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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Digital Library Collections
This is a PDF of a folder from our textual collections.
Collection: Blackwell, Morton: Files
Folder Title: [Indians]
Box: 32
To see more digitized collections visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/archives/digital-library
To see all Ronald Reagan Presidential Library inventories visit:
https://reaganlibrary.gov/document-collection
Contact a reference archivist at: [email protected]
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WITHDRAWAL SHEET
Ronald Reagan Library
Collection: BLACKWELL, MORTON: Files
Archivist: cas/cas
File Folder: [Indians] Box 8409
Date: 12/10/96
DOCUMENT
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
NO. AND TYPE
1. note
(1 pp., partial)
4/29/83
PPB6
koroploo
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P-1 National security classified information [(a)(1) of the PRA].
F-1 National security classified information ((b)(1) of the FOIA].
P-2 Relating to appointment to Federal office ((a)(2) of the PRA].
F-2 Release could disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an agency [(b)(2) of the
P-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA].
FOIA].
P-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or financial information
F-3 Release would violate a Federal statue ((b)(3) of the FOIA].
[(a)(4) of the PRA).
F-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or financial information
P-5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President and his advisors, or
[(b)(4) of the FOIA].
between such advisors ((a)(5) of the PRA].
F-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy ((b)(6) of the
P-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(a)(6) of
FOIA].
the PRA).
F-7 Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes ((b)(7) of
the FOIA].
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.
F-6 Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of financial institutions
[(b)(8) of the FOIA].
F-9 Release would disclose geological or geophysical information concerning wells [(b)(9) of
the FOIA].
THE NEW YORK TIMES, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1983
Working Profile: Kenneth L. Smith
Tending the Indian Affairs Tinderbox
By SETH S. KING
Special to The New York Times
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 - When
Kenneth L. Smith, Assistant Secre-
tary of the Interior for Indian Affairs,
was asked why his people were still so
suspicious of the agency he heads, he
produced a letter that had been dis-
patched to all Indian tribes in 1923 by
one of his predecessors.
The letter, from Charles H. Burke,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs, com-
plained that Indians were wasting too
€
much working time performing tribal
dances that were offensive to mission-
aries and to the Office of Indian Af-
fairs. The letter warned that unless
these deplorable practices were
stopped voluntarily, drastic measures
would have to be taken to halt them.
"Certainly nothing like that has
gone out of the Bureau of Indian Af-
fairs in many years," Mr. Smith said
in an interview recently. "But a lot of
Indians are still not convinced there
The New York Times/George Tames
won't be even worse attempts by
Kenneth L. Smith, Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs.
Washington to destroy our native cul-
ture. Today the Bureau of Indian Af-
fairs still follows regulations that
more immediate predecessors had the
more than 70 percent. Many Indians
were adopted clear back in 1895
same objectives, but that few had got-
on reservations have little chance of
Those pratices were stupid then and
ten very far.
finding nonfarm work either on or off
they' stupid now."
But last month an Indian Policy
the reservation, he said, and there
Controversy over the Indians' cen-
Statement prepared by Mr. Smith was
have been difficulties for the small in-
tury-long struggle to perserve their
issued by President Reagan. It prom-
dustries, especially given the reces-
special status under Federal law, sup-
ised to support tribal governments in
sion. The severe unemployment on
posedly guaranteed by treaties their
their efforts to achieve greater inde-
most reservations has increased alco-
C
fathers signed with the white man,
pendence; it also promised to end the
holism, drug abuse and broken fami-
has flared for years. It did so again re-
excessive Federal regulations and bu-
lies, Mr. Smith said.
cently when Interior Secretary James
reaucracy that the President said
"I do not pretend to know all the an-
G. Watt declared that the reservations
were strangling tribal councils.
swers to these problems," he added.
had become worse examples of
"In the 1950's the Interior Department
"failed socialism" than the Soviet
Indian tribal leaders welcomed this
tried to train some reservation In-
Union. He also accused tribal leaders
declaration, although they said they
dians and move them into city jobs.
]
of fostering Indian dependence on
had often heard similar ones. But they
That did not work at all. So some way
Federal handouts so they could retain
asked why it had taken the Reagan
has got to be found for more develop-
political control over their own peo-
Administration so long to produce it.
ment on the reservations. Maybe
ple.
"My answer is that we have made a
more by private companies."
Watt's Remarks Praised
start," Mr. Smith said. "But with my
One promise made in the Indian
people, any time you try to make real
Mr. Smith, who took over the bu-
Policy Statement was the appoint-
changes in the way things have al-
eau in 1981, said that while Mr.
ment of a special economic develop-
ways been done, many of them fear
Watts's language might have been in-
ment committee of tribal leaders and
you are moving toward termination,
emperate, his message was valid and
non-Indian business executives.
toward taking their reservations
'good for the tribes." He said he was
away from them."
Impact of Budget Cuts
disappointed when tribal leaders de-
The younger generation of Indians
nanded Mr. Watts's resignation.
