which
have received notoriety are
merely a fragment of the to-
tal plcture. The several con-
troversies involving the Lac
Courte Orellles Indian Reser-
vation are more complex and
serious than the public can
fully understand based on
published information.
Clont'd
THE MINNEAPOLIS
STAR
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.
D. 253,491
SEP 9 1975
AIM leader's banishment
PAGE ONE
from reservation lifted
By RANDY FURST
Minneapolis Star Staff Writer
The bankstment of a state lead-
Saetre's unusual sentence pro-
er of the American Indian Move-
voked controversy on the reserva-
ment (AIM) from the White Earth
tion. Vernon Bellecourt, a national
Indian Recervation has been lifted
field director of AIM who lives on
by the judge who imposed it.
the reservation, accused Saetre of
Judge Warren Saetre of Thief
denying Roy his "birthright."
River Falls, yesterday reversed
Roy was accused of shooting
himself in the sentence involving
several Indians who entered AIM
Jerry Roy, convicted last month
offices the evening of Nov. 11.
in a shooting incident.
The prosecution maintained that
Saetre originally sentenced Roy
only one of the Indians that Roy
to up to one year in jail and
shot at had guns. Roy claimed
banned him and his family from
they all had guns and had begun
the reservation for nine years.
carrying AIM files and furniture
Yesterday, Saetre said that if
outside to burn them.
Roy could produce a lease, deed
IN HIS order yesterday, Saetre
or other document that showed
said that "in all things (Roy's
he had a legai right to reside on
appeal is) denied except the con-
the reservation, he would not be
dition the court imposed upon the
barred from living on the reserva-
defendant to remove himself and
tion.
"In effect, be lifted the banish-
his family from the White Earth
ment," Douglas Hall, Roy's attor-
Reservation."
ney, said.
Saetre said that "during the
However, Saetre said in Pen-
time he defendant is on probation
nington County Court that Roy
he shall not reside upon any of
must stili serve up to a year in
the lands encompassed within the
jail at the Northeast Regional
area of what was originally de-
Correction Center in Saginaw.
fined as the White Earth Reserva-
tion unless the defendant files
Roy was taken into custody
with his probation officer the
yesterday and held in Pennington
original or true copy of his legal
BILLINGS GAZETTE
County jail overnight. He was
right and authority to reside on
BILLINGS, MONTANA
scheduled to be transferred today
any of such lands such as a lease,
to the Saginaw facility.
deed, or the like from the persons
Hall said he would appeal the
authorized to grant the defendant
9/19
sentence and conviction to the
the right to reside thereon."
state Supreme court. He filed a
notice of appeal yesterday and
said it would take four or five
Crow coal statement ready
months before the court would
A draft environmental state-
hear oral argument.
east of Billings on land known
Saetre banished Roy Aug. 18,
ment on Crow-owned coal is
as the Crow Ceded Area.
after he was convicted of two
open to public comment, ac-
The draft statement con-
counts of aggravated assault in a
cording to James Canan, area
cerns the requirement that Inte-
shooting incident at the AIM of-
director of the Bureau oi Indian
rior Secretary Thomas S.
fice on the reservation Nov. 11.
Affairs.
Kleppe reconsider approval of
The statement, "Crow Ced-
existing coal leases between the
SAETRE SAID in an interview
ed Area Coal Lease, Tracts II
Crow Tribe and Westemoreland
with The Minneapolis Star two
and III, Westmoreland Re-
Resources.
weeks ago, "I know you're not
sources," is being circulated for
A public hearing will be at
supposed to banish people, but I
comments from federal, state
10 a.m. Sept. 29, at Crow Agen-
thought it would restore peace in
and local agencies and organiza-
cy for oral and written stat-
the area."
tions to ensure all relevant envi-
ments.
ronmental factors have been
Additional information on
identified, Canan said.
the hearing and copies of the
statement are available from
The lease area is 65 miles
the BIA office in Billings.
A partid list of the
which resolution in-
cludesthe management of the
Chippewa flowage as a flood
control and hydroelectric
power reservoir; jurisdiction
over the flowage as a sport
fishing and hunting resource;
claims for damages resulting
from past flowage manage-
ment practices; disputed indi-
vidual and tribal property
rights; the issue of recaptur-
ing some 5,000 to 6,000 acres
of additional lands for tribal
BILLINGS GAZETTE
use, and many others. The
BILLINGS, MONTANA
State of Wisconsin, the US
government, members of the
Date
9/33
Lac Courte Oreilles band of
the Chippewas, nontribal
property owners and lessees
in the area and the public in
general all possess rights
Riverton fights
which must be defined and
protected.
Similar problems have ari-
denial of grant
sen in other parts of the
country. Unfortunately, be-
cause of historical variables
RIVERTON, Wyo. (AP) - Riverton officials plan to ficht
and the individual character
the federal Economic Development Administration's (EDA) de-
of the Indian treaties in-
nial of a grant aimed at financing construction of an industrial
volved, solutions cannot be
park and a water improvement project here.
readily transported from one
City Administrative Assistant Bill Peterson said he has
jurisdiction to another.
contacted members of Wyoming's Congressional delegation and
asked them to help the city gain a reversal of the decision.
However, I believe we
have all learned that ulti-
"We're going to fight this administrative decision by the
EDA tooth and nail." Peterson said.
mately the problems will be
The grant sought by the city would have helped finance the
resolved - through agree-
ment or court action or the
two projects. which cost estimates peg at $1,050,000.
passage of time - and It is to
An EDA official cited five reasons why the federal agency
the advantage of all con-
denied the grant.
cerned parties to work to-.
The official said plans to build an industrial park and im-
ward an early settlement.
prove the city water system don't jibe with plans for an area
also encompassing the Wind River Indian Reservation.
I'am hopeful that, after all
Plans for the area are included in a so-called Overall Eco-
the facts are known, equita-
nomic Development Pian. the official said.
ble solutions can be found,
The federal official said other reasons for the denial of the
which will be acceptable to
grant are that only part of the project calls for construction of
all the involved parties.
an industrial park and the city's pre-application doesn't men-
GAYLORD NELSON,
tion any merchants having committed themselves to locating in
US.senator,
the park.
The EDA also said a suit hasn't been settled that was filed
Wisconsin,
Washington, D.C.
by the Arapahoe and Shoshone Indian tribes.
The suit claims the two tribes own all water springing
from their Wind River Indian Reservation.
The federal official also said the funds would have been
used for a water improvement project when the city already
has enough water.
Riverton officials say most of the reasons given by the
EDA are without merit.
"Our pre-application was denied without a hearing and
we've been misled for almost two years," charged Peterson.
The Denver Post
DENVER, COLO.
D. 256,439 SUN. 368,912
SEP 12 1378
TALKS INTERRUPTED 100 YEARS AGO
Utes, Comanches Conclude
Treaty
By DAN PARTNER
Denver Post Staff Writer
TRADITIONS OF THE past were re-
The Comanche leaders included James
LAWTON, Okla. - The scene last week
vived for creation of the authentic peace-
at Tia-Piah Park was like nothing ever
making ceremony. Comanche medicine
Cox, council chairman, and Elmer Park-
staged in Hollywood - Indians in spec-
man Melvin Kerchee made a stately cir-
er, chairman of the Comanche Gourd
tacular ceremonial dress
others
cle of the arena as camp crier, calling
Clan, both of whom are grandsons of
the names of those to participate in the
Quanah Parker, last chief of the Coman-
combat-ready in their war bonnets
historlc encounter.
ches, who died in 1911.
and still others stripped to the waist and
As the principals assembled before the
The Utes, Griswold said, long have
wearing the traditional buckskin leggings.
king-sized tepee, site of the peace-pipe
sought to end the fued and finally ar-
The leaders of the Oklahoma Coman-
ritual, Kerchee and another Comanche
ranged the meeting through Perry L.
Heath, former Comanche Gourd Clan
ches and the Utes of Colorado and Utah
- enemies for 227 years - met on the
medicine man, Milton (Brownie) Save,
chairman, now assigned by the Bureau
hallowed ceremonial ground to conclude
"purified" them individually with the
of Indian Affairs to the Ignacio reserva-
smoke of sacred cedar, fanned by an
tion.
a peace treaty their ancestry began writ-
eagle-wing fan.
The ceremony, symbolic of the unity
ing more than 100 years ago.
When the final handshake "to heal the
between many American Indian tribes,
The tribes both are of Shoshonean lin-
past" was made, the tribesmen (which
may result in an annual meeting between
guistic stock but their age-old alliance was
included one woman on each side) cir-
the tribal chiefs to celebrate the pact,
broken first by the Spanish, who fanned
cled the arena singing the traditional
Griswold said. The Utes have extended
the fued by supplying aid to the one tribe
"Chief's Song."
an invitation to meet at Ignacio next
and then the other, and kept alive by
The ashes of the peace pipes (supplied
year.
French traders who in 1748 brought guns
by the Utes) were buried and all partici-
to the Comanche camp.
pated in a prayer to their common Great
THE COMANCHE attacks finally forced
Spirit.
the Utes out of the Oklahoma panhandle
Then came an exchange of gifts and the
country into Colorado and the Rocky
celebration festivities.
Mountains, according to historian Gillett
Heading the. Ute delegation from the
Griswold, director of the Ft. Sill Army
reservation near Ignacio, Colo., were
Museum. The raids continued for genera-
Leonard Burch, chairman of the Southern
tions until, about 100 years ago, members
Utes, and Edward Box, medicine man
of the peace-seeking Ute tribe met with
and spiritual leader.
their enemy to negotiate an end to the
hostilities.
As the tribal leaders were about to
shake hands to seal the bond of peace, a
shot was fired into the air. The tribes,
fearing ambush, immediately engaged in
battle and the pact never was completed.
Who fored the shot that torpedoed the
treaty meeting?
"Both the Utes and the Comanches
blame a Kiowa, but no one really knows,"
says Griswold. "It is likely that the Ki-
owas didn't favor peace between the two
tribes."
Last week the council leaders of the
two tribes, seven to a side, met in solemn
ceremony to end the feud.
THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC
PHOENIX, ARIZ.
D. 211,962 SUN. 318,839
SEP 14 1976
Oct. 9 hearing planned
Judge favors plan to divide
disputed Navajo-Hopi land
INDIANS6297F BILL DONOVAN
TUCSON-Federal Judge James Walsh said Monday he favors the proposal sub-
mitted by a federal mediator to end a century-old land dispute between the Navaje
and Hopi tribes.
Before issuing an order to this effect, however, Walsh has scheduled another
hearing for Oct. 9 with representatives of the two tribes to discuss possible
problems.
The partition line, drawn up by William Sinkin of Tucson after six months of
negotiations between the two tribes,
would force the relocation of some
3,500 Navajos and 30 Hopis.
The Navajo Tribe's objections center
Walsh's decision is expected to end a
on tribal officials' beliefs that a better
dispute that has been the subject of
line could have been drawn, which
fights in courts and in Congress since
would have resulted in fewer Navajos
1962.
having to be relocated.
The disputed land surrounds the pres-
According to the bill passed by Con-
ent Hopi Reservation northeast of Flag-
gress in 1974, rv cation will begin in
staff but is within the larger Navajo
two years. A five year period has been
Reservation. Navajo attorneys have
set aside for relc ating the families. If
been trying for 14 years to get the Hopis
they agree to mo e during the first four
to take a cash settlement instead of the
years, the familie will receive a bonus
land. The Hopi Tribe has steadfastly
in addition to relocation expenses.
rejected this offer.
The problem with relocating the Nava-
Both tribes have voiced objections to
jo families, according to Navajo offi-
the Simkin's proposal. The Hopis object
cials, is that there is no more room on
to the establishment of what they call a
the 25,000 - square mile reservation for
"Navajo island" at Jeddito, a small
any more livestock growers. Tribal offi-
Navajo community near Keams Canyon.
cials point to Bureau of Indian Affairs
studies which claim that most of the
In the proposed partition, Jeddito
reservation is already overgrazed.
would be located within the new Hopi
Reservation but would remain Navajo.
The tribe is trying to purchase, as
outlined in the 1974 bill, some 250,000
Simkin favored this part of the propos-
al since it would reduce to 30 the
acres of land near House Rock Valley -
Paria Plateau owned by the Bureau of
number of Hopis who would have to
Land Management.
be relocated.
Gregnuian
PORTLAND, OREGON
D. 245.132 SUN. 407,186
AUG 29 1976
Chiefs' descendant preserves
fading American tribal music
By ROBERT OLMOS
of beating the drum. A trained ear can
of The Oregonian staff
easily tell those differences," said Se-
sic is that new songs are composed eve-
MONMOUTH To the non-Indian
lam, who last year, as artist in resi-
ry day and are introduced at pow-
ear, American Indian music can sound
dence, taught a course at Bemidji
wows. The songs are composed "in the
as musically unfathomable as opera
(Minn.) University on Indian music.
mind," as Selam put it, and memorized.
must sound to someone whose taste
As in opera, voices that will partici-
Singers sing them at pow-wows,
runs to Tammy Wynette.
pate singly or in groups at religious
others memorize them and another
ceremonies are selected for specific
"hit" is born.
But to someone like Laroy Selam,
ranges and pitches, depending on the
One of the compositions he wrote
who is bent on preserving the fast-
role that voice will play in the ceremo-
was inspired when his truck became
diminishing, unwritten body of native
ny.
mired in mud, Selam said.
American music, it is every bit as beau-
"Sometimes voices are selected be-
"I listened to the sound the motor
tiful and rich as anything offered on the
cause they go well with bells; others are
Metropolitan Opera stage.
chosen because they can carry well
was making as I was trying to get the
Perhaps more so, in Selam's estima-
above the sound of certain drums that
truck free and the song came to me," he
are used," said Selam. His grandfather,
said.
tion, because much of American Indian
Frank Sohappy, was a well-known trib-
He sat on a chair, beating his grand-
music is allied to religious ceremony
al singer, as is his mother, Lena Sohap-
father's drum, singing his song. The
and conveys a true spirituality opera
py Selam, who Selam said "sings as
whirring of the wheels trying to free
can only feign dramatically.
well as Beverly Sills."
themselves from the mud came clearly
Selam laments that Indian music is
across.
The Monmouth man, a descendant
becoming lost.
of hereditary Yakima chiefs who holds
Selam stopped. He grinned widely.
"At the pow-wows all the music is
"I call it 'The Truck Stuck in the
a master's degree from Oregon State
mixed. Many of the young people don't
University, does not like to call himself
Mud Song,'' he said.
know what they are singing - or why.
an "expert" on Indian music.
They are not being taught the meaning
But if he poet, lecturer, tribal
behind many of the old songs," he said.
singer, composer - is not, who is?
Pow-wows, he said, have replaced
"Dr. Louis Ballard is a well-known
the long winter events of the past
Indian composer who uses Indian
when, with hunting done and tribes set-
themes for symphonies he writes. He
tled, stories would be told, songs sung,
could be called an expert. I don't have
games played and dramas presented.
the academic background. I just have
the natural background," he said.
At some modern pow-wows there
In his house, which is replete with
are singing competitions, with, individu-
Indian artifacts, are hundreds of tapes
al singers or groups vying for prizes.
he has collected during the past seven
Favorite singers make the rounds of
years in travels throughout the United
pow-wows and some of them are as
States, Canada and Mexico. Preserved
well known to tribes as John Denver is
on them are the songs, chants and reli-
to the general public.
gious choruses of dozens upon dozens of
Some have recorded. Selam has
tribes.
written some of the "cover notes" for
Visitors listening to the tapes are
their records.
instructed to note the differences be-
A little-known fact about tribal mu-
tween warrior songs, love songs, prayer
songs; the differences between the way
the Menominee and Pawnee sing.
"Each tribe has a slightly different
way of singing a song, a different way
0120
LIVING HERITAGE - Leroy Selam performs one of the
sic. He has made it his mission to preserve on tape the
pieces from his vast repertoire of American Indian mu-
songs and chants of tribes all across the continent.
Mpls. Star,
SEP 20 1976
Trailers seemed a good deal,
leave Indian families cold
By STEVE JOHNSON
Ten of the trailers went to fam-
Minneapolis Star Staff Writer
ilies in the Shakopee Mdewakan-
ton Sioux community where Mrs.
Two years ago, Mary Brooks,
Brooks lives.
28, and a number of other Indians
Sue Totenhagen, 23, who lives
on Minnesota reservations got
in the community in one of the
free trailers to live in from the
relief trailers with her family,
federal government.
said their trailer's pipes also
It seemed like a good deal then,
froze. She said it is "deteriorating
NORMAN CROOKS, the Shako-
since housing on the reservations
fast."
pee Sioux community chairman,
was short supply.
said that although the trailers
Now, Mrs. Brooks's trailer on a
"LAST WINTER we had to
were free, the community had to
reservation near Shakopee and
move out because the baby got
pay about $14,000 out of its year-
those of some of the other Indians
sick," she said. "It was cold in
ly federal assistance allocation to
are falling apart. She and Bureau
here all the time."
transport the vehicles from the
of Indian Affairs (BIA) officials
She said the trailer was so flim-
east to Minnesota. Evans said the
think their acquisition may have
sy that "one day the wind View
cost of transporting the trailers to
been a mistake.
the wall in." She said sometimes
Minnesota averaged $1,500 apiece.
when the wind blows hard "we
ABOUT 200 TRAILERS were
get out of here. We're afraid it
will tip. over."
"We knew they were inade-
given by the federal government
quate but they were made just for
to Indians in Wisconsin, Michigan
Evans said the BIA never pro-
temporary housing," Crooks said.
and Minnesota, said Clemm Ev-
He said the reason some trailers
ans, BIA housing development of-
moted the acquisition of the trail-
ficer in Minneapolis.
ers but merely aided Indians in
may have deteriorated so fast is
The trailers originally were
arranging to get them. Now, he
used in the eastern and southern
said, the BIA recommends against
that their occupants maintained
part of the country as disaster
the trailers although some Indians
them poorly.
relief homes. Many have thin
still ask for them. "It's turned out
Mrs. Brooks has been trying for
walls and poor insulation, and
to be not such. a good deal," he
several months to get a loan from
"were not built for the cold
said.
the BIA. The agency has held up
weather here," Evans said.
her application because she has no
But few people, including BIA
collateral. Evans said he hopes
officials, realized at the time just
Mrs. Brooks' loan can be ap-
how inadequate the trailers were,
proved soon, but Mrs. Brooks
he said.
said, "They've been telling me
Evans said he doesn't know
that for a couple of months now."
how many of the trailers now are
She is worried about where she
being used in the state, or how
and her son will live this winter.
many are in bad condition. Mrs.
"Pretty soon it's going to be too
Brooks has one of the worst, he
cold, and I don't know what I'll
said, adding that some people
do."
have refurbished the trailers and
made them very livable.
THE PIPES FROZE and broke
on Mrs. Brooks' trailer the first
winter she and her son, now 17
months old, lived in it. Because of
the poor insulation, it was too
cold in the trailer even with the
gas heater and they had to live
with relatives, she said.
She got the pipes fixed but they
broke again. The water heater
and toilet also don't work. Be-
cause she is on welfare, she said,
she doesn't have enough money to
repair the trailer or move.
BILLINGS GAZETTE
BILLINGS, MONTANA
Date
9/22
Indians picket white rights group
By JOEL M. PEASE
expressed more concern over the land and wa-
tions must be solved by Congress, but added
Of The Gazette Staff
ter rights issues.
that the legislators show little cooperation.
Caleb Shields, member of the tribal exec-
Ingraham also attacked the federal gov-
WOLF POINT - Heated debates and
utive board. asked Freeman what the Inter-
ernment, and spoke out against the policy of
demonstrations marked the meeting of the
state Congress was doing about the Poplar
self-determination for Indian tribes.
Montanans Opposing Discrimination (MOD)
River Project in northeastern Montana.
He said the policy "is causing disruption,
here Monday night. as speakers discussed is-
The project, according to Shields, is by-
polarization and hard feelings among people,
sues involving Indian tribes in the area.
passing Indian water rights and will affect the
and it only extends the paternal policy of the
Over 200 people crowded into the meeting
quality of life for all of eastern Montana. It
Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Interior De-
as a group of Indian students. singing tradi-
was noted that Norman Hollow, chairman of
partment because all tribal policy must be ap-
tional songs and carrying pickets outside the
the tribal executive board, was not allowed to
proved by them."
building. expressed a distrust for the organiza-
attend a meeting in Washington concerning the
The attorney also spoke of the added bur-
tion.
project
den being placed on cities and towns due to
The speakers, who included Jack Free-
Freeman replied that the Interstate Con-
the recent ruling that some Indians are exempt
man. president of the Interstate Congress for
gress is not involved in the project, because
from personal property tax.
Civil Rights and Responsibilities. pointed to
they are concerned with individual rights, not
Ingraham defended MOD, saying it is
some of the legal problems on or near Indian
group rights.
"not radical, not John Birch, not red-neck big-
reservations, such as criminal jurisdiction,
His speech had begun with a discussion of
ot, but is concerned that bureaucrats will take
property rights and tax shortages.
the criminal jurisdiction problem. He said he
us in finding solutions to the problems."
Freeman and Lloyd Ingraham, MOD law-
had no objection to appearing in a tribal court,
Carson Boyd, Assiniboin-Sioux tribal
yer in Lake County. attacked Congress and the
but objected to being tried by a government in
member, charged the group with trying to de-
Department of Interior. warning Indian tribes
which he had no say. The interstate congress,
ceive the people. "All they do is talk. They
to beware the powers of the government.
he said. tried unsuccessfully to solve this prob-
never get to the point," he said. "They want
But Assiniboin-Sioux tribal members in
lem in South Dakota.
something they can't get from the Indians le-
attendance were unmoved by the warning, and
The president said these and other situa-
gally. We don't trust them."
Arizona Republic
Indians fight
eviction from
SEP 2 1 1976
"It is our interest to rid the park of
Jack said Park Superintendent
what might be considered a very
Merle E. Stitt ordered the move to
Canyon homes
undesirable housing arrangement."
avoid maintaining "segregated hous-
ing. He said the Havasupai Tribal
Some of the buildings will be de-
Council has appealed to the director
stroyed, Giddings added.
Associated Press
of the National Park Service and
"But the concessionaire has made
Arizona's congressional delegation.
GRAND CANYON - Three Havas-
arrangements for them (the Indian
upai Indian families appealed to
families) to move to other residences
Jack asked for a year "to try and
Washington on Monday for the right
make some better arrangement than
here in Grand Canyon Village.
to stay in their Grand Canyon National
summarily throwing them out.
"They will move as other housing
Park camp.
becomes available. Housing is a very
The National Park Service has
The Havasupai residence camp,
critical concern in the canyon. We
two miles west of Grand Canyon
ordered park concessionaire Fred
just don't have a lot of available
Harvey to tell the Indians to be out
village, "is the sole remainder of
housing."
of their homes by Oct. 1. according to
many Havasupai camps once scatter-
Tribal Chairman Clark C. Jack Jr.
ed along the Grand Canyon's South
Rim prior to establishment of a na-
"They're n t hurting anything,"
tional park there," Jack said.
Jack said. "They just want to stay
where they've been living all these
Many of the occupants have lived
years."
in the "simple cabins without running
water most of their lives," he said.
Roger Giddings. a park spokesman;
said, "Those people are employed by
Giddings said, "There are no utili-
one of the concessionaires in the
ties out there, except for one little
park. Due to the deplorable state of
building that has electricity. If I'm
the structures, we've requested that
not mistaken, an extension cord is
other residences for them be found."
run to the houses. There are. no
adequate sewerage facilities.
Fri., Sept. 17, '76
B-5
The Arizona Republic
U.S. drafting rule on
Indian share of CAP
Republic Bureau
The only change
WASHINGTON The
U.S. Bureau of Reclama-
Kleppe made in proposed
dians for transfer to the
rules announced on April
tribes. Under the Kennedy
tion said Thursday that a
final rule on allocation of
21, 1975, was the inclusion
plan, they would get most
of 4,300 acre-feet of water
Central Arizona Project
of the water from CAP.
for the Fort McDowell In-
water to Arizona's Indians
dian Reservation.
The priority for water
is currently being drafted.
rights purchases would be
A spokesman said In-
Under the 1975 alloca-
the Wellton-Mohawk irri-
terior Secretary Thomas
tion rule, announced by
gation district. Those
Kleppe has reached a
then-Secretary Rogers C.
lands would go out of
decision on allocations,
B. Morton, irrigation
water was included for
production as water rights
and that the proposed rule
four reservations in the
were turned over to the
will be published soon in
CAP area Ak-Chin,
tribes.
the Federal Register.
Gila River, Salt River and
A report that Kleppe
Thereafter, a certain
Papago.
time will be allowed for
was withholding publica-
public comments before
The Fort McDowell
tion of the final rule until
the rule is made final.
reservation was left out
he got answers to ques-
by Morton because it was
Kleppe announced on
at the time considered to
tions raised about the al-
Sept. 3 that he had au-
have an adequate supply
thorized publication of the
of surface water for farm
allocations notice for the
irrigation.
locations proved
$1.6 billion water develop-
ment project. At that time
Since then, the central
erroneous.
he said this would clear
Arizona tribes have insist-
Evidently,
confusion
the way for the CAP.
ed that they should have
far more water than what
arose because procedure
"This matter has been
the proposed allocation
requires that Kleppe re-
kicked back and forth for
ceive written comments
the last three years, and
stipulates.
from the public and con-
although we did not satis-
They have gained the
sider them before finaliz-
fy all demands of every-
introduction of a bill by
ing the rule.
one concerned, we will be
Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-
getting more water into
Mass., which would au-
Arizona in quantities they
thorize the purchase of
haven't had before," he
water rights from non-In-
said.
He said he had met
with all interested parties
on an individual basis and
had carefully studied all
the issues.
"The bottom line in this
decision is that we are
going to get water to
Arizona in the fairest and
most practical way," he
said.
B-26 Tue., Sept. 21, '76 The Arizona Republic
Navajo livestock cutbacks on
schedule'at White Cone
WHITE CONE - The
In 1972 Walsh ordered
Bureau of Indian Affairs'
that the number of Nava-
livestock reduction pro-
jo livestock in the area be
gram in the White Cone
reduced to one-half of the
area is proceeding on
land's carrying capacity,
schedule, BIA officials
but it was not until early
said Monday.
this year that the BIA
established a program to
So far in the five -
bring about this stock
month - old program, 44,-
reduction.
000 of the 120,000 Navajo -
owned sheep units in the
Since April, Navajos in
area have been removed,
the disputed area have
said Bill Collier, program
officer for the Joint - Use
been bringing their live-
Administration Office in
stock, mostly sheep, to
Flagstaff.
White Cone, where they
Collier defined a sheep
are receiving the full
unit as one sheep or goat,
market value of their
one-fourth of a cow or one
- fifth of a horse.
stock plus a 50 per cent
bonus as an incentive.
The program in the
White Cone area ultimate-
Collier said that the
ly seeks to reduce the
Navajos have been coop-
erative and that there has
Navajo - owned sheep unit
level to 8,000, one - half of
been no need to impound
the area's grazing
any livestock.
capacity.
The number of sheep
units in the White Cone
White Cone is in the 1.8
area is relatively small
million acre joint-use
compared with other com-
area, which surrounds the
Hopi Reservation but lies
munities in the joint-use
within the larger Navajo
area, he said. When the
Reservation. Both tribes
program concentrates on
claim the land. U.S. Dis-
the heavily grazed Jeddito
trict Court Judge James
Walsh of Tucson is ex-
area near White Cone
pected to draw up a parti-
sometime next year, im-
tion plan within a few
poundment may become
weeks that will give each
necessary, he said.
tribe half the land.
The area is currently
occupied by Navajos and
their livestock. Recent
BIA studies indicate that
the Navajos have been
overgrazing the area for
years.
Rocky Mountain News
DENVER. COLO.
D. 214,490 SUN. 236,903
SEP 13 1976
Indians have found a Mecca
in Minneapolis
By ELIZABETH WHEELER
"Minneapolis is kind of a Mecca for the In-
The facility also serves as a
(North American Indians, the original ethnic
dian peoples," he says. "In terms of American
center for the Indian communi-
group in today's society, has suffered its own
cities, it is the lesser of many evils."
ty along Franklin Avenue.
brand of indignities as a minority group. But
Mitchell is a co-founder of the American In-
Recent city arrivals flock
they have been demanding recognition, and
dian Movement (AIM) and works in an adult
there for information on how to
through efforts have been establishing their
education program for Indians here.
qualify for food stamps and
right to their own culture, their own style of
One reason the Indian movement has proved
other aid. An employment cen-
living and their own property, from New York
more successful here is that the Indian popula-
ter offers day labor and coun-
state to New Mexico and Arizona. The following
tion of 10,000 to 12,000 is concentrated around
seling to help Indians get a
is perhaps the best example of the Indian urban
Franklin Avenue, and not lost in the sprawl as
regular job here.
effort).
in Chicago or New York City.
An education department
MINNEAPOLIS - Elaine Sullivan, 20,
moved here last year from northern Minnesota.
ANOTHER REASON, SAYS Mitchell, "is
helps prepare adults for the
She found a place to live in the neignborhood
that AIM started here," giving Indians a sense
high school equivalency exam.
surrounding Franklin Avenue, one of the least
of pride and community. With AIM came a
Last year, 67 persons com-
attractive parts of a city with a reputation for
number of organizations designed to help In-
pleted the program. Half of
gracious living.
dians with legal problems, alcohol dependency
them, according to center
There are a number of reasons why Miss
or trouble adjusting to city life. A third reason
director Jim O'Brien, are now
Sullivan chose that neighborhood, perhaps the
may be the attitudes of the generally liberal
enrolled in college or vocation-
most significiant being that she is a Chippewa
population here.
al schools.