Also, bureau lawyers are reviewing
wanted to make these changes, he
"The tribes should have welcomed
all Indian statutes with the intent of
said, but the older leaders were afraid
is message," Mr. Smith said. "They
asking Congress to repeal some, Mr.
that if the bureau "pulled out" they
hould have said, let's use it to get the
Smith said. And he expected legisla-
would somehow be forced off their
hings we need. Instead, some of those
tion soon giving tribal governments
lands.
eaders were in here the next day with
special standing in applying directly
Before he came to Washington in
heir hands out."
for Federal bloc grants.
the spring of 1981, Mr. Smith, had
Mr. Smith says that he has two ob-
He conceded that the Administra-
spent virtually all of his 46 years on
ectives as an Indian in running the
tion's cuts in social aid had hurt In-
the reservation of his Wasco tribe in
ureau. The first is to reduce his peo-
dians more than others, because "we
Warm Springs, Ore., the latter part of
le's need for special treatment from
have become so dependent on it."
them as general manager of tribal af-
/ashington. The second is to promote
Mr. Smith said that the Federal
fairs.
ore self-government on the reserva-
Government, through his bureau,
In recent years, Mr. Smith said, a
ons and less day-to-day supervision
would continue its statutory trustee-
number of tribes having saleable re-
tribal activities by the bureau.
ship with the Indians.
sources such as timber, oil or coal on
He concedes that a number of his
"But if we Indians are really sold on
their reservations have made consid-
greater self-government," he added,
erable economic and social progress.
"we had better start moving more
But too many other tribes, he said,
B.I.A. people off those reservations. If
were living on unproductive land. And
any tribal council comes to me and
because of better health care in the
says we do not want the B.I.A. on the
last decade, tribal populations on
reservation running all our affairs, 1
many reservations have increased by
will move them all off, right away."
10
THE SAN JUAN STAR - Tuesday, January 25, 1983
Reagan seeks peace with Watt-irked Indians
By GENE GOLDENBERG
Even as the tribal groups met, the
tribes.
in that interview that he hasn't said be-
Scripps-Howard News Service
White House released the text of Presi-
Watt had breakfast at the Interior
fore."
dent Reagan's long-awaited Indian pol-
Department Monday with Martin, De-
"We told him the problems can't be
WASHINGTON - The Reagan ad-
icy statement, the details of which
LaCruz and Wilford Scott, chairman of
solved with rhetoric," Martin said.
ministration h S moved to make peace
were made public last week. The
the Council of Energy Resource Tr bes.
with Indian leaders angered by In-
Ken Smith, who heads the Bureau of
Watt asked the Indian leaders to set
statement reasserts the commitment
terior Secretary James Watt's charges
of past administrations to Indian self-
Indian Affairs, also attended the
up working committees of tribal lead-
that American Indian reservations
determination, proposes expanded free
breakfast meeting
ers for Interior Department officials to
prove the failures of socialism.
enterprise on Indian reservations and
All three Indian leaders said they
contact in specific subject areas.
But despite promises of new coopera-
new laws aimed at strengthening tribal
were more concerned with the ad-
Watt's aides described the session as
tion that flowed from an hour-long
governments.
ministration's new Indian policy than
"cordial," with all sides endorsing the
meeting between Watt and the heads of
they were with Watt's statements.
need for improved communications be-
three major Indian organizations Mon-
That policy will be discussed at a
White House meeting Wednesday
"We know where he's coming from,"
tween Indian leaders and the Bureau of
day many tribal leaders gathered here
DeLaCruz said later. "There's nothing
Indian Affairs.
for conferences were still calling for
morning between 250 Indian leaders
Watt's resignation.
and White House Counselor Edwin
Most of our members are still ask-
Meese.
2
ing for Watt's replacement, said Phil-
Administration officials hope this
lip Martin, president of the National
salvo of attention to Indian issues will
Tribal Chairmen's Association, after
help calm feelings ruffled by what sev-
his group met in a three-hour closed-
eral Indian leaders here termed Watt's
door session here.
'patronizing attitude" toward Indian
Martin, however, sought to downplay
problems.
the flap over Watt's remarks, prefer
In a television interview last week,
ing instead to use it to focus attention
Watt said Indians have the highest
on Indian problems.
rates of divorce, drug use, alcoholism,
Neither Martin's group nor the Na-
unemployent and "social diseases" be-
tional Congress of American Indians,
rause of "socialistic government
which is also meeting here this week, is
policies on the Indian reservation."
expected to call formally for Watt's
He said it is time to stop treating In-
resignation.
dians as "incompetent wards" and
We hope to use this flap in a positive
charged some tribal leaders are more
way, explained NCAI chairman Joe
interested in cementing their political
DeLaCruz.
base than in improving the lot of their
CANADA OF THE INTERIOR TERIOR 'S
United States Department of the Interior
RN
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
March
3,
1849
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240
JAN 27 1983
January 25, 1983
Here is some information on the Indian
issue and other Interior-related topics
that may be of interest to you.
Douglas Dong Baldwin
Assistant to the Secretary
CANADA OF THE INTE INTERIOR ERIOR
United States Department of the Interior
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
March
849
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240
3
January 25, 1983
INFORMATION KIT
Secretary Watt has asked that we make available to members of the
NCAI, the NTCA and CERT all available information regarding the
issue of recent days concerning Interior's trust responsibilities
toward American Indians.