Indian. "I'm not a full-blood," she says. "I
suppose I'd have to write to the Bureau of In-
"The people here have more empathy than
Some in-house courses cater
dian Affairs to find out how much Indian blood I
sympathy,' says Mitchell.
to the special interest of new
do have."
Now, this city is the home of perhaps the
cify dwellers. One such course
Miss Sullivan, a dark and attractive young
most beautiful amd successful American In-
helps Indians, who were accus-
woman who favors blue jeans and turquoise
dian center in North America.
tomed to living closer to the
jewelry, was born and reared in Leech Lake,
"The Native American Center," says Elaine
earth, plan nutritionally sound
one of the 10 Indian reservations in the state,
neals from grocery store food.
and is one of many Indians to come here.
Sullivan, "is the most positive thing to come
Other courses are of general
Franklin Avenue is an ugly street, but the In-
out of Minneapolis since AIM."
interest. This fall, many non-
dian community here, and in the sister city, St.
A low, flat building, the Native Ainerican
Indians will probably sign up
Center suggests the culture of the people it was
for a course in understanding
Paul, has found its beauty. Still heavily popu-
the metric system.
lated with bars and liquor stores, Franklin Ave-
designed to serve. The wood
Another important service
nue has come a long way in the past decade,
and concrete were left unfin-
available at the Native Ameri-
and even further from its early days as the
ished. The facade is the
can Center is treatment for
residential area for railroad workers.
Chippewa Feather Design ren-
alcohol or drug dependence.
dered in cedar planks. Inside is
Also, special pow-wows and
INDIAN CHURCHES AND Indian-owned
a museum displaying the
occasional hot meals are offer-
businesses have appeared. A storefront now
works of Indian artists and a
houses a tenant's union organized to protest the
library which soon will house
ed for the neighborhood's
policies of area real estate dealers. And at the
microfilm copies of all the
elderly.
end of the street stands the new Native Ameri-
treaties between the U.S. gov-
The center is a social bee-
can Center - a focal point for the American
ernment and the Indians.
Indian community of the Twin Cities.
hive. Area residents jam the
"It is such a beautiful build-
gymnasium every Sunday and
Chippewa and Sioux are the dominant tribes
ing," says Sullivan. "It makes
Wednesday night when the bas-
of Minnesota and the majority of the Indians
me feel beautiful."
ketball hoops are raised and
living in the Twin Cities are members of one or
the bingo tables set up. Ameri-
the other. But, says George Mitchell, a full-
can Indian leagues have soft-
blooded Chippewa who dresses in the tradition-
ball tournaments and perform-
al garb of his people and wears his long hair in
FORD
ances are offered in an outdoor
two braids, Indians from the East and South-
amphitheater. Tourists, too,
west can be found in the area.
are directed to the center by
the Chamber of Commerce
Cont'd
here. Staff members conduct
tours and answer questions
about hative American culture.
Important as it is, the Native
American Center is only one
manifestation of the success of
the Twin Cities' Indian com-
munity. Area radio stations
broadcast special interest In-
dian news daily. Some broad-
casts feature lectures on In-
dian culture and music.
The Minneapolis Institute of
Art is displaying pictures and
relics of the Arapaho Ghost
Dance. Area schools offer
extension courses in Indian
languages:
The Twin Cities is the home
of two Indian survival schools.
The best known, the Little Red
Schoolhouse in St. Paul, has
had good luck interesting
"problem learners" in
education.
In effect, the native Ameri-
can population of the Twin
Cities has become as much a
part of the culture as the
Swedes of Minneapolis.
Says George Mitchell, "I
was constantly frustrated
when I was trying to be a white
man. I am proud of my Indian
dress. I'd rather see this coun-
try become a rainbow culture.
I'd like for us to be able to see
different peoples and their dif-
ferent ways.
Spectators and performers wait for a
Minneapolis. A part of the facade is
show to begin in the amphitheater out-
the Chippewa Feather Design rendered
side the Native American Center in
in cedar panels for the amphitheater.
THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC
PHOENIX, ARIZ.
D 211,262 SUN 218,830
SEP
9
1376
Swhat
{to
do
This Weekend
Republic photo
The Hopi Cultural Center includes tours and lectures designed to show the Hopi life-style.
for $2 per person at the
from California to Mexico,
motel. This includes a
from the snow line to the
Hopis' guided tours offer
slide presentation on the
jungles."
culture and ceremonies of
The businessmen are
the Hopis, Honani said.
obviously proud of their
The motel (part of the
glimpse of Indian culture
center, and boast that it
complex designed by
is a model for Indian
Benny Gonzales Associ-
tourist projects around
ates) has 33 rooms, most
the nation.
By JANA BOMMERSBACH
of the only newspaper on
To help with that plan,
with double beds, and
the reservation, and as
the center offers guided
"Other tribes are com-
SECOND MESA - The
costs $17 a night for a
one of three partners in
bus tours of the reserva-
single, $19.50 for a double,
ing here to study how
philosophy of the Hopi
the Hopi Cultural Center
tion on Monday through
or $23 for three persons,
we've done it," Sekaquap-
businessman and news-
east of Tuba City.
Saturday.
tewa said.
Honani said.
paper editor was clear:
The center-including a
The tour, costing $12.50
And a view at what's to
"If Anglos don't come in
The complex is private-
and run over us like a
motel, restaurant, mu-
per person, includes a
ly owned, he explained,
come shows they've only
herd of cattle, we will
seum, shops and crafts-
meal, lecture on Hopi cul-
just begun.
with a lease from the
have our culture here
men at work-is near
ture, walk-through of a
Tribal Council.
Excavation is 10 per
for them to see."
Hotevilla on Arizona 264.
village and a visit to a
cent complete on Awatovi,
Sekaquaptewa said the
private home, he said.
"The tribal government
once the largest village on
It's a philosophy Wayne
Hopis have opened up
"You'll find the people
promotes private business
the reservation. The set-
Sekaquaptewa subscribes
on the reservation, rather
to as a Hopi who has
their front yards to visi-
are nice and friendly,'
tlement was destroyed by
than having everything as
tors - "and if that works,
said Perry Honani, anoth-
other villagers about 1700.
lived all his life on the
a tribal business,"
mesas of northern Arizo-
we might let you in the
er partner in the center.
Sekaquaptewa said. "The
"The other villages con-
na, as the editor-publisher
living room."
If an all-day tour does-
philosophy of commerce
spired to destroy Awatovi
n't fit into vacation plans,
is not alien to the pueblo
to prevent the Spanish
there are nightly lectures
people. We have traded
and bartered for centuries
from coming back onto
The two shops are filled
the
reservation,"
with Hopi art and crafts
Sekaquaptewa
said.
for sale. The shops are
"They killed the men and
operated by the Hopi Sil-
divided the women and
vercraft Cooperative
children a m 0 n g
Guild.
themselves."
One route to reach the
He said the Smithsonian
cultural center is to go
Institution has been doing
through Flagstaff, turning
the excavating, and the
east on U.S. 160 to Tuba
tribe expects the project
City and then following
to "yield a tremendous
Arizona No. 264 to the
treasure."
southeast. Along the way
"There are 50 ruins
is a hidden treasure that
within a 50-mile radius of
shouldn't be missed.
the cultural center,"
Coal Canyon can hardly
Sekaquaptewa said. "We
be seen as you travel
eventually expect to pro-
down 264 (except as a
vide tours of all the
glimpse in the rearview
ruins."
mirror), but is a splendid
Look for guided tours of
sight worth a stop or pic-
Awatovi in about five
nic break.
years, he said.
The clue is to watch for
He also hopes to expand
the )only windmill on the
the cultural center, which
north side of the road,
already has enough inter-
and drive toward it on the
esting things to occupy an
dirt road off the highway.
entire day.
A picnic ramada is near
The museum includes
the edge of the canyon.
displays on the history of
Tourists should remem-
the Hopis, plus well-pre-
ber when they are on the
served examples of their
Hopi Reservation that
pottery, silversmithing,
they are visiting a nation
baskets, paintings a nd
and a culture very differ-
Kachina carvings.
ent from that in Phoenix.
The Arizuna Daily Star
TUCSON. ARIZ
D. 61,635 SUN 115,000
SEP 12 1976
Dam Built For Farming,
Not For Fish
San Carlos Fish Don't Survive
-
By PETE COWGILL
6.7971
The water in San Carlos Lake belongs to
Coolidge Dam was designed based upon
downstream farmers who wanted to use all of
flow records of the Gila River from 1895-1916.
The Arizona Daily Star
the available water for agricultural purposes.
The average flow would irrigate 80,000 acres
Why could not the fish be saved?
The farmers did not want to leave any water
of land. Return flow and underground pump-
That is the question Arizonans are asking
above dead storage in the reservoir.
ing would Irrigate an additional 20,000 acres.
as a result of a massive kill of largemouth
This water rights and use story is long and
An average annual diversion of 320,000 acre-
bass, crappie, catfish_and other species of fish
complex. In prehistoric times the Gila River
feet of water from the reservoir was planned.
beginning last weekend at San Carlos Lake.
flowed year-round through Arizona to its con-
The average annual diversion from the
The best bass fishery in the state is now
fluence with the Colorado River north of what
dam from 1930-1975 has been 203,097 acre-feet.
"dead." And according to estimates by the
is now Yuma. The Indians who lived along the
The reservoir has never been full. In 1942 it
Arizona Game and Fish Dept. it will be 1978
Gila River did some irrigated farming; their
reached 819,040 acre-feet and in 1973 a total of
before the state's fishermen can expect to
system of canals is displayed at sites like
843,100 acre-feet was recorded.
catch any fish above fingerling size.
Snaketown which was excavated by Emil
Haury of the University of Arizona.
Originally, the construction repayment
The direct cause of the fish kill was the
schedule was set for 20 years. But because of
draw down of the water in the lake to near
As early as 1868 diversions of the Gila
a lack of water, few payments were made. In
the dead storage level. Too many fish in too
River were made by nonIndian farmers in the
1945 the Secretary of the Interior changed the
Florence area. Picacho Reservoir was built in
hot water with not enough oxygen and food
repayment schedule to one based upon the
produced the kill.
1889 by Casa Grande area farmers. In 1916 the
amount of water in the reservoir as of March
Ashurst-Hayden Diversion Dam was autho-
This was not the first time the lake had
1 each year.
rized on the Gila River upstream from Flo-
been drawn down to dead storage. From 1946
rence to provide irrigation water for 62,000
On March 1, 1975, there were 251,100 acre-
acres of land. World War I came along and
feet of water in the lake. By Dec. 31 of this
The San Carlos Apache Tribe has
the dam was not completed until 1922.
year the nonIndian water users must pay $1
per acre or $50,000. Some years the payment
closed all dirt roads leading to San Carlos
Two years later Congress authorized the
has been as low as 25 cents per acre of land,
Lake. Dead and dying fish are creating a
San Carlos Project. A high dam with a reser-
and it can reach as high as $2.50 per acre
public health hazard. The paved road from
voir of 1.2 million acre-feet capacity would
Peridot over Coolidge Dam to Bylas is open.
store water which would be used to irrigate
The March 1 date was selected because by
100,000 acres of land in the Florence-Coolidge-
then estimates can be made on how much
through 1971 the lake has been "empty" 11
Casa Grande area. Half of the acreage would
runoff will come into the reservoir, and farm-
be on the Gila River Indian Reservation and
ers can plan the amount and kinds of crops
times. But it was not until 1971 that much of a
the other half would be on private and public
they will plant.
hue and cry was heard from sport fishermen
concerned about the dieoff of fish.
lands outside the reservation.
In 1975 a total of 58,444 acres of land was
The 1971 fish kill was predicted by the
Construction started in 1927 and the first
irrigated. NonIndian farmers planted 36,467
G&F and it happened in mid-July. Not all fish
water was released from the dam in 1929.
acres, one-third of which was cotton. Other
died and in a couple of years the reservoir
Original construction costs through 1931
major crops were wheat, barley, alfalfa, saf-
bounced back to produce lots of lunker bass,
were $9,556,313. To date total costs for irriga-
flower and maize. The average crop value per
crappie and catfish.
tion and power construction are $23,564,878.
acre was $431 and the total market value of
This year's kill was also predicted by the
And to date the total amount made in repay-
all crops was $15.3 million.
G&F. All limits of bass and catfish were
ment by the nonIndian farmers is $1,235,943.
Indian farmers planted 21,977 acres. The
removed July 1 and hundreds of fishermen
A federal Claims Court in 1974 decreed
five major crops were wheat, cotton, beets,
brought home ice chests crammed with fil-
that the Indian farmers need not make any
barley, and alfalfa. The crop value per acre
lets.
payment for construction, operation and
was $342 and the total market value of all
But nothing was done to prevent a kill
maintenance. Their water is now free, and
crops was $7.3 million.
which would wipe out fishing for up to two
payments made by them in the past may have
years. Why?
to be reimbursed by the federal taxpayers.
Cont'd.
and Gun Club attempted to get a 10,000 acre-
Water to nonIndian farmers is distributed
foot pool established at the lake. At this level
by the San Carlos Irrigation and Drainage
there would be no fish kill. The club has con-
District, a quasi-state governmental body.
tacted both Indian and nonIndian water users
Water to Indian farmers is distributed by the
without success. Congressman Morris K.
Pima Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs. The
Udall was contacted but the lake is in the
operation and maintenance of the joint facili-
district of Cong. John Conlan.
ties including the dam is by the San Carlos
Project, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Similar feelers were put out by personnel
of the G&F, all without success.
"Coolidge Dam is not a multi-purpose
"I plan to write to the Secretary of the
dam," said C. L. Skousen, president of the
Interior," said G&F director Robert Jantzen,
board of directors of the SCI&DD. "Together
"enclosing pictures of the low level of the
with the Indians we have the right to use the
lake and the fish kill. I don't know what he
water. We cannot sacrifice our crops and
can do about establishing a conservation pool,
leave water for fish."
but this will have to be first approach. If this
effort fails we may have to work through the
Superintendent of the Pima Agency is
Congressional delegation to get the law
Kendall Cumming. "The water in the lake is
changed."
vital to the economic well-being of the Gila
River Indian Tribe," he said. "All of the
Jantzen does not believe there is a total fish
water is needed for crops."
kill. "The 1971 kill was more potentially disas-
trous as it happened in mid-summer when air
Following the 1971 fish kill The rucson Rod
and water temperatures were hotter than
they are now. Fish survived and in the last
few years the lake has produced a bumper
crop of bass, crappie and catfish for the
state's fishermen.
"What we are now hoping for is flow into
the reservoir from late summer, fall and win-
ter rains.
"But there is nothing we can do to prevent
another tragic fish kill in the future."
Thousands Die — Tiny shad and larger bass, crappie and catfish litter
the surface of San Carlos Lake down near the dam as low water kills the fish.
Offye hhami Herath
SEP
5
1978
Legends, History Join
Together
In Radiant Taos,
New Mexico
By RUTH W. ARMSTRONG
Summer is hectic. No town of
Through those years of contact
Special to The Herald
15,000 can accomodate 100,000 vis-
the Taos Indians acquired traits
TAOS, New Mexico - If you
itors without showing the strain.
and characteristics, even physical
see the flag flying over Taos, New
Streets are crowded, stores are
resembiances, to the Plains Indians.