Attached to this note are:
A transcript-from-tape of the Secretary's speech today at
the National Congress of American Indians;
Full text of the Indian related contents from Conservative
Counterpoint, broadcast January 19;
Full text of the Secretary's interview on Good Morning
America, January 20.
Secretary's Guest Editorial "U.S. Tries to Build Tribal
Self-sufficiency," in USA Today, January 24--along with USA's
lead editorial;
The full text of ABC's Nightline of last Wednesday,
January 19.
I
Douglas Baldwin
Assistant to the Secretary
(202) 343-6416
Remarks of Secretary of the Interior James Watt
To the National Congress of American Indians Executive Board
Washington, D.C.
January 25, 1983
Thank you for letting me come. I spoke to your Bismarck group and had not
intended and never planned that I would speak today. Ken was going to share
with you some things, and yet because of the confusion I thought it was
important that I appear.
There has been tremendous abuse, tremendous confusion and there need not
have been any. I have traveled and I've visited some of the reservations--not
all of them. But I have listened for two years. Joe (DeLaCruz) says he doesn't
know whether his remarks had an impact on the Indian policy--Joe they did. We
heard and we listened.
I'm the first Secretary of the Interior to have ever visited the Navajo
Reservation--the largest reservation. I cannot believe that one who carried the
trust responsibility for the Indians people would not have visited the largest
Indian reservation. But I was told that I was the first to visit it and the
first to address their congress.
I was the first Secretary of the Interior to visit the second largest
tribe--Cherokee Indian Nation. We met with all the chiefs of the Oklahoma
tribes at Tahlequah, I was the first Secretary to go to that Indian country and
I listened and I listened intently and I've taken the abuse of a few who were
there seeking political attention and headlines and notoriety, but those were
the few.
Most of the Indian leaders I have met have a compassion in their heart for
their people. And I've worked with those people, I've listened, and yet you
folks have been abused. And if my words have caused hurt--and I understand last
night from the visits I had when I was with the several hundred that were there
at that CERT (Council of Energy Resource Tribes) meeting that some have been
hurt and I apologize for that hurt. (Applause)
But I don't apologize for the message because the Indian people of America
have been abused by the United States Government for too many years and we've
got to bring about change. Now that change is only going to come in one way and
that is that the Indian country leaders have got to carry their message to the
Congress of the United States. I have a trust responsibility, Ken Smith has a
trust responsibility, and our people have a trust responsibility. We will not
be calling for major reform of anything. We will carry out the duties and
obligations set forth in the treaties and the statutes of this country. But
that's not good enough. (Applause) I don't think that's good enough. The
problems are there.
Now other political leaders have chosen to sweep the problems under the rug
and pretend they don't exist. They have put them there and said, "well things
are getting better, a little bit more money here and a little bit more money
there, but things will get better." They have not gotten better. And there's
only one way to bring about change in America. And that's to call attention to
it and be honest enough to face up to the truth. And the truth is that Indian
governments- the tribal governments--have been abused by the United States
Government for decades if not a hundred years. And that needs to be changed and
I cannot change it alone, Congress must do it. And we've asked for some
changes.
Both Ken and I have focused our attentions within the law and within the
treaty obligations to bring a response to the message we've heard from the
leadership--the elected tribal leadership. And we've tried, and in some areas
we have been marvelously successful and in some areas we haven't even dented the
surface.
-2-
But one of the issues that I learned when I bounced along the roads when I
was on the Navajo Reservation, Peter McDonald--I know he sent me on the worst
roads he could find, but he did it anyway. And because of our leadership we put
in the President's program a provision that will provide a hundred million
dollars a year to build roads on Indian reservations. (Editor's Note: BIA will
receive $75 million in FY 1983 and $100 million for the next three fiscal
years). You have never had that before. We've listened, Joe.
We focused our attention on water. For those tribes from the Western part
of the country particularly, water is the crucial issue. And I've not seen
another Administration ever be willing to face up to the water problems, but we
have. And we move at the pace that the tribal government has asked us to move.
We will not force anything on them. That's the President's statement of
yesterday and last week.
We've focused on education; I think the root problem. I appreciated
Linda's (Miss NCAI) remarks last night as well. Linda talked about the future
generations. If we have compassion, if we have a heart for Indian people we've
got to bring about change. We've got to bring about better education. When I
look at the unemployment and the other social problems, we've got to address
those problems.
Now yesterday I had what I thought was a very successful meeting with Joe,
your chairman. I met with the chairman of the tribal chairmans' group, Phil
Martin, and I met with Wilfred Scott. I thought we had a good meeting. We
dictated a letter. In fact I sent the three of them a letter that they helped
me dictate. It's nice to get a letter that you helped dictate because then
you're sure it says what you want it to say. And Joe it said what you wanted it
to say. And said that we would be glad to work with you as you folks identify
the problems.
-3-
As we work with the elected tribal leaders and others from tribal
governments we will address the problems. And that Ken Smith and I will
dedicate the time to work to solve the problems. But we will carry out our
trust responsibilities. We'll try to bring change, but the burden is yours.
You must identify the problems, you must bring forward the solutions.