Mexico, plaza at night, don't think
jammed, it's hard to get a motel
For example, the braided hair, the
they're being careiess. Taos is one
reservation, restaurants have wait-
making and using of beaded leather
of the few places in the United
ing lines, but If that's the only time
objects, and some even have the
States that has permission to fly
you can go, it's better than not at
thin faces and aquiline noses of the
the flag past sundown. It dates
all. Even in summer there are
Plains Indians.
back to the beginning of the Civil
quiet, shady patios, cool galleries,
TAOS PUEBLO is open to visi-
War when southern sympathizers
crisp nights and mountains all
tors, and there is a camera fee, de-
kept removing the Union flag. Kit
around.
pending on the size of the camera.
Carson and several other Taos
Taos was settled in the early
Some areas are off limits, however.
frontiersmen went to the moun-
1600s, and like all early towns in
The biggest celebration of the year
tains and cut the tallest pine tree.
New Mexico, was close to an Indi-
is the Fiesta of San Geronimo on
they could find, nailed the flag to
an pueblo. The reservation now ad-
September 29 and 30. Others are
it, and planted It in the plaza.
joins the city limits. Though proba-
January 1 and 6, May 3, June 24,
Then, to be sure no one climbed
bly the most famous of the nine-
July 25 and 26, and December 24
the tree at night and removed Old
and 25. Photography is not permit-
Glory, they took turns standing
teen New Mexico pueblos, most
ted at ceremonial dances.
guard on the roof tops of buildings
photographed, subject of most
The Millicent Rogers Memorial
around the plaza. They were all
movies, books and articles, it re-
Museum, a mile northwest of the
sharpshooters, so there was no
mains conservative, not even per-
main part of town, has a fine col-
more trouble. From that eplsode'
mitting electricity within the old
lection of Indian and other historic
Taos was granted special permis-
part of the pueblo.
artifacts. The house itself is a
sion to fly the flag twenty-four
prime example of traditional pueb-
hours a day.
CENTURIES AGO most pueblos
lo style architecture. One room has
were from three to five stories
a floor made by the old 'earth and
Taos is different from any other
OX blood' method.
place in a hundred ways. It glows
high, like so many building blocks
with a physical radiance, white
stacked stair-step fashion, with
Taos is a banquet of art that ov-
sunlight and lavender shadows,
ladders protruding from roofs.
erwhelms the eye and the soui. Ev-
Taos is the only pueblo left that
erywhere are galleries exhibiting
blue distance and golden earth. The
still has an original five-story
knowns and unknowns, traditional-
quality of its light has drawn art-
building.
ists and modernists, living and
ists since 1912 when Blumenscheln,
dead artists.
Phillips, Ufer, Higgins, Dunton,
Taos Pueblo was the place
Berninghaus, Sharp and Couse
where fierce Plains Indians met the
THE FAMOUS soldier and scout,
formed the Taos Society of Artists.
peaceful Pueblo Indians on neutral
Kit Carson, lived in Taos with his
These men are gone now, but their
ground. Twice a year throughout
Spanish wife during his later years,
names are still recognized in the
the 1700s and 1800s the nomads
and his home is now an interesting
art world.
from the plains came to Taos to
museum. The cemetary where he
trade buffalo skins for agricultural
and his wife are buried is part of
THE MAGIC of Taos has been
products and crafts made by the
the Kit Carson State Park on the
felt by D. H. Lawrence and thou-
Pueblo Indians and Spaniards.
main street of Taos.
sands of other creative people.
When French and American moun-
Governor Bent Museum pre-
Whether the mystery lies in the ra-
tair men began to trap beavers in
serves the historic home where the
diant light, the legends, history, its
the Rocky Mountains in the 1800s
first American Governor of New
foreignness, or as some spiritualists
they, too, came to Taos to trade
Mexico was murdered in 1847 a
believe, in the magnetism that
with the Indians and Spaniards.
few months after the American oc-
comes up out of the earth there,
cupation.
it's a place to visit if you want long
Cortd
memories.
Mabel Dodge Lujan, daughter of
the automobile family, wrote an
exciting chapter in the history of
Taos. It was she who encouraged
D. H. Lawrence and several other
writers and artists to come to Taos
in the 1920s and '30s. She married
Tony Lujan, a Taos Indian. Accord-
ing to comtemporaries he was
probably the only man ever able to
tolerate her unpredictable, demand-
ing nature for two reasons - they
truly loved each other, and he al-
ways remained slightly aloof.
HE ENTERED Into her world to
some degree, but he never left his
Indian world. She built a huge
rambling adobe home on the edge
other places. After he died in
France in 1930 his widow, Frieda,
brought his ashes back to the ranch
and built a small shrine to his
memory. She and her Italian hus-
band built another home there and
lived in its for more than twenty
years.
SHE IS buried just outside the
shrine. Mabel Dodge Lujan is bur-
ied in the Kit Carson cemetary in
town. Frieda willed the Lawrence
ranch to the University of New
Mexico, and occasionally creative
writing and philosophy seminars
are held there in the summer. It is
open to the public to visit. The tiny
cabin built for English artist, Doro-
thy Brett, is also there, a few steps
from the Lawrence home. Brett, in
her eighties, still lives and paints in
Taos.
Taos Ski Valley, the most chal-
lenging of the eleven ski areas in
the state, is twenty miles north of
town. Fine restaurants, condomini-
ums, and all rental facilities are
available there.
Ruth W. Armstrong
The Old Mabel Dodge Lujan House
THE CHURCH at Ranchos de
where writers and authors gathered
Taos on the south edge of town,
though not the oldest in New Mex-
ico by more than a hundred years
of the reservation where friends,
(built in 1722) is probably the best
artists, writers, people from the
known and most photographed be-
Pueblo, and many people of note
cause it is a classic of early pueblo
came and went.
mission architecture. The painting
In recent years the house has
of Christ Inside is luminous and in
been a "hippie hangout," apart-
the dark shows a cross that cannot
ments, and a few years ago movie
be seen in dayllght.
actor Dennis Hopper bought it and
The Rio Grande runs a few miles
considers it hts home. It looks run-
west of Taos through a deep and
down and almost abandoned, and
spectacular gorge on a volcanic
there are rumors that the Taos In-
plateau. Some of the best fishing in
dians claim part of it is on their
the state is on this part of the
reservation.
upper Rio Grande. North of Taos to
Mabel Dodge Lujan gave the
the Colorado border the Rio
Lawrences a mountain ranch a few
Grande is classified as a 'wild
miles north of Taos where they
river,' the first to be so designated.
lived and quarrelled between trips
Taos is rimmed on the other three
to Mexico, Italy, England and
sides by Carson National Forest,
France. The cool beauty of the
and there are small, picturesque
ranch seemed to give Lawrence a
Spanlsh villages in almost every
tranquility he didn't always feel
valley and canyon.
Chirago Tribute
THE WORLD'S GREATEST
'Progress'
NEWSPAPER
D. 767 793 SUN 1.016.275
SEP 13 1978
overtakes
the Navajos
1
Black Mesa, Ariz., and Nenahnezad, N.M., are two remote places on the
Navajo Reservation that time almost forgot. For hundreds of years Navajo
herdsmen lived the same life from generation to generation, following their
animals through the seasons, rarely glimpsing the outside world.
The Indians living in their wilderness sanctuaries liked it that way. They
never bothered to learn English and kept to their traditional Navajo religion
and culture. Life could have gone on that way forever-until geologists discov-
ered hundreds of millions of tons of valuable coal under their land.
Several years ago coal shovels moved in to the piny aerie of Black Mesa
and, 75 miles east, to the gentle meadowlands of Nenahnezad. Power plants
with smokestacks rose out of the ground, and rail spurs and power lines cut
through the landscape, which was slowly gouged up and carried away in
monstrous coal trucks.
Coal mining has been a welcome windfall for the financially pinched Navajo
tribe, and hundreds of unskilled Navajos are now making comfortable livings
working in the mines.
But such progress means nothing to the shepherds who were content with
life the way it was. Their once insulated world has been violated and irrepar-
ably damaged, and they are bitter.
With 20 per cent of the nation's known coal reserves sitting under Indian
land, the scene is being repeated over and over on reservations across the
country. Inevitable as it is, the process is painful for those caught in the
middle.
Andrew Benally, 38, had to give up being a shepherd
when coal was discovered on the Navajo reservation and
his tribe decided to lease the land for mining. Now he
has a job with the Peabody Coal Co. "I'm used to both
ways-and like them both,' he says.
Cont'd
"They don't take care about our land. They don't take care of our
things. They just take our money and pack it full in their billfolds,"
says Emma Yazzie, who weeps over the changes in her life since
mining leveled a high hill on her tribe's reservation near Nenahnezad,
N.M., 16 years ago. She is also angry about the smoke from the
D ower plant nearby, saying it is blinding one of her remaining horses.
INDIAN NEWS CLIPS
OFFICE OF INFORMATION
202-343-7445
SUPPLEMENT TO INDIAN NEWS CLIPS -
October 4, 1976
Office of Public Information
Chicago
Trilium
9-12-76
The U.S. Indian: Striving to be
what he is
By William Mullen
"WE'RE SICK and tired of being
Chicago Tribune Press Service
The American Indian-1976
wards of the state. We're sick and tired
FRANK'S LANDING, Wash.-Old Bil-
of being called incompetent. We're sick
ly Frank, the man for whom this little
The most poorly housed and educated of all Americans, the Indians are at
and tired of being called savages be-
settlement is named, sat back in an
the bottom of the nation's economic order, and they fiercely protect their
cause we're being killed every night on
easy chair in his daughter's home early
cultural and ethnic differences. For an in-depth study of Indian problems
your television."
this summer and talked about his life.
and prospects in 1976, the Tribune's Pulitzer Prize-winning team of reporter
Throughout that trip across the U.S.,
White-haired and gnarled at 96, Billy
William Mullen and photographer Ovie Carter traveled for two months to a
right up to the front gates of the White
Frank had four generations of his fami-
dozen states and reservations throughout the country. This is the first of a
House, Mills kept talking as if the
ly around him, and they fell silent and
series of reports.
American Indian were still at war with
looked on lovingly as he told his story.
the U.S.
He could have been the proud pa-
He might not be far from wrong.
triarch of any American family except
still warring on the Indians, If you think
The closest thing to a July 4 Bicenten-
It is a fact that the Indians are differ-
for one important difference. As a
of Congress as being made up of the
nial observance within Billy Frank's
ent from the rest of the Americans. And
Nisqually, he is the head of an Ameri-
settlers.
family this year came from his grand-
while the rest of the U.S. sometimes has
can Indian family, one that is not totally
"The Indians are just interested in
daughter, Suzette Mills.
trouble remembering that the Indians
convinced of its place in society.
staying where they are, protecting
She and her husband, Sid, both in
exist, the Indians haven't forgotten.
Billy Frank has lived near white men
themselves."
their early twenties, led a band of 300
all of his life. It hasn't been a joyous
Indians from many different tribes
BILLY FRANK and his family tena-
experience.
IN ELOQUENTLY simple English,
across the country on a four-month trek
cously assert the legality of their treaty
without bitterness, Billy Frank talked
to Washington, D.C. There, on July 4,
with the U.S. and the privileges of land
WHITE MEN took away the reserva-
about his life with white men.
they marched, sang, chanted, and
and water rights that go with It. While
tion land where he was reared, and he
"On the Fourth of July, when I was a
danced in front of the White House.
they may not always speak in their Indi-
was beaten by white teachers as a child
young man, the Nisqually used to invite
The procession, called the "Trail of
an tongue anymore, or observe all the
in an Indian boarding school for speak-
other tribes here to celebrate.
old religious and social traditions, they
ing his native tongue.
"We put up two tables, 40 to 50 feet
Self-Determination," was organized by
still think and act and work like Indi-
long. W eused to have a blg time-good
Sid Mills to protest the condition of the
ans.
The State of Washington tried to stop
Billy Frank from fishing the streams
times-Here at the Nisqually."
American Indian in 1976.
Billy Frank's family is no exception.
and rivers where his ancestors had al-
There was no big July 4 celebration at
Most of America's estimated 900,000 In-
A WEEK BEFORE the Fourth, Mills
ways made their living. White men bullt
Frank's Landing this year.
dians feel the same way, conquered in
led his band to the Pennsylvania State
body by a European society that swept
citles out of Indian wilderness, and the
JUST BEFORE the Fourth, Billy
Capital in Harrisburg and addressed the
over them, but still not conquered in
pollution from the cities has killed off
Frank was arrested and detained Illegal-
legislature there.
spirit. They have refused to jump into
the fish population in much of the state.
ly for selling fireworks on his land. He
"We're never, ever, ever going to be
the so-called American melting pot.
"From the very first appearance of
contends that be lives on protected Indl-
like the American people," Mills told a
"You are dealing with a million scat-
Europeans in North America, the Indi-
an land that is not subject to the laws of
silent audience in the legislative hall.
tered survivors," said Tax, who has de-
ans saw right away we were trying to
the State of Washington, so his sale of
"We're a different people.
voted his professional life to the study of
make them like us so we could take
fireworks was legal.
"The only way we can survive is with
American Indians.
away their way of life. So the Indians
It was not the first time the old
our treaty rights and by allowing us to
"I can't exaggerate the differences in
refused to be civilized," says Dr. Sol
develop by ourselves."
Indian culture from ours.
Nisqually has been arrested. His son-in-
Tax, a University of Chicago anthropolo-
law, Al Bridges, has been jailed 70
He accused the rest of the United
"MOST INDIANS are non-economical-
gist.
times in the last nine years for fighting
States of making a mockery of its treat-
ly oriented, while all we think of is the
"Things haven't changed right up un-
to regain fishing rights he said the State
ies with the Indians, of continuing its
future. They just don't want to sacrifice
III now, 300 years later. The settlers are
of Washington has taken from him. Billy
efforts to keep the Indians poor and
the way of life of the small community
Frank has been arrested with Bridges
under control, of trying to break up the
where they enjoy their own system of
on numerous occasions.
tribes.
values.
"Could the United States of America
"They can't live competitively like a
survive with 75-per-cent unemployment, white man, because it's just,not nice or
like so many tribes have to do?" be fun according to their standard of val-
demanded.
ues.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR-BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
1951 Constitution Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. 20245
The price of being different is expen-
sive for Indians and non-Indians alike.
This year the federal government
alone will spend about $1.5 billion on
Many experts are predicting a back-
programs for the Indians, and it is B
ward migration of Indians from the
figure that grows with each passing
cities to their reservations, increasing
year.
the burden of unemployment and wel-
But despite these expenditures, life for
fare there.
the Indian more often than not means
poverty unlike that found anywhere else
But, many experts believe, the return
in American society.
to the reservation may be a healthy
sign.