When you've identified those problems to me as I have traveled and as I've
visited with you in Washington, meeting after meeting after meeting, we've
heard. And Ken Smith chaired the working group that wrote the Indian Policy
that was submitted to the President for his approval.
And, yes, Joe, we tried to get to announce it in October in Bismarck. I
thought I was going to announce it then. Then we tried to get different
meetings together, but the President was determined that he would have input.
While Ken is principally responsible for writing it and did most of it--and he
did listen to Joe and he listened to the others. And by the way, for the press,
Ken Smith is the first Indian from a reservation to ever head the Bureau of
Indian Affairs cause we believe in reservations. That's Indian land, not
Federal land, that's Indian land. And it should stay that way and there should
be no bureaucrat in Washington running that, it's your land.
But the President wanted to have input in that, he wanted to be involved in
that policy. He'd made commitments in the campaign to different Indian groups
and he wanted to be sure that his Indian Policy reflected those promises and
those commitments and he saw to it that it does.
-4-
We will deal on a government to government basis. We will honor your
elected officials and we will see that our energies are given to bring about the
solutions that are needed. And Joe and Phil and Scotty have agreed to help
identify the leadership from Indian country. And let me tell you, most of it is
going to come from Indian country, not from Washington, D.C. And we will bring
about the changes that you want brought about at your pace.
But there must be change if we're going to give Linda and her future
generations some of the opportunities and changes that some of us who are older
didn't get. And I'm not happy when I look at the record of what this Federal
Government has done to and with the Indian people. And while I spoke out I've
been given abuse by the press. Terribly abused by the press. And when Joe
looked at the TV tapes as several of you have, he said "I don't know what the
big deal is about, it is what you said in Bismarck." It is. It is what I've
been told as I travel and as the Indian leadership has come to Washington.
They've told me of these problems and I've reflected them. Your leadership has
testified before Congressional committees for years and years and years and yet
the problems are not solved. We've thrown money at some of the symptoms and not
addressed the cause.
I have given you an opportunity; don't muff it. I've given you an
opportunity at the cost of personal abuse that I hope none of you will ever have
to endure. I've taken the abuse of the press and some of your people who
attacked my motives, my thoughts, my deeds, and my actions. I've paid a price.
But I have given this group and the leadership of this group more attention,
more opportunity to focus the attention of the American people and the Congress
of the United States at solving your problems. I have worked for two years with
this same message, and because of unprofessional press conduct it was blown out
of shape, lied about, but one thing it did do--it got attention. And it
-5-
increased attendance at this meeting, Joe. And I ought to get credit for that
because most Secretaries of the Interior sweep you under the ground--under the
ground is about right, isn't it--under the rug and try to put on a lid and say,
"let's hope that nothing happens in Indian country." I want something to happen
in Indian country. I want to solve problems. I want to help people. Now I
have drawn the attention of America to the multiple problems and maybe I used
some unartful language, but boy, I got attention.
The problems are yours, friends. We will respond, we will carry out our
trust obligations. And if you want to change those, it's your show. We will be
responsive, we will respond to your initiative. No other Secretary has ever
given you the platform that I have given you in the arena. I'm not important in
the course of history, but I'm concerned about those young Indian people that
need an education, that need to be given an opportunity for jobs, that haven't
even been born and that will be born as we prepare for the 21st Century.
Let me talk to you about education. I was supposed to take 8 minutes and
run, but, boy, you have got me wound up here, I want something to happen.
Education, I believe in public education, I don't believe in government
education. I think that those people living on the reservation are better able
and have more concern about their children to run their schools than does some
government official in Washington, D.C. I believe in local schools. I've
always believed in public schools. I don't believe in government schools. And
you look at the record of the BIA school system and it's not as good as it
should be. I don't care how good you think it is; it is not as good as it
should be. And I would like to have better education and I think that Indian
government leaders, those who live on the reservation, have a better
understanding for the children on that reservation than do a bunch of people
like me here in Washington. And that's the challenge I give to you. To me the
most important issue is education.
-6-
And we've addressed some problems and we've had some marvelous successes.
We've had some stunning failures. But friends, you're given a golden
opportunity, and let me just say something here based on what I've had to go
through the last few days--if this opportunity is not picked up by Indian
leadership I don't know that you'll ever get another Secretary of the Interior
to address the Indian problems. In fact, if these problems are not picked up
and solved with the introduction I've given you to the Congress of the United
States, the forces on the Hill will sweep it under the rug like they've done for
the last several decades. Don't let them do it. Your people deserve better
than the Federal government has given them. Your people deserve a chance. They
deserve an opportunity. The problems are severe. I'm willing to address them
with you. I'm not willing to address them without you.
Thank you very much.
## ## ##
-7-
Excerpts from an interview with Secretary of the Interior James Watt on
"CONSERVATIVE COUNTERPOINT" scheduled for broadcast over Satellite Program
Network (SPN) January 19, 1983
Q: At the heart of the problem is a reservation policy which distinguishes
Native Americans, distinguishes Indians from the rest of the population.
Instead of a policy assimilation and integration with respect to the Indian, the
policy is one of distinction, of separation. Do you think that's right?