IN FACT. a trip to the Navajo Reser-
vation, sprawling over 26,000 square
"I THINK there's going to be a ml-
miles of Arizona, New Mexico, and
gration back because people want to
Utah, is like a trip into a foreign coun-
rediscover themselves as Indians," said
try. It is, at that, an underdeveloped
Morris Thompson, U.S. commissioner
for Indian affairs.
country-within the borders of the
world's most developed nation.
"We support the trend of Indian people
People dress differently, and many
reasserting their pride in being Indian,
have never learned to speak English,
and because of this, we should acceler-
preferring the Navajo tongue.
ate the educational opportunities for In-
More important, they live out lives
dian children."
that often bear little resemblance to
Sol Tax of the U. of C. agrees.
those of most Americans. They are
"I suspect that many Indians are try-
shepherds, cattlemen, and horsemen
ing to get an education as a defensive
who, with perhaps the exception of a
tool so that they can remain Indian," he
pickup truck, still practice the trades
said.
their great-grandfathers did.
"THEY STILL consider themselves at
They are welfare recipients. They are
hired hands for ranchers and farmers
war with the U.S., and they are rearm-
on the reservation. Some are coal min-
ing themselves right now. Only, instead
of stocking up on carbines and ammun-
tion, they are stocking up on college
ers for big coal companies strip-mining
the reservation.
degrees and expertise S0 they can con-
tinue to hold us off and maintain their
BUT FEW are professionals. The ex-
own culture."
ceptions are a small number of educat-
"The federal government has made
ed men and women working for the trib-
mistakes for 200 years in trying to deal
al government and the Bureau of Indian
with us," said a tribal official for the
Affairs.
Miccosukee tribe in southern Florida.
Very few Navajoes are businessmen,
"NOW IT'S TIME to let us try to
with virtually no Navajo-owned busi-
solve our own problems. Just give us
nesses serving the 150,000 Indians living
on the reservation.
the money, and we'll find our own pro-
grams. It will take time, but we deserve
Because the soil is so dry and sandy,
the same amount of time that the BIA
there is enough land to support 50,000,
and all the other federal agencies have
but certainly not 150,000.
had, and we deserve the right to make
The Navajos live in a society where
our own mistakes."
per capita income is $900 and unem-
ployment is upwards of 65-per-cent un-
employment They have a tribal aver-
age of a fifth-grade education, only 40
Again, anthropologist Tax agrees.
per cent of their homes have running
"The Indians are here, and they are
water, and even fewer have electricity.
growing, and their culture is not disap-
JUST LIKE 2 developing nation, the
pearing," he said.
reservation is in the midst of a danger-
"They have a remarkable history of
ous population explosion, with a birth
adaptability, surviving every effort of
rate twice that of the rest of the U. S.
che U. S. to destroy them. Perhaps it is
What makes it particularly explosive is
time we recognized them for what they
that half the reservation is under the
sare-something different from us and
age of 18, S0 in the next 20 years the
ivery special-and let them work out
population is likely to skyrocket.
their own destinies."
"We need more young people to come
Clearly the Indians are not satisfied
back here as doctors, lawyers, and pri-
with their treatment by the U. S. gov-
vate businessmen." said the late Wil-
ernment, even-or especially-after 200
bure Atcitty, a brilliant young Navajo
years. Instead of making the peace,
who worked as executive administrator
many, including Billy Frank, believe
to the tribal chairman before he was
government Indian policies have served
killed in a car accident several weeks
ago.
Atcitty, 33, was devoting his energies
to building up an economic base on the
reservation 80 the tribe's most talented
only to deepen the hostilities.
young people wouldn't be forced to leave
"I THINK the country is going hay-
in search of work.
wire, he said. "I think we're all enemies,
"The dollar doesn't even turn over
we all hate each other.
once on the reservation," he said. "A
"Maybe people will wake up, but with
guy gets paid for his livestock or from
all the guns and atom bombs, it looks
his job; and he immediately goes off
like we're all going to end up blowing
the reservation to buy his food, clothing,
the world to pieces.
and whatever."
"Sometimes I think that might be the
THE PROBLEMS faced by the Navajos
best way. All those pieces will float
are not unique among Indians. It is rep-
around for awhile, then it will come
resentative of what is going on in most
back together again, and we'll have the
reservations. In turn, the reservation
earth again just like it was a long time
Indians are not much worse off than the
ago."
roughly 350,000 Indians who live in
Tomorrow: Return to the reservation
America's cities and towns. The urban
"homeland."
Indians only have a $2,500-per-capita in-
come, high unemployment, and a ninth-
grade average education.
For many of the urban Indians, in
fact, reservation life is beginning to look
more attractive than the slums and
crime with which they have to live in
the cities.
Grimme
GREATEST
D.
1.016.275
SEP 13 1978
Many Indians trade alien
world for 'home'
PAGE ONE
By William Mullen
Chicago Tribune Press Service
The American Indian-1976
NIXON, Nev.-Katle Frazier has spent
most of her 84 years living in Reno, 40
Despite the evident poverty on Indian reservations, the Indians cling
miles from here, but she's back on the
tenaciously to them and the treaties that created them. For these native
Paiute Indian reservation and couldn't
Americans who lost their continent, the reservation is their only homeland.
be happier.
For an in-depth study of Indian problems and prospects in 1976, The
She is one of the few Paiutes who still
Tribune's Pulitzer Prize-winning team of reporter William Mullen and photog-
remember some of the old religious
rapher Ovie Carter traveled for two months to a dozen states and reserva-
dances and songs, and she's busily
tions throughout the country. This is the second of their reports.
teaching them to the reservation's chil-
dren.
not measure their status by how much
Paiute.
Much has changed on the reservation,
"I remember when we came back
money they make or how big a house
of course, since she lived there as a
they own.
here to visit, as soon as I hit the sign
little girl.
that said we were in the reservation, I
They can understand living in small
"The festivals are almost gone," she
could all of a sudden just feel the open
towns and villages where they know the
said, "and the Indians don't have much
space, and there was nobody there tell-
grandparents, parents, children, and
grandchildren of every inhabitant.
doings any more.
ing us what to do."
They can't understand the alienation
Now she is back for good in the open
"WE USED TO have a rabbit dance.
and fear of living next to nameless
spaces where there is nobody telling her
No rabbits here any more. We used to
strangers as SO many Americans do.
what to do.
go up in the hills and gather winter food
RESERVATION LIFE means rural
and have a pine dance for a week, day
AND SHE ISN'T alone in coming
poverty-easily the most grinding in
and night."
back. An increasing number of Ameri-
America-but it does have its advan-
can Indians who have lived for years
tages.
away from their reservations are now
"In my time, a lot of us went off to
New a lot of that is gone and nearly
returning.
colleges and schools to escape the pov-
forgotten because the Paiute on the Pyr-
They include Indians of all ages and
erty," said Alvin James, 40, also a Pai-
amid Lake Reservation almost forgot
how to be Indians.
economic levels, ranging from those
ute on the Pyramid Lake Reservation.
who simply couldn't make it in Ameri-
"We missed it, us older people who
"When we finished, we had to stay
ca's cities because of illiteracy right up
knew the dances and ceremonies," Ka-
away because there were no jobs here
to successful professionals who adjusted
to fit our educations."
tie said. "We wanted it, but for a long
easily to non-Indian society.
time when we tried to do it some people
James jumped at the chance to come
To all of them, the reservation repre-
here interfered and laughed and made
back when a new tribal enterprise need-
sents the "homeland" to which they re-
fun of us."
ed a business manager after he had
turn from an alien society.
Katie left the reservation as a child to
worked for years for an Indian tribe in
Montana and for the State of Nevada.
attend Indian school, where she some-
"WHAT'S so GREAT about suburbs,
Whether or not Indian songs, dancing,
crab grass, noise, and waiting in line for
times went hungry when her teachers
medicine men, and religion flourish on
groceries?" he asked.
caught her speaking the Paiute lan-
their respective reservations, they are
"There's a world of difference here.
guage.
returning to people they can understand.
Here is home. There's a feeling for the
land. Our ancestors were here for thou-
BUT IT wasn't a bad school, she said,
THEY CAN understand working where
sands of years."
because she learned how to read and
there are no bosses, where people are
The reservation is virtually the only
write better than children do today.
led by example rather than being told
world left to those Indians who want to
When she finished and eventually mar-
what to do or having to tell others what
remain Indian. The reservation has be-
to do.
ried, she lived off the reservation be-
come, in fact, a sanctuary for a way of
cause there were no jobs there.
They can understand people who do
life the rest of the United States has lain
siege to unsuccessfully for more than
And Katie Frazier always came back
300 years.
to visit, for she never forgot she was a
No matter that the per-capita income
for reservation Indians is about $1,500
For generations, Navajo herdsmen had
annually, that availability of health care
contentedly lived an unchanging life on
is sometimes abysmal, that the children
the isolated reservation stretching across
often are quick to drop out of school,
parts of Arizona and New Mexico that
that seasonal unemployment sometimes
has been their ancestral home. Then
hits 60 per cent and more.
coal was discovered under their land.
Ovie Carter, The Tribune's Pulitzer
THE IMPORTANT fact for the reser-
Prize-winning photographer, shows some
vation Indian is that he is home, living
of the changes that have taken place
among those who understand him.
since mining came-on the Back Page.
"They have a culture we don't have,"
said Dr. Wallace Heath of Bellingham,
Wash., "and it's worth more than mon-
ey."
Heath is president of the American
Indian Development Association, a non-
profit organization providing assistance
to eight widely scattered Indian tribes.
The Indian way of life is at once ro-
mantically appealing and self-defeating
to the non-Indian point of view, he said.
"NO MATTER how bad things get
ways come back to the idea that this
financially for an Indian, the resources
land is ours, this language is ours, and
shared by his family will always get
this culture is ours, and if we give it up,
him through," he said.
we will cease to exist."
"But family sharing makes it difficult
for any Indian to become rich, to get
EVEN WHEN the federal government
ahead in life as most Americans strive
has dismantled the reservations, as it
to do. It's a matter of survival, especial-
did with the Cherokee reservation in east-
ly on the economically depressed reser-
ern Oklahoma in 1890, the tribes have
vations."
remained more or less intact on those
The Indians are becoming increasingly
sites.
adept at attracting funds from founda-
Clint Duncan, 58, lives on a disability
tions and federal agencies for social and
pension with his wife in one of a row of
dilapidated houses near Stilwell, Okla.
PYRAMID
He thinks that if the reservation had
LAKE
economic development on the reserva-
remained intact, the Cherokee Indians
Pyramid
tions. But it is doubtful that Indian
would be more comfortable now.
395
INDIAN
Lake
RESERVATION
standards of living on the reservations
"If there'd been a reservation, there
will ever pull abreast of the general
might have been somebody to look after
Nixon
80
American standard.
us now," he said.
33
CAL.
NONETHELESS, PRESERVING the
INSTEAD, MOST Cherokees rely on
Sparks
reservations is all-important to Indians
seasonal work on other people's farms
Wadsworth
everywhere, who consider the idea of
or work as chicken pluckers in poultry
Reno
breaking them up a sacrilege.
plants in nearby Arkansas.
NEVADA
80
395
"It sounds like such a cliche to keep
But the Cherokees have remained in
Lake
saying to non-Indians, 'You took our land
the area despite their economic depres-
Carson City
Tahoe
from us.' But without land we can't sur-
sion, and they have clung to much of
25 Miles
their culture even though they haven't
Stateline
vive as Indians," said Peggy Barnett, a
Laguna Pueblo Indian from New Mexi-
had a reservation for 80 years. In fact,
CO. A UCLA graduate, she has been
even different dialects of Cherokee have
working with the Miccosukee tribe on
survived.
Tribune Map
its Florida reservation as health direc-
The Paiute Indians are returning to
"YOU GO over to Cherry Tree, they
their reservation at Pyramid Lake to
tor for two years.
speaks a little different than we do, but
find that many "have almost forgot-
"We don't have a homeland across the
we can understand them," Duncan said.
ten how to be Indians."
ocean, so the reservation, the land, is
"All my grandchildren speak Cherok-
what makes us different from the other
ee real good. They know both Cherokee
American minorities. Basically, we al-
and English, and I think that's the best,
signed to the fact they will move away
because the way it is now with the kids,
to work when they are finished.
they're really learning. There's hardly a
When she and her brother were grow-
kid around here anymore who can't
ing up, they lived in the wilderness.
read."
Now, the world looks much different.
WHAT THE CHEROKEES want, Dun-
"THERE ARE too many cars, too
can said, is much the same that Indians
many roads, and too many ways to go,"
want all over the country. Among these
she said.
wants is a desire for more jobs near
They want opportunities for their chil-
their homes S0 their children can still
dren. And for themselves?
remain near them when they are gradu-
"All I want is something to eat," Dun-
ated and married.
can said. "I don't want to get rich. Just
Duncan's sister, Minnie Soap, 44, has
so I get by, that's all I want."
seven children. She is determined they
Tomorrow: The Indian discovers poli-
will go to college, but she is also re-
tics.
Tribune Photo by Ovie Carter
Cherokee Indian Clint Duncan, 58, lives on a disability pension near Stilwell,
Okla. Had the government not dismantled the Cherokee reservation, he says,
"there might have been somebody to look after us."
Tribune Photo by Ovie Carter
Cherokee Hiner Doublehead, his wife, and their two
are the same, black, white, Indian, or non-Indian.
chlidren at their home just outside Stilwell, Okla.
Well, speaking for Indians, we're not the same, and
"Americans seem to take it for granted that all people
there's just no way we're going to be the same."
'Chicago, it was a jungle'
Chicago Tribune Press Service
Even though he had the advantage
"Americans seem to take it for
STILWELL, Okla. - Hiner Double-
of a colleeg degree in education, Dou-
granted that all people are the same,
head has known the world of the non-
blehead couldn't assimilate and won-
black, white, Indian, or non-Indian.
Indian in Chicago and of the Cherokee
ders how he stayed away from home
Well, speaking for Indians, we're not
in Oklahoma on intimate terms, and
so long.
the same, and there's just no way
he much prefers the latter.
He didn't like teaching, so he went
we're going to be the same.
He does research now for an Indian
through a succession of unskilled and
"I know people who used to get lost
social agency, and he has a house on
semi-skilled jobs, living in a series of
in Stilwell [a small town with only a
10 acres of land just outside of Still-
decrepit apartments in bad neighbor-
few hudred people]. By God, they're
well, where the only other house he
hoods.
up in Chicago now. No wonder they
can see is that of his brother.
turn into alcoholics."
When his family first arrived in Chi-
Chicago, his home for 12 years, is
cago, they had difficulty adjusting,
THOUGH THE average per capita
just a bad memory.