WATT: We have tremendous problems on the Indian reservations. (How) I
frequently talk about it by telling people if you want an example of the
failures of socialism, don't go to Russia--come to America and go to the Indian
Reservations.
We have 50 million acres of Indian reservations, 1.4 million American
Indians, and every social problem is exaggerated because of socialistic
government policies on the Indian Reservations. Highest divorce rate, highest
drug rate, highest alcoholism rate, highest unemployment rate, highest social
diseases
because the people have been trained through 100 years of
government oppression to look to the government as the creator, as the provider,
as the supplier, and they've not been trained to use the initiative to
integrate into the American system.
We have terrible schools on the Indian reservations and we've tried to
change that. Congress won't. The liberal eastern idea is that I'll support
the Indian people and they drive out to my home state of Wyoming in August for
(a) two-week vacation, buy an Indian bead necklace, and think they have done
their thing for Indian America. Terrible socialism. We ought to give them
freedom, we ought to give them liberty, we ought to give them their rights, but
we treat them as incompetent wards. I'm their trustee. They can't make a
decision on the reservations about their water, their lands, they can't own land
on the reservations.
Q: Is that the basis of much of the legitimate anger of many of the Indian
leaders, forgetting the radicals for a moment (who) are using the Indian
issues the fact that they literally live on a plantation?
WATT: That's correct with big Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Secretary of the
Interior controlling their rights. Now there are some benefits to that.
2: Sure. Isn't it true that some of the established Indian leaders have a
strong personal stake in the present policy and oppose what they call
termination?
WATT: In the Great Society, we came in with all these legal aides and all these
programs and made federal funds available to fund Indian Governments. So if
you're the chief or the chairman, you're interested in keeping this group of
people assembled on a desert environment where there are no jobs, no agriculture
potential, no water, because if the Indians were allowed to be liberated, they'd
go and get a job and that guy wouldn't have his government handout as a
government Indian paid official.
2
Q: They've become Ward Bosses. I've heard Senator Goldwater in Arizona talk
about the impact of federal legal services programs in taking an Indian
community that was once very conservative in its values, radicallizing it
politically, and then turning it out on a reliable basis for liberal
candidates.
WATT: In too many instances. Now they're ... fortunately there are some great
American Indian people that want to bring freedom to their people. They want
their people have jobs and take their social place and we've been working with
them and so it's very discouraging with the limitations that Congress gives us
with the laws. It's very encouraging when you work with a few of the Indian
people because they are electing some good people. There is hope if we'll let
iu people go. We ought to have ... if we had treated the black people in
America like we are now treating Indians or the Chinese or any of these other
minority groups there would be a social revolution that would tear the country
up. But Congress tolerates the abusive government actions on Indians and I try
to liberate them and get squashed by the liberal Democrats in the House of
Representatives.
-3-
PROGRAM:
DATE:
GOOD MORNING, AMERICA
THURS., JAN. 20, 1983
STATION OR NETWORK:
TIME:
ABC TELEVISION NETWORK
7:00 AM, EST
SECRETARY WATT RESPONDS TO INDIAN CALLS FOR RESIGNATION
STEVE BELL: The leaders of 154 American Indian tribes
are meeting here in Washington next Monday to issue a formal
response to what they call anti-Indian rhetoric by Interior
Secretary Watt. Joe Spencer reports the response has been bitter
so far.
(FILM SHOWN)
JOE SPENCER: As word of Secretary Watt's statements
spread throughout Indian reservations across the country,
reaction was swift and angry.
BILL HOULE (CHIPPEWA CHAIRMAN): Secretary Watt should
immediately submit his resignation.
PAM CHIBITTY (OKLAHOMA NATIVE AMERICAN COUNCIL): It's
very obvious that he's not knowledgeable of the federal trust
relationship between the federal government and the Indian
people.
SPENCER: However, there were Indian leaders who agreed
with Watt's assessment that a wide range of social problems does
exist on the reservations.
JERRY SHAW (MID AMERICAN INDIAN CENTER): We're hearing
on some reservations the alcoholism rate is as high as 50 per-
cent. I know; I just got back from the Navajo country. Unem-
ployment out there is 75 percent. No doubt there's a lot of
serious problems in Indian country.
SPENCER: Although Watt and the White House would like
to see the controversy surrounding his statements forgotten, it
appears some Indian leaders are not about to forget, or forgive.
NOAH BILLIE (SEMINOLE INDIAN): I don't know why he
should make such a hard statement. To me, that's a direct attack
- 2 -
on my own land. And if he wants war, then we'll go to war. I
feel that strongly about it.
Joe Spencer, ABC News.
*
*
*
*
*
DAVID HARTMAN: In a television interview aired yester-
day, James Watt, the Secretary of the Interior, said that Indian
reservations in America represent, to quote him, "the failure of
socialism."
Now, many Indian leaders have protested his remarks,
accusing the Secretary of racism. There have also been many
calls for the Secretary's resignation.
And James Watt is in Washington this morning, and Steve
Bell, of course, is joining us as well. Good morning, Mr.
Seccetary.
JAMES WATT: Good to be with you, David.