Doublehead said. His two oldest chil-
income for Oklahoma Cherokees is
"Boy," he said, "Chicago, to me, it
dren spoke Cherokee and couldn't find
only $1,200 a year, Doublehead said he
was a jungle."
any boy to talk with.
is encouraged by an expanding tribal
He wanted to socialize with other
government, increased federal spend-
IN 1951, Doublehead and his wife
Indians, but the only place he could
ing. and new housing.
and two children were the first Cher-
find them was in Indian bars on the
"When I finally decided to come
okee family to leave Oklahoma under
North Side until the American Indian
back here in 1963, it was the best
a federal program of Indian "reloca-
Center was opened in Uptown.
decision I ever made," he said.
tion." Under the program, the Bureau
"One thing I miss about Chicago
of Indian Affairs transported thou-
DOUBLEHEAD SAID he doesn't
though," he said, patting an ample
sands of families to various cities,
think Indians will ever have an easy
stomach, "is those Polish sausages.
found them apartments and jobs, and
time of coping with American cities
Oh, man, do I wish I could get them
left them to fend for themselves, hop-
simply because they're Indian and
in Stilwell. I loved those things."
ing they would assimilate into non-In-
need the small communities in rural
dian society.
settings to survive.
William Mullen
Tribune Photo by Ovie
Walter Huff
Semino
ndian in his 60s carv
a visitor near Big Cypress, Fla., that he prefers his "chickee"
house with walls that roll up and down in the background-to a small,
government-built house.
Sod roofs and palm fronds
make housing a breeze
Chicago Tribune Press Service
The chickee, with walls rolled
BIG CYPRESS, Fla.-Some of the
down, can keep out the tropical rains.
poverty that casual vsitors see on
In the humid, sweltering summer
American Indian reservations isn't
months, the walls can be rolled up to
poverty at all to the Indians.
catch the cool prevailing breezes.
Non-Indians are often astounded to
WALTER HUFF, a Seminole who
see Navajos living in log and sod
never left his Big Cypress reserva-
"hogans" in Arizona, built in the
tion and is now, in his 60s, learning
fashion of their ancestors.
to speak English, recently moved
back into a chickee from a small
Or, here on the Big Cypress Reser-
government house.
vation, tourists are equally surprised
to find Seminoles living in the tradi-
"I didn't like it," he said through
tional "chickee," built from poles
an interpreter, "because it was too
and palm fronds.
small. I think it's good to move into
the open houses, because they're
FRAME OR BLOCK housing is
cooler.
available to Indians through govern-
"The bad thing is that the little
ment subsidies, but the traditional
housing is cheaper-and better.
children who are used to living in
house now come by and see a house
The hogan, with its thick walls and
with no walls and take things. I hung
sod roof, is cool- in the scorching des-
up some pants in the house yesterday
ert summers and warm in the frigid
to dry after washing them. Now
plateau winters.
they're gone; somebody took them."
Chicago Tribune, Tuesday, September 14, 1976
Section
1
13
Distrust, long memories keeping
Indian tribes. apart
By William Mullen
The American Indian-1976
Chicago Tribune Press Service
LAME DEER, Mont.-It has been 100
Before the white man came, there were no Indians. There were Navajo
years since Col. George A. Custer and
people, Seminole people, and the people of hundreds of tribes scattered
his men were wiped out in an Indian
over North America. Their descendants still regard themselves as members
ambush several miles west of here.
of separate Indian nations. For an in-depth study of Indian problems and
But to this day the Northern Cheyenne
prospects in 1976, The Tribune's Pulitzer Prize-winning team of reporter
have little use for their neighbors, the
William Mullen and photographer Ovie Carter traveled for two months to
Crow. That's because the Northern
a dozen states and reservations throughout the country. This is the third
Cheyenne was one of the tribes that
of their reports.
took part in the attack, and the Crow
were fighting on Custer's side.
The stigma of being "hired guns" for
THE INDIANS' have never been able
the white man has never quite left the
to work together effectively as a nation-
arid Southwest are facing battles over
Crow. Whenever they are mentioned to
al group for common causes or against
precious water rights on their reserva-
a Northern Cheyenne, or a Navajo, or a
tinpopular decisions by the federal gov-
tions, and they fight them alone on a
Nisqually, or a Seminole, he always re-
ernment.
tribe-to-tribe basis. The same thing hap-
minds you in a joking fashion that the
Besides the Bureau of Indian Affairs,
pened a few years ago in the State of
Crow were "traitors." It's a joke with a
the federal agency that administers the
Washington when separate tribes fought
biting edge.
treaty agreements with the tribes, there
for fishing rights guaranteed them by
are few national Indian organizations.
their treaties.
BUT THAT is not uncommition among
The National Tribal Chairmen's Asso-
When the Washington tribes banded
Indian tribes. Despite the loosening of
clation is a BIA creation that Indian
together, they won significant federal
traditions, the diffusion of hundreds of
activists call a rubber stamp for BIA
court battles, forcing the state to honor
thousands of Indians into the cities, and
policy.
the treaties and giving them 50 per cent
intertribal marriages, Indian tribes still
Americans for Indian Opportunity, the
of the state's annual fish harvest.
live very much apart from each other.
group run by LaDonna Harris, wife of
Several dozen reservations have valu-
That is to say: They don't really get
former Oklahoma Sen. Fred Harris, is a
able, virtually untapped mineral depos-
along very well.
Washington, D.C., cocktail-party fund-
its within their borders in the form of
raising operation.
That is due in large part to the fact
coal, gas, oil, and uranium. Yet until
The oldest and perhaps most effective
that American Indians never consider
recently, none of the tribes worked to-
group is the National Congress of Amer-
themselves American Indians. They
gether to pool their knowledge and bar-
ican Indians.
think of themselves as Menominee, or
gaining power.
Paiute, or Klamath, or whatever partic-
MADE UP of 3,500 individual Indians
The only Indian voice heard regularly
ular tribe they belong to.
In the U.S. in recent years has been the
"Our elders were fanatics about what
and 125 tribal representatives, the con-
strident, radical, sometimes violent one
was proper for a Northern Cheyenne,"
gress operates in Washington, D.C., as a
of the American Indian Movement.
said James King, 60, in Lame Deer, the
sort of Indian lobby.
seat of tribal government.
But there is no one loud, clear nation-
THOUGH IT never had more than a
al voice for the Indians to represent
few hundred active followers at any one
"They wouldn't allow outside mar-
them on national issues, and they badly
time, AIM had wide support on the res-
riages, even to a member of another
need one.
ervations and in urban Indian ghettos.
Indian tribe. It's not S0 much the color
For example, few non-Indians noticed
It was much too militant for the normal-
of skin, it's the culture-we were bound
the government "termination" policy in
ly conservative Indian population, but
by language and culture."
the 1950s. It was designed to close down
Indians everywhere were happy to see
reservations, giving the Indians a few
decades of frustration being aired on
thousand dollars each and forcing them
television and on front pages.
DESPITE a gradual erosion of the
into lives they were not prepared for.
Now that Internal schisms have weak-
distinctions, there is still a strong feel-
The policy was unpepular from the
ened AIM, even that voice is heard less.
ing of identity in each tribe. Indian
start, but the Indians had no national
Indians travel endlessly to each oth-
newspapers carefully note the tribe of
political voice. Fortunately, only a few
er's reservations for powwow dances
each person named in their news stories
reservations, such as the Menominee in
and ceremonies, but they rarely have
-even in box scores of intertribal base-
Wisconsin, were dismantled before the
united for political purposes.
ball games.
policy was proved to be a flasco and
"The geography is something almost
"There are 385 tribes and 250 Indian
ended.
impossible to organize," said Susan Har-
languages," said Alford Waters, a Cher-
NOW, SEVERAL tribes in the semi-
joe, one of the leaders of the National
Congress of American Indians.
okee from Oklahoma and an official at
"BESIDES, the tribes have always
Chicago's American Indian Center in
taken pride in working out their own
Uptown.
problems. How could you have a nation-
"We're as distinct from each other as
al Indian group go into the Northern
Norwegians are from Italians."
Cheyenne Reservation and Interfere with
This tribalism has been the main rea-
that tribe's internal processes."
son for disunity among the 900,000 Indi-
Because of a general disinterest in all
ans scattered throughout the United
States.
Tribune Photo by Ovie Carter
Chairman Peter MacDonald of the Navajo tribe stands
In Utah, Arizona and New Mexico into potent political
at the center of a political storm, like most tribal leaders.
force, detractors within the tribe attack him for an
While he has organized the 150,000 Navajos who live
ostentatious lifestyle and charge corruption.
but tribal politics, Indians have never
sentatives and a state senator in Arizo-
vestigating a $13-million investment
before been much of a factor in local,
na, and a state senator and a state rep-
made by the tribal housing authority in
state, and national elections.
resentative in New Mexico.
a Los Angeles mortgage investment
That is changing.
"We also cast the deciding votes for
firm that later went into federal receiv-
The most notable example is on the
governor of both states. In Arizona,
ership.
Navajo Reservation, where 150,000 mem-
Gov. Raul Castro won his election by
4,000 votes, while the Navajo gave him
MacDONALD denounces the investiga-
bers of the tribe spraw! into parts of
10,000 votes. In New Mexico, Gov. Jerry
tions and indictments as outside political
Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico.
Apodaca won by 2,000 votes while 8,000
harassment, laying much of the blame
Navajos voted for him."
on his former political ally, Sen. Barry
Goldwater [R., Ariz.].
Chairman Peter MacDonald of the Na-
THE NAVAJOS also are on the verge
Formerly a Republican, MacDonald
vajo several years ago began organizing
of seizing control of local politics.
has shifted the Navajo vote toward
and registering tribal members to vote.
"Because of our population [the Nava-
Democrats. He said this angered Gold-
THE RESULTS have been electrify-
jo tribe is more than twice as populous
water after the Republicans lost the
ing.
as any other] we have the advantage,"
state's northern counties in 1974 because
MacDonald said, "but the circumstances
of Navajo votes.
are the same for a lot of other tribes. I
think we'll see a lot of others following
THE CONTROVERSY has-caught fire
"In precincts where we have never
our example."
on the reservation, however, and last
had more than 5 people voting, now we
May several hundred Navajos opposing
have 300 or more voting," MacDonald
THE STORMIEST polities among Indi-
MacDonald marched in Window Rock,
said.
ans are the politics of tribal govern-
the tribal seat of government, demand-
"In 1974, we elected two state repre-
ment.
ing that he resign.
There is a high turnover of tribal
While the Mckering and backbiting
leadership because Indians generally
that characterizes Indian politics has
cast a suspicious eye on anybody claim-
contributed to their inability to work
ing to be a leader. Being a "big shot" Is
together as tribes, many Indians think It
no virtue In the Indian scheme of things.
has also helped them to survive.
In MacDonald's case, he became lead-
"Maybe in the past it was a good
er of the tribe in 1970 and was extreme-
thing we couldn't get together because
ly popular at first. But he has come
the U.S. had to handle each tribe sepa-
under heavy attack within the tribe dur-
rately and we couldn't all be destroyed
ing the last two years.
at once," said Betty Barnett, a Laguna
Indian working as a health official for
MANY FORMER followers criticize
the Miccosukee tribe in Florida.
what they call his ostentatious lifestyle.
She said It Is now imperative that the
MacDonald drives a Lincoln Continental,
Indians lay their political differences
lives in a luxurlous ranch home, and
aside and start fighting together, and
draws a $35,000 salary from the tribe,
the Indians have finally begun to see
which has a $900 per capita income.
that.
His more serious critics point to cor-
"We couldn't get together in the past,
ruption among his aides and a drastic
and we couldn't talk with each other
drop In the tribe's reserve funds, from
because of language differences," she
$73.6 million in 1964 to $33.3 million in
continued.
1975.
"A lot of that has changed. Now we
MacDonald attributes the decline to
have a lot of things to fight in common
rapid growth and increased need for
80 now maybe it's time to get together
services on the reservation, but a feder-
because we're fighting a different kind
al grand jury has already indicted four
of battle."
tribal officials.
Tomorrow: The scoffed at but chang-
The grand jury reportedly also is in-
Ing Bureau of Indian Affairs.
12
Section 1
Chicago Tribune, Wednesday, September 15, 1976
Indians now are telling U.S. they
By William Mullen
Chicago Tribune Press Service
The American Indian-1976
WASHINGTON-How-or why-do you
Before the white man came, there were no Indians. There were Navajo
teach an Indian child not to be an
people, Seminole people, and the people of hundreds of tribes scattered
will help
Indian?
over North America. Their descendants still regard themselves as members
In one way or another, the United
of separate Indian nations. For an in-depth study of Indian problems and
States government has been trying to do
prospects in 1976, The Tribune's Pulitzer Prize-winning team of reporter
that for 200 years.
William Mullen and photographer Ovie Carter traveled for two months to
a dozen states and reservations throughout the country. This is the fourth
In the past, the U.S. has pulled Indian
of their reports. Pictures on the back page.
selves
children away from their families and
off their reservations to send them to
ply gives the tribes the money the BIA
schools. where they were beaten if they
vould have spent. The tribe uses the
spoke in their native languages.
money as it wishes to provide the same
CRITICS ALSO charge that the Con-
ervices.
gressional committees governing the In-
It has underwritten a huge program to
The policy is optional, with the BIA
terior Department are overloaded with
transplant Indians to American cities,
allowing cach tribe to decide what serv-
politicians closely aligned to non-Indian
where it hoped they would find jobs and
ices, if any, it wants to handle itself.
agricultural and mining interests. When
disappear into the American main-
The results have been encouraging.
the heat is on, the department Invart-
stream.
"We think it's working because we
ably comes down on the non-Indian side.
DURING the Indian wars, the U.S.
can hire professional people of our own
That is one of the reasons the BIA
choosing," said Buffalo Tiger, tribal
even tried to exterminate them.
chairman of the Miccosukees. His tribe
may soon be abolished or at least radi-
of about 500 people is the only one thus
cally changed.
But the Indians are still with us-the
far to take over its own services com-
Next January, Congress will receive
poorest, most ignored segment of the
pletely, thereby eliminating all BIA per-
the report of the Indian Policy Review
sonnel on the reservation.
American people.
Commission, a two-year study of federal
Indian policy organized by Sen. James
"Everyone has an answer for the Indi-
"NOW, WHEN the tribe hires some-
Abourezk [D., S. D.].
an problem except the Indians them-
body, they feel they have to produce for
selves. The Indians have never been
us because, if we are unhappy, we can
The commission is made up of three
fire them."
asked," said Peggy Barnett, a young,
UCLA-educated Laguna Pueblo Indian
Of the 900,000 American Indians in the
U.S. senators, three U.S. representatives,
who works for the Miccosukee tribe in
U.S., only about 550,000 receive BIA
and five Indians, and is the first com-
Florida.
prehensive review of Indian policy in 50
money. This is because they live on res-
years.
ervations or federal trust land.
INDIANS INCREASINGLY are no
ERNEST L. STEVENS, Its director, is
longer waiting to be asked but are tell-
Most of the others live In cities, and
an Oneida Indian from Wisconsin and an
ing the government to let them solve
the bulk of them were moved there un-
ex-BIA official who promises some sur-
their own problems. And, It is turning
der a relocation program started by the
prises.
out to be perhaps the most effective
BIA in the 1950s.