HARTMAN: Thank you very much. Let me quote you: "If
you want an example of the failure of socialism, don't go to
Russia come to America and go to the Indian reservations. Also,
you said that Indians on the reservations have "the highest
divorce rate, highest drug rate, highest alcoholism rate, highest
unemployment rate, and the highest social diseases in the
country."
One tribal chairman from the state of Washington said
quote, "That's the kind of racism talk the country doesn't need
from the Secretary of the Interior." And another tribal leader
is saying, "That's the most racial (sic) slur that they've heard
from a government official." unquote.
How do you respond, Mr. Watt?
WATT: I've been trying for two years to draw attention
to the terrible plight of the American Indian. The American
Indian has been abused for years and years. And for too many
years politicians have simply been trying to sweep it under the
rug, acting like it's not there. They deserve better. The
federal government is abusive to them. The Bureau of Indian
Affairs has not done a good job.
We need to help these people overcome their problems.
As I've travelled, and been on the reservations with these
Indians -- they're tremendously talented people, they have good
governments. If we'll let their government function, and get the
federal government off their backs.
- 3 -
HARTMAN: If that's been your attitude, Mr. Secretary,
how do you account for this tremendous outpouring of reaction
from the entire Indian community, or from most of the Indian
community?
WATT: Yes, I think you need to point out, it's a very
small segment of the Indian community, and any day of the week you
can get some of those people calling for my resignation. I think
that's healthy. We need to have this issue debated. I have
trust responsibilities. I have legal and treaty responsibilities
that i must live up to. So I don't have the option of doing very
much about these problems.
We've focused our attention on a few issues. We've
tried to bring some help to the Indian reservations but most of
the debate has to be carried out between the Indians and Con-
gress. And I've tried for two years to focus attention on this
terrible plight of the American Indian. And hopefully we'll get
some attention and coverage out.
STEVE BELL: Mr, Secretary, just for the record, 154
tribal representatives are going to be meeting here Monday to
draft a formal response to what they consider slurs from you.
How do you have this communications gap, if you will?
WATT: We don't know what that 154 are going to do.
We've talked to most of them. I've been telling the Indians that
-- this is not new rhertoric, I've been saying this for two years
to the Indians, to every news conference I've had, to groups
around. The American Indian needs help. They have too much
unemployment. All these social problems are symptoms of the
basic cause. Let's address causes instead of just addressing the
symptoms.
BELL: What do you mean that it's an example of social-
ism failed?
WATT: Good. Let's start with some examples. Educa-
tion. The American Indian deserves a good education. I believe
in public education where the local public government will manage
their own schools. We have government schools. The Washington
bureaucrats that I'm responsible -- I'm a bureaucrat in a sense.
I run the local school systems for the Indians. Obviously that
educations system is not good enough for the Indian. They are
not employed, they're not having the opportunities that other
Americans are. We ought to give it to them. The education
system is wrong because it's a government system run out of
Washington rather than a public school run by the Indians.
HARTMAN: And yet, Mr. Secretary, John Echohawk, who is
of native American Nights (?) Fund says, quote, "The Indians need
tribal self-government. If that's what Mr. Watt calls socialism,
- 4 -
then he doesn't know what he's talking about. That's good old
American democracy."
WATT: O.K. What we really want is tribal self-govern-
ment not government from Washington by the BIA officials, the
Bureau of Indian Affairs. The tribal governments, the elected
people, are good people. I've been meeting with them. I've been
on the reservations more than other past secretaries. And the
tribal governments are good. Give them a chance. Get Washington
off their backs. That's the problem: Washington, not the govern-
ments. The Indian governments are good. The Washington govern-
ment is oppressive. That's what needs to be reduced.
HARTMAN: If you have been clear -- in making yourself
clear -- that this is your attitude, Mr. Secretary, why has the
Governor of New Mexico, Governor Hayes, called for your resigna-
tion?
WATT: I've not met the Governor. I imagine it's good
old partisan American politics. I think that's healthy. That
doesn't bother me a bit.
BELL: You just said the Indian governments are good,
yet you're quoted as having said on that television interview,
that some tribal Indian leaders are interested in keeping their
people, quote, "assembled on a desert environment where there are
no jobs, no agriculture potential, no water, because if the
Indians were allowed to be liberated, they would go and get a job
and he, the tribal leader wouldn't have his government handout as
a paid government Indian official."
WATT: Well, we've seen that problem too but the --
pluralism in the Indian community, in the Indian country, is
strong. There's some powerfully good leaders. And they're
wanting what I'm talking about, as your news program called
earlier. They're saying Jim Watt is correct. Let's address the
cause and not the symptoms.
BELL: One of the specific criticisms in one of our
reports from an Indian was: "He's trying to drive us off the
reservations, our only land."
WATT: It is their land. I want them to be able to
run their land and not a bunch of bureaucrats like Jim Watt and
others dictating from Washington how they should handle their
land. It's theirs, let them have it, not a bunch of bureaucrats
here in Washington running it. They're better able than we are.
HARTMAN: Mr. Secretary, do you think you ought to
resign?
WATT: If I can draw attention to this Indian issue and
get that solved, I will have made a significant contribution to
- 5 -
America, and particularly to the American Indian who deserves SO
much better attention than the government has given him for 100
years. It's a problem we cannot afford to sweep under the rug.