"People are going to get a hell of a
solution yet to Indian poverty and Amer-
It was hoped the program would re-
jolt in January when that report comes
ican ignorance of Indian life.
sult in Indians finding their own way
out," be said.
into non-Indian society with jobs and
With the cost of Indian problems to
The report is likely to recommend
education, taking the burden of the BIA
the taxpayer escalating every year [$1.5
that the BIA be removed from the Inte-
budget off the taxpayers.
billion this year], the solution is coming
rion Department and set up as an Inde-
THE PROGRAM succeeded in getting
perdent agency, perhaps answerable
hundreds of thousands of Indians Into
only to the President.
none too soon.
the city, but many of them couldn't
Stevens said too much of the BIA
Charged with spending most of the
make the cultural transition. We have,
federal "Indian" money [$1 billion this
all a result, impoverished urban en-
budget goes toward supporting a cum-
year] in the Bureau of Indian affairs,
chaves of Indians, such as the one in
bersome bureaucracy, and too little goes
probably the most hated and scoffed at
Chicago's Uptown.
directly to Indians. By giving the Indi-
of Washington's bureaucracies.
Now the BIA is considering a move
ans a more independent agency, he said,
But the BIA in recent years has rev-
into these neighborhoods to try to help.
the money will be more effectively spent
ersed its practice of trying to control
Despite changing policies and atti-
and Indian interests will be better repre-
tribal governments and now, through a
sented.
tudes at the BIA, however, It may be too
policy of "self-determination," is en-
late to save the agency.
"THE TRUST responsibility the BIA
couraging Indians to chart their own
destinies.
The BIA is a part of the Interior De-
has in protecting Indian land has always
partment. It is something of an ana-
resulted in benefiting the non-Indians,"
"THE BIA SHOULD be an advocate
chronism there, for it is the only agency
Stevens said. "Indian resources are be-
of the Indian community," said BIA
dealing with people and social problems
ing manipulated and sacrificed at next
Commissioner Morris Thompson, him-
while other bureaus deal with land man-
to no value to Indian people."
self an Alaskan Indian. "But services
ax e m e wildlife, mining, national
That responsibility of protecting Indi-
should be provided by themselves wher-
parks, and forestry.
an land and resources is the most im-
ever possible to strengthen the tribal
government."
CERITICS SAY the BIA's position in
portant part of the relationship between
the BIA and the Indians.
Interior Department can lead to a
Under the new policy of self-determi-
serious conflict of Interest.
nation, the BIA, instead of going to the
reservation and providing services, sim-
For instance, the Bureau of Reclama-
tion may want to build a dam on a river
upstream from a reservation to provide
inrigation for nearby non-Indian farm-
are. If the Indians oppose the dam, they
have to rely on the BIA to fight it for
them.
The battle must go to the Secretary
the Interior for a decision. Indians
say that all too often other agencies in
the department win because they have
more political clout.
Chirann Trihme
THE WORLD'S GREATEST
NEWSPAPER
D. 767,793 SUN. 1.016,275
SEP 1 6 1976
Alcoholism Indians' worst
By William Mullen
Chicago Tribune Press Service
I GALLUP, N.M.-Henry is a stocky,
health problem
20-year-old Navajo whose Saturday night
PAGE
ended in a gutter in front of Milan's
tavern with two holes in his chest.
He had gotten drunk, and he got into
a fight with another young Navajo who
The American Indian-1976
ended it by sticking a jackknife twice
into the left side of Henry's chest.
For decades their children were the most susceptible to disease and death,
It was only 10:30 p.m., but Milan's
and their adults died at a younger age than any other ethnic group in the
and Eddie's, Gallup's two biggest Indian
nation. Despite improvements, American Indians still have the most abysmal
bars, were overflowing. The usual Satur-
health problems in the U. S. For an in-depth study of Indian problems and
day night fights had started.
prospects in 1976, The Tribune's Pulitzer Prize-winning team of reporter
Indians of all ages and both sexes
William Mullen and photographer Ovie Carter traveled two months to a
were already careening out of the tav-
dozen states and reservations throughout the country. This is the fifth of
erns, lurching unsteadily down the
their reports. Pictures on the back page.
streets in search of a place to stretch
out and sleep it off until the next morn-
ing and the next bottle of wine.
American Indian. In fact, as a group,
Navajos returning from drinking
the 900,000 Indians share more medical
THIS PARTICULAR night was slower
sprees collide in autos and pickup trucks
problems than any other ethnic grouping
with frightening frequency, and drunken
in the nation.
than usual. Gallup police placed only 160
hitchhikers often wander aimlessly into
Dysentery and gastroenteritis, practi-
traffic.
Indians in "protective custody" in its
cally nonexistent among non-Indians,
In the winter, hardly a week passes
three cavernous drunk tanks. Another
still are murderous diseases in Indian
that a Navajo isn't discovered frozen to
150 drunken Indians found their way to
communities.
death under a snowbank near a bar.
a spartan quonset hut that a local Indi-
Tuberculosis is nine times more active
an organization opened as a "sleep-in"
among Indians. Chicken pox, mumps,
BESIDES THE monumental self-de-
center with nothing more than a barren
measles, and scarlet fever still sweep
struction caused by Indian drinking, it
floor.
through Indian communities. The aver-
has also worsened relations between the
age lifespan last year for Indians was
Indian and non-Indian in places like Gall-
As it turned out, Henry was the most
serious casualty of the night, and the
48, compared with 71 for the rest of the
up, a town of 15,000. The sight of sever-
al hundred reeling, drunken Navajos
two shallow wounds were not serious.
population.
every weekend is hardly an endearing
Within minutes of the stabbing police
BUT OF ALL the medical problems
one.
thought they had the assailant, but wit-
suffered by Indians, alcoholism takes
It is a myth that Indians are less able
nesses told them emphatically they had
the biggest toll.
to tolerate alcohol than non-Indians, per-
the wrong man.
Indians have an alcoholic death rate
haps because of differences in metabol-
"They're just covering," a disgusted
five times greater than the rest of the
ism.
United States. It wrecks Indian homes
This has been proved untrue. Indians
detective said after releasing the sus-
and reaches deep into Indian schools,
and non-Indians have the same toler-
pect. "They know he did it. They'll just
where administrators say pupils start
ance for alcohol. Doctors and scientists
wait until he gets back on the reserva-
drinking heavily at the age of 12.
now believe Indian alcoholism, like any
tion and get even there. That's what
Alcoholism, too, has contributed heavi-
other Indian health problem, is rooted
they always do."
ly to the greatest cause of Indian fatali-
simply in cultural and economic prob-
What happens every Saturday night in
ties-accidental death.
lems.
Gallup, just a few miles off the Navajo
reservation, happens in a lot of towns
THIS IS PERHAPS most noticeable in
"YOU TAKE a teen-age boy who left
near large concentrations of Indians.
Gallup and on the Navajo reservation
his Navajo home for boarding school at
because of the Leavy concentration of
a young age," said Dr. Marlene Haff-
IT HAPPENS in Nixon, Nev., where
150,000 Navajos.
ner, Indian Health Service director for
the Paiute drink; in Tacoma, Wash.,
where the Puyallup drink; in Hardin,
Gallup is the most important city to
the Gallup area.
Mont., where the Crow and Northern
the Navajo Reservation. It is the prima-
"By the time he is 12, many times
Cheyenne drink; in Hollywood, Fla.,
ry shopping town, and because liquor
parents fail to see the value of his edu-
sales are prohibited on the reservation,
cation and think he would be more valu-
where the Seminole drink; and in the
it is the primary drinking town. The 25-
able helping at home. At the same time
bars of Uptown in Chicago, where the
mile, narrow, hilly highway leading
he is being encouraged to go on with his
transplanted Indians of many tribes
from Gallup to the reservation is one of
drink.
the nation's deadliest.
Their alcoholism is a disease, and it's
far from the only one faced by the
Tribune Photos by Ovie Carter
Morris Thompson, an Alaskan Indian and a Bureau of Indian Affairs commissioner, and Peggy Barnett, a Laguna Pueblo who works for the Miccosukee.
While the rule has served to fill many
top and middle-management levels in
the BIA with Indians, it has also caused
many dedicated non-Indian career offi-
cials to quit the agency.
"I decided 10 years ag, to make my
career with the BIA," a young adminis-
trator in a BIA school in New Mexico
said. "Now I've got no choice but to get
out.
"I'm too young to stay in an organiza-
tion where I know I've got no chance for
advancement for the rest of my life.
The sad part of it is that the bureau is
promoting so many Indian people before
they're ready, and it's terribly damag-
ing to their lives, because they Just
can't keep up with the job.'
THE INDIAN preference policy has
been most damaging to its staff of min-
eral and water experts, whose knowl-
edge is crucial to dozens of tribes with-
out their own experts in such matters.
"Let's look at the grim realities," said
Kenneth Fredericks, chief of the BIA's
division of trust services. "We have In-
dian preference, and it's hard to find
specialists who would work for the BIA.
"We can't get non-Indian experts
when they're in so much demand by
industry," he said, "because they know
they might be here for only a couple of
It is a responsibility deeply rooted in
years and get pushed out by a qualified
the treaties signed between the U.S. and
Indian."
the various Indian nations. Ironically, it
THE BIA, to make up for these defi-
is a liberalization of BIA staffing regula-
clencies, now is trying to get money to
tions to favor Indians for BIA jobs that
give directly to the tribes so they can
has seriously undercut its ability to
contract water and mining experts on
meet this responsibility.
their own.
Morale among BIA staffers has plum-
The bureau remains committed to Indi-
meted in recent years, to the extent that
an preference, said the BIA's Thomp-
the agency is having difficulty filling
son, who feels in the long run it will
key positions.
work out successfully.
THE CAUSE is the Indian preference
"Morale has gone down for our non-
rule. If the BIA is going to hire or pro-
Indian employes," he said, "but even-
mote somebody and if a qualified Indian
tually I think Indian preference will
is found, he or she must get the job
open up communication with the people
we serve that was never there before."
over any non-Indian seeking the same
position.
Tomorrow: Drinking and dying.
DR. HAFFNER also said health care
schooling by his teachers. He is torn
on the Navajo reservation is precarious
both ways."
because of economic depression.
Too often, the boy drops out, leaving
"Only 40 per cent of the households
the average Navajo with a 5th-grade
have running water, so we see a lot of
education. They are thrust back on the
dysentery, treachoma, and hepatitis,"
reservation with no jobs or skills, faced
she said. "Because SO many mothers
with a per capita annual income of $900,
are uneducated, they don't know that
and an unemployment rate ranging
when a child has a 104-degree tempera-
from 35 to 65 per cent.
ture, they should see a doctor.
"By the time kids reach 20, life can
look pretty confusing and hopeless under
these conditions," Haffner said, "and a
bottle of wine can look like a good
"A child doesn't come in with the first
friend."
sign of an earache, so by the time it
TREATMENT OF alcoholism among
really gets bad, it has become a case of
Indians is in the beginning stages. Most
meningitis."
tribes have some sort of program, but
The vast isolation of the reservation
there is little in the way of mass educa-
works against good health care, too,
tion or detoxification facilities.
Haffner said.
Many health officials like Haffner be-
lieve the tribes themselves might help.
"A COUPLE of years ago we had a
by changing some of their thinking
bad winter and the roads were in bad
about alcoholism.
shape. A woman came into the hospital
Most tribes will not allow liquor to be
in Gallup at 4 a.m. one day with two
sold or consumed on the reservation.
children, one with pneumonia, the other
with a congenital heart disease.
"I WOULD serlously consider chang-
"The staff started getting angry with
ing this," Dr. Haffner said. She ex-
her for waiting S0 long to bring the
plained that reservation taxes on liquor
children in until they found out that she
could fund educational programs and
had started out at 6 a.m. the previous
treatment and detoxification centers.
morning. Then her pickup got stuck in
It might also, she said, end some of
the mud.
the mayhem on the roads and some of
"She had to walk from her hogan [Na-
the senseless winter deaths if people
vajo house] 10 miles out to a road, flag
could stay at or near their homes to
down a car, find the police, then get
drink.
bulldozers in to haul her kids out. It
Dr. Joseph Exendine, one of the na-
took her 22 hours, and it isn't uncom-
tional directors of IHS, said the agency
mon here."
also is attempting to increase its budget,
Exendine hopes a new Indian self-de-
now more than $300 million a year, to
termination policy will alleviate many of
provide more treatment for alcoholism.
the health problems still faced by tribal
Since it was organized as part of the
people.
U. S. Public Health Service in 1955, IHS
has had a great deal of success in treat-
INSTEAD OF only providing services,
ing Indian health problems.
Exendine explained, the federal govern-
When it started, the average life ex-
ment has been giving the tribes the op-
pectancy was 44 years for an Indian. Now
tion of taking money earmarked for
it is expected an Indian born today will
health care and spending it as they see
live to 65.1 years.
fit on medical needs.
It has done this by building hospitals
"The tribes aren't going to take on
and providing broad health care on the
programs they can't handle," he said,
reservations. It has reduced the infant
"but when they do take something they
mortality rate by 62 per cent and tuber-
can handle, they run them better than
culosis deaths by 86 per cent, and it has
we can because they know the peculiar
shown an impressive record of drastical-
local problems.
ly reducing other types of disease as
"I have a feeling that as the self-de-
well.
termination policy continues to grow,
we're going to see some effective solu-
"THERE HAVE BEEN a lot of im-
tions to diseases like alcoholism. That's
provements, but we're still a long way
when we will see tailor-made innovations
off," Exendine said.
to the problems, because the solutions
Many of the remaining problems are
will be coming from the tribes them-
caused by poverty on the reservations.
selves."
"A lot relates to crowded conditions
where two or three families live in a
Tomorrow: Saving the land.
small house and communicable diseases
just float around from one person to
another," Exendine said.
This is especially true of respiratory
diseases, to which Indians are particu-
larly susceptible, he said.
GALLUM
Tribune Photos by Ovie Carter
Police book one of the scores of drunken Indians
mental self-destruction caused by Indian drinking, it has
rounded up during a typical weekend in Gallup, N. M.,
also worsened relations between the Indian and non-
25 miles from the Navajo reservation. Besides the monu-
Indian communities in places like Gallup.
Dr. Joseph Exendine: "It gets more publicity, but I'm not so sure
alcoholism is much different
among non-Indians."
A subject most Indians
would prefer to avoid
ALCOHOLISM IS a subject of deep
one telling statistic. It shows that the
embarrassment to American Indians
death rate for Indians attributed to
because of their understandable sen-
alcohol is five times the national av-
sitivity to degrading stereotypes.
erage.
In talking to dozens of Indian lead-
Dr. Joseph Exendine, an Indian
ers and scores of individual Indians
who is a deputy director of IHS, be-
for two months, I drew the same
lieves too much attention is given to
pained expression each time I asked
the Indians' drinking problem simply
a question about alcoholism. Nobody
because they're Indian.
wants to talk about it.
"It gets more publicity," he said,
"Yes," tribal leaders invariably
"but I'm not so sure alcoholism is
said, "alcoholism is the worst prob-
much different among non-Indians.
lem we face." Then they would try to
"I THINK Indians with drinking
change the subject.
problems are just noticed more be-
Indian health and social workers
cause they fit the non-Indian stereo-
tried to steer away from the issue by
type of what an Indian should be."
calling into question the statistics
Alford Waters, a community repre-
used in measuring Indian alcoholism.
sentative of the American Indian
INDIVIDUAL INDIANS always re-
Center in Chicago's Uptown, shares
sponded to the question with a wry
that feeling.
smile, as if to say, "So that is how
"The alcohol problem is exaggerat-
you want to portray us."
ed," Waters said. "We're just more
visible than others. There are a lot of
THERE ARE no reliable statistics
drunks in Uptown, but you people
on alcoholism among Indians, just as
only seem to see the Indians, and
there are no such statistics to meas-
they're usually the same ones out on
ure the extent of alcoholism among
the street every night."
all Americans.
Still, the Indian Health Service has
William Mullen
Alcohol:
Indian
scourge
Saturday night in an Indian bar. It doesn't matter if
it is in a small town near a reservation, or in a big
city like Chicago. Indian bars always seem to be in the
scruffiest neighborhoods. The crowds are always big,
the beer and wine is cheap. The bars are unbelievably
noisy with cowboy music, laughter, arguments, and
sometimes violence.
The image of the drunken Indian is stereotyped, but
the problem of alcoholism, unfortunately, is a very
real one. It is caused not by any genetic or racial
differences, but by grinding poverty and the frustration
of never quite fitting into American society.
For the most seriously afflicted, there is very little
joy connected with drinking. They go into a bar, drink
as much and as fast as they can, and then stumble
outside and try to find a place to sleep for the night,
their personal worries and hurts temporarily blotted
out.
When the bars close for the night, the mayhem be-
gins. Arguments carried into the streets often end in
fights. People heading for home obliviously stagger
into traffic. For those too far from home, they have
their choice of a patch of ground or the hard floor of
the local drunk tank. "Baddest disease we ever had,"
said an Indian mother who lost three sons to alcohol-
ism, "wine."
Tribune reporter William Mullen examines alcohol-
ism's toll on American Indians-and discusses other
serious health care problems they face-on page 1.
Tribune photos by Ovie Carter
Indians coming to the city often are lost and
alienated amid the concrete, the noisy streets, and
the lack of trees. They look for companionship
in the bars and find themselves more alone.
Police in Gallup, N. M., where public drunkenness has been decriminalized for
several years, use two vans to patrol streets for tipsy drinkers. Those rounded
up are taken to a drunk tank for protective custody. On a busy Saturday night
they may pull in more than 200 Indians.
Of all medical problems suffered by Indians-and Indians share more than any other American ethnic group-alcohol takes the biggest toll.,
A Saturday night on the town ended early for Henry, a 20-year-old Navajo. He
had been in Milan's tavern in Gallup, N. M., drinking and arguing with an-
other man. When they stepped outside, the other man stabbed Henry twice in
the chest. The shallow wounds, fortunately, were not serious.
So many Navajos were freezing to death in Gallup zation opened a cavernous "sleep-in" center several Quonset hut are searching among those curled up on
after wintertime drinking bouts that an Indian organi- years ago. People standing in back of the dimly lit the barren floor for a relative they want to take home.
Chirann Trihmue
THE WORLD'S GREATEST
NEWSPAPER
D. 767,793 SUN 1016,275
SEP 17 1976
The American Indian: His
PAGE
ONE
land still shapes his future
By William Mullen
The American Indian-1976
Chicago Tribune Press Service
BLACK MESA, Ariz.-The world if
The wagon trains and settlers no longer threaten Indian land, but the
Ted Yazzie and his wife, Jeannie, has
struggle for energy and diminishing water supplies has put new pressures
grown a good deal smaller in the last
on the Indians. Once again they are being asked to give up their land and
few years.
way of life. For an in-depth study of Indian problems and prospects in 1976,
They are an elderly Navajo Indian
The Tribune's Pulitzer Prize-winning team of reporter William Mullen and
couple whose herd of 500 sheep used to
photographer Ovie Carter traveled for two months to a dozen states and
have the run of the sacred hills and
reservations throughout the country. This is the sixth and last of their re-
streams of Black Mesa, a verdant para-
ports. On the back page, photographs capture the flavor of life for today's
dise within the vast, dry Nava jo reser-
Indian children.
vation.
Now, they have fewer than 100 sheep
and only one house, rather than the
the land, SO we can't use it anymore."
have them. But that has not been the
scattered cabins and split-rail corrals
case, at least SO far.
they used as line camps as they fol-
IN ADDITION to shattering their iso-
lowed their herds through the seasons.
lated wilderness, the mining has erased
IF THE ARAB oil boycott and energy
much of their religion, and they view
shortage caught other Americans by
FOR THEIR PARADISE has been
this very darkly.
surprise, it propelled the Indians into a
rented to the Peabody Coal Co.
state of total bewilderment. The big en-
Ted and Jeannie Yazzie, like most of
"We used to offer our prayers on the
ergy companies moved on to the reser-
vations swiftly, acting on options they
have held for known coal fields, and
their neighbors, don't speak English and
hills and springs," Yazzie said. "Now
still worship the spirits they believe in-
they have sent teams in to prospect for
they are all covered and destroyed."
new fields.
habit their surroundings-or what is left
The Yazzies are convinced they are
On the other hand, the Indians have
of their surroundings.
suffering through a drought this year
no mining engineers, geologists, or lease
For Black Mesa is perched on a very
because the spirits have fled Black
exports.
rich, very shallow vein of low-sulfur
Mesa.
They don't know how much gas, oil,
coal, and the Navajo tribe a number of
"The land is destroyed," his wife ex-
and coal they have under of their lands,
years ago leased it to the coal company.
The millions of dollars the tribe is
plained. "There is no reason for the rain
and they don't know what to do with it
to fall here anymore. Even our animals
once it is discovered.
realizing from the lease has helped its
don't like it. They just wander away."
shaky budget. The coal company is hap-
THE LURE OF hundreds of millions of
pily making money. The people of Los
SO TIME and progress continue to
Angeles are buying relatively cheap
infringe on the American Indian. A cen-
dollars for tribal coffers through energy
electricity, generated by the Black Mesa
tury ago, there were the wagon trains of
the settler. Now there is a new kind of
leasing has been a strong one for indi-
coal.
vidual tribes. The tribes also get a roy-
People like the Yazzies are the only
intruder-the mining and energy ex-
alty on gas, oil, and ore that is mined,
ones unhappy with the arrangement.
pèrts.
and the mines themselves provide des-
"It's really bad for us," Ted Yazzie
The energy crunch of recent years has
parately needed jobs for reservation In-
said through an interpreter. "A lot of
transformed the marginal reservation
dians.
our homes up here were destroyed just
lands into some of the most attractive
But the disruptions cause by the ma-
SO they could mine. They've destroyed
real estate in the country.
chinery and the influx of non-Indians
Reservation lands already are produc-
have caused many tribes to back off
ing large amounts of oil, natural gas,
and look suspiciously at the windfall.
and uranium. More importantly, these
"Most tribes are in the same situation
lands contain 20 per cent of the known
coal reserves in the United States.
we are," said Peter MacDonald, chair-
man of the Navajo Tribal Council, the
At first glance, the eneroy reserves
would seem to be a great blessing to, the
elected leader of 150,000 Indians living
poverty-stricken tribes lucky enough to
on the sprawling Navajo reservation.
"In the past, we weren't able to get
the best deals we could, and we're in
He has won the support of most of the
people in the area and has forced the
the process of trying to correct that."
Navajo Tribal Council to slow down its
THE NAVAJO tribe, he said, has
planning.
been stung by leases it made back in
"It's not that we're against develop-
the 1960s. On some mining operations
memt per se," be said. "In order for us
the tribe negotiated royalties of 15 cents
to survive we're going to have to have
for each ton of coal removed.
development. The question is, who is
MacDonald said that's what the tribe
going to do it and how, where and at
is being paid now - even though the
what pace?"
price of coal has increased fourfold, and
HE SAID he is more in favor of wait-
the companies are making more money
ing 20, 30, or 40 years until the Navajos
than ever.
themselves have developed a nucleus of
"We're trying to renegotiate some of
geologists, engineers, and managers to
the bad contracts negotiated for us by
run their own mining operations.
the federal government," MacDonald
"As for the gasification plants," he
said. "With hindsight, it's inconceivable
said, "we don't need them, and we don't
to me that we should have signed any-
need their pollution and stench. If the
thing without an escalator clause on the
people of Los Angeles want synthetic
tonnage rates."
natural gas, they can put the plants out
BUT ESCALATOR clauses and in-
in Los Angeles County, and we'll gladly
creased tonnage royalties aren't enough
send the coal to them by rail."
to satisfy Harris Arthur, a young Nava-
Any immediate economic benefits for
jo and trained engineer who has become
perhaps MacDonald's severest critic.
"Their [tribal leaders] idea is to rene-
gotiate the leases and get 55 cents a ton
instead of 15 cents," Arthur said.
"That's not going to do us any good."
He has been rallying the Navajos in
the northwest corner of the reservation,
where the tribal government has been
negotiating leases for vast coal fields
and four sites for coal gasification
plants.
The plants would be huge, employing
up to 1,200 persons each, turning coal
strip-mined from the area into synthetic
natural gas.
IF THEY are built, a new city would
have to be erected on the reservation to
accommodate up to 35,000 workers and
dependants, most of them non-Indians.
Arthur thinks the disruptions of nor-
mal life in the area would be much too
great to allow the project to go ahead.
Ted Yazzie longs for the days when their 500 sheep had the run of the
sacred hills and streams of Black Mesa, a verdant paradise within the vast,
Northern Cheyenne Chairman Allen
arid Navajo reservation, Now they have only 100 sheep and their paradise
Rowland: "We're not trading our
has been rented to the Peabody Corl Co.
homeland for just a few temporary
jobs.
Tribune Photos by Ovie Carter
AI Bridges points out ancestral fishing grounds in
arrested 70 times in an effort to assert rights the Indians
western Washington's Niscually River. Bridges has been
say were granted by an 1853 treaty.
the Navajos from the energy windfall
are offset by lack of planning for the
welfare of the Navajos of the future,
"In 1973 we asked the secretary of
Interior to cancel out all the leases and
THE INDIANS are growing in sophisti-
Arthur said.
permits we had with the coal compa-
cation in their dealings with the energy
"I know we need jobs immediately,
nies. We're not so sure now we ever
giants. In the past they worked alone
but is that need worth sacrificing our
want to see a coal shovel on the reser-
with limited advice and expertise when
future?" he asked. "What is going to
vation," he said.
they talked to the big mining com-
happen to us in 15, 20, or 30 years from
panies. Now they are beginning to
now when the coal is gone and the jobs
"WE DON'T WANT another Black
compare notes and are watching what
are gone?"
Mesa up here and have the same thing
has happened to other tribes before they
ALLEN ROWLAND, tribal chairman
happen to our people as happened to
sign leases and agreements.
of the Northern Cheyenne Reservation
those people down there."
In fact, MacDonald of the Navajos has
in Montana, a tribe sitting on an esti-
There are only 3,800 Northern Cheyen-
been organizing a coalition of 22 tribes
mated five billion tons of coal, has
ne living on the reservation, and unem-
that have energy resources to sell.
reached some of the same conclusions.
ployment ranges as high as 60 per cent
Called the Council of Energy Resource
"We're not trading our homelands for
during certain times of the year.
Tribes, CERT is patterned after the
just a few temporary jobs," he said.
With the potential of a billion dollars
Arab nation's negotiating body, OPEC
Under Rowland, the tribe has been
in tribal income from the coal, the tribe
"We're a coalition that will bargain as
fighting to escape from leases made
isn't likely to ignore it.
best we can for the tribes," MacDonald
several years ago with various compa-
But it now seems likely that the North-
said. "We'd like to have plans so that
nies which would pay only 17.5 cents for
ern Cheyenne and other tribes in similar
whatever economic gains are derived
each ton of coal and made no provisions
circumstances are going to make sure
from mining, in its place will be a per-
for land reclamation later.
they get the best possible deal they can
manent economic activity to continue
from the resources they have.
employment after the mining stops."
How one tribe nearly died
Chicago Tribune Press Service
Many of the younger Paiutes moved
NIXON, Nev.-In the Southwest,
away, and the traditions of the tribe
where there is little rainfall, the limited
started to die from disinterest.
supply of water in streams and rivers
Frank A. Archambault, a retired In-
literally holds the power of life and
ternal Revenue Service official and a
death over dozens of communities.
Sioux Indian from South Dakota, saw the
There is a constant battle between
plight of the Paiute in 1972 and decided
Indians and local ranchers, farmers,
to do something about it.
towns, and cities over water rights from
Archambault also is chairman of the
streams and rivers running through res-
board of the American Indian Develop-
ervations. More often than not, the non-
ment Association, a nonprofit group of
Indians win.
consultants that provides technical and
Right now, the Navajo tribe is in the
business management assistance to Indi-
middle of a fight to increase its water
an tribes.
rights from the San Juan River. The
Cochiti Pueblo Indians in New Mexico
HE SHOWED the Palutes how to get
federal assistance to establish fish
are in a similar battle over how much
hatcheries and processing plants to res-
water they are entitled to from a man-
tock the lake with trout. The tribe has
made lake behind a new dam on the
already opened its hatchery and fish
reservation.
farm, training and employing many Pai-
Here in Nixon, the Paiutes on the Pyr-
ute Indians for the highly technical
amid Lake Reservation were losing
work.
water-rights battles they didn't know
The tribe also is about to open a proc-,
they were fighting, and it nearly de-
essing plant to package trout and Coho
stroyed the tribe.
salmon filets for retail sale, bringing
THE PAIUTES had once made their
jobs to at least 50 more Indians.
living from the 25 mile long, 11-mile
Further, the Paiute are deeply in-
wide lake and the cutthroat trout that
volved in court fights over their share of
lived in its stunningly beautiful waters.
water from the lake tributaries, hoping
Then, in 1905, the federal Bureau of
to stabilize the lake at its present 300-
Reclamation built the Derby Dam to
foot depth and stop the evaporation.
divert the flow of the Truckee River
WITHIN FOUR YEARS the Paiute
from the lake to desert lands reclaimed
by white settlers.
tribe has experienced something of a
Without its main tributary, Primary
rebirth, with people moving back to the
Lake began losing its water through
reservation, new homes being built, and
evaporation, and the level sank 70 feet be-
a resurgence in pride of Paiute culture.
tween 1944 to 1954. More importantly, the
Archambault's organization is doing
cutthroat trout, the largest species in
similar work with seven other tribes
the world, disappeared because they
around the country. He said it is manda-
could no longer travel up the Truckee
tory that Indians protect their land and
on their spawning runs.
their mineral and water rights from new
incursions by white entrepreheurs, sim-
WITH THE TROUT gone, the Palutes
ply as a matter of survival.
lost their staple food supply and the
only sizable industry on the reservation.
William Mullen