Let's address it, let's solve it. Let's don't just throw money
at symptoms. Let's help those people help themselves rather
than abuse them like the government has done in the past 100
years. It's a shameful thing we've done.
HARTMAN: Secretary James Watt, thank you for joining
us this morning.
WATT: Great, good to be with you.
10A MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 1983 USA TODAY
USA TODAY
OPINION
John Seigenthaler, Editorial Director
John J. Curley, Editor
Allen H. Neuharth, Chairman
JAMES WATT
Guest columnist
U.S. tries to build
tribal self-sufficiency
WASHINGTON - The Rea-
James Watt is secretary of
gan administration is strongly
the interior.
committed to strengthening
tribal governments so we can
vations. Tribes are encouraged
bring lasting solutions to prob-
to assume responsibility for
lems plaguing many reserva-
law and order, education and
tions.
other services.
Persistent problems on res-
President Reagan has estab-
ervations are not the fault of
lished a commission to recom-
the Indians themselves. Indi-
mend actions to improve reser-
ans are the victims of failed
vation economies. Meanwhile,
federal policies. Subjugation by
we are working with new pro-
the cavalry in the 19th century
grams to attract private capital
was replaced with suffocation
to reservations. Just one of
by federal bureaucracy in the
these is a new law we support-
20th century. Excessive regula-
ed that allows tribes to enter
tion and self-perpetuating bu-
joint ventures with private cor-
reaucracy have stifled tribes,
porations in ways which bring
thwarted Indian control of res-
not only greater economic re-
ervation resources and pro-
turn to tribes but also develop
moted dependency.
Indian skills in business and
Indian leaders want to take
management.
charge of their reservations
Some tribes have developed
and their destinies. We in the
successful reservation enter-
Reagan administration ardent-
prises despite past federal poli-
ly want to help them achieve
cy; we will make it easier for
their goals. Tribes have a right
other tribes to follow these
to develop the human and nat-
good examples.
ural resources of their reserva-
America's need for energy
tions; the 735,000 Indians living
and other resources will give
on or near reservations are en-
many reservations opportuni-
titled to the opportunities guar-
ties to prosper. Our policy en-
anteed to all other Americans.
courages tribes to take advan-
Our Indian policy calls for
tage of this need, while
the conduct of federal-tribal re-
carefully protecting their cul-
lations on a government-to-gov-
ture, environment and sacred
ernment basis, just as with
lands.
states and cities. We recognize
Once freed of this stifling bu-
a continued federal trust re-
reaucracy, America's reserva-
sponsibility. With this is a com-
tion Indians can and will solve
mitment to build tribal self-suf-
many of their own problems,
ficiency and to minimize
and will contribute significant-
federal interference on reser-
ly to the rebuilding of America.
The Topic:
AMERICA'S INDIANS
Each day, USA TODAY explores a major news issue. To-
day's page includes our opinion that another study won't
solve the problems of native Americans, other views from
the secretary of interior, Arizona, South Dakota and Wash-
ington, and voices from across the USA.
Restore the pride
of first Americans
At some time during his term of office, every American
president, starting with George Washington, has asked him-
self: "What am I going to do about the Indians?"
Different presidents, faced with different times and dif-
ferent pressures, found different answers. Andrew Jackson
adopted a policy to brutalize them. Herbert Hoover picked
an Oklahoma Kaw, Charles Curtis, to be his vice president.
Most presidents in this century have named committees
to "study" problems of Indians. Many have resolved to
"help" them. A few have truly tried to be sensitive to the
plight of native Americans who are caught in a cultural vise
of values in conflict. But, finally, almost every administra-
tion has given lip service to superficial solutions. And the
country has continued to ignore tragic conditions that cause
frustration and hopelessness among the majority of its 1.4
million Indians, 735,000 of whom live on reservations.
USA Today 1.24-8)
Tribes and individual Indians own more than 52 million
acres held in trust by the U.S. government. But while the
land is theirs and they cling to their cultural heritage, there
is little in their daily lives to give them pride.
Life on most reservations is hellish. Unemployment has
soared above 30 percent and on some reservations actually
approaches 80 percent. Housing conditions are often sub-
standard. Health services are inadequate. Lack of opportu-
nity creates a despair that has produced phenomenally
high rates of suicide and alcoholism.
Last week it was the Reagan administration's turn to ad-
dress the question of what to do about the Indians. The pres-
ident announced he will name a nine-member commission
- co-chaired, of course, by a non-Indian and an Indian -
to find ways to improve reservation economies.
The commission's charge is to discover how to develop
stronger private sector investment in Indian reservation
commerce and how to reduce federal funds and the "feder-
al presence" in Indian affairs.
The Reagan answer to the Indian question would have
gone virtually unnoticed had not Interior Secretary James
Watt selected that moment to issue one of his cryptic as-
saults on liberalism, declaring that reservations represent
"an example of the failures of socialism."
Some Indian leaders criticized the secretary for over-
simplifying the historic complexity of Indians' suffering
Still, the timing of the secretary's remarks will force nation-
al attention on the tragedy afflicting the first Americans.
That, in and of itself, is a service. But another study group
and another try at reservation free enterprise won't cure
Indian ills. The cure won't come until all the people of this
land share the Indians' sense of lost pride and determine at
last and at least to give that back to them.
PROGRAM:
DATE:
ABC NEWS NIGHTLINE
WED., JAN. 19, 1983
STATION OR NETWORK:
TIME:
ABC TELEVISION NETWORK
11:30 PM, EST
REACTION TO WATT'S REMARKS ABOUT INDIANS
JAMES WATT (SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR): If you want an
example of the failures of socialism, don't go to Russia; come to
the United States and go to the Indian reservation.
TED KOPPEL: American Indians have long suspected that
James Watt is anything but their best friend in Washington. And
when a television interview was released today in which Secretary
Watt cited the high rate of Indian alcoholism, drug addiction and
venereal disease, that made things even worse.
But then Watt was quoted -- inaccurately -- as calling
for the abolition of Indian reservations, and the fat was really
in the fire. Calls for his resignation have swept through almost
all the tribal councils. Tonight we'll look at what James Watt
really said and at what Indian leaders thought he meant.
*
*
*
*
Good evening. The television program on which Interior
Secretary James Watt was interviewed -- and the interview actual-
ly took place last Thursday and was broadcast this evening --
that program is called "Conservative Counterpoint." It is hosted
by a conservative columnist and the national director of the Con-
servative Caucus. It is produced by the most successful conser-
vative fund raiser in the country, Richard Viguerie.
It was Mr. Viguerie who put out a press release follow-
ing the interview with James Watt claiming that Watt had called
for the abolition of all Indian reservations. UPI, the wire
service, ran that story, and the heat was on. Indian leaders,
responding to press reports, called for Watt's immediate resigna-
tion -- except that Watt never said what he was quoted as saying.
What he did say, however, was controversial enough.
WATT: We have tremendous problems on the Indian
reservation. I frequently talk about it by telling people, if
you want an example of the failures of socialism, don't go to
Russia; come to America and go to the Indian reservation.
- 2 -
We have 50 million acres of Indian reservations, 1.4
million American Indians, and every social problem is exaggerated
because of socialistic government policies on the Indian reserva-
tion: highest divorce rate, highest drug rate, highest alcoholism
rate, highest unemployment rate, highest social diseases -- be-
cause the people have been trained through a hundred years of
government oppression to look to the government as the creator,
as the provider, as the supplier. And they've not been trained
to use the initiative to integrate into the American system.
JAMES BILLIE (SEMINOLE TRIBAL CHAIRMAN) To single out
just one group of people and say that we're all -- what are we --
I've seen one particular part where he says the reservations are
plagued by drugs and alcohol abuse, unemployment, divorce and
venereal disease. I can guarantee I can go off my reservation
right now into the Broward County system and show you the same
thing. The United States is plagued -- I could keep on going.
ELMER SAVILLA (NATIONAL TRIBAL CHAIRMANS ASSN. ) : The
National Tribal Chairmans Association is appalled and dismayed at
the distortions and misinformation about conditions on the reser-
vation that Secretary Watt made at an interview broadcast today
-- being broadcast today on the Satellite Program Network.
PAM IRON (TULSA INDIAN AFFAIRS CHAIRMAN) True, there
are a lot of alcoholism; there is a lot of social problems that
do exist. But in the last ten years, the Indian people have been
determining their own policies. When the self-determination act
went into effect, this is when the Indian tribes had the right to
determine their fate instead of social policy set by the govern-
ment always being the one that made the decisions on how the
Indians should live.
WATT: We came in with all these legal aid and all
these programs and made federal funds available to fund Indian
governments. So if you're the chief or the chairman, you're
interested in keeping this group of people assembled on a desert
environment, where there are no jobs, no agricultural potential,
no water, because if the Indians were allowed to be liberated,
they'd go and get a job and that guy wouldn't have his government
handout.
CHIEF BUFFALO TIGER (MICCOSUKEE TRIBE) : Our reserva-
tion lands are good land for the oil and coal and -- what do you
call it? -- the resources, natural resources. I'm sure that the
government is interested in taking some of this land and make
something out of it, and the Indian have to be sitting on that
(sic).
SAVILLA: We charge that Secretary Watt has breached
his duties deliberately, and we ask that President Reagan imme-
diately investigate Mr. Watt's actions as the principal trustee
for Indian affairs.
- 3 -
QUESTIONER: Mr. Watt, are you suggesting that we do
away in any way with the reservations?
WATT: No. The government should not force anything on
the Indian community. The Indian country needs to make their own
decisions, and bureaucrats in Washington shouldn't be dictating
how the Indians handle and manage their lands, their schools,
their jobs, their opportunities. That should be their privilege,
not the government dictating one thing or another.
PAM CHIBITTY (NATIVE AMERICAN COALITION): I think that
Secretary Watt's background is extremely limited when it comes to
Indian people. He does not -- you know, it's very obvious from
his statements today, it's very obvious that he's not knowledge-
able of the federal trust relationship between the federal gov-
ernment and the Indian people. He doesn't realize why he's
singling out native Americans in regard to being in a dependency.
There is all other kinds of people; there's businesses. Look at
Chrysler: you know, they're dependent on the federal government.
So I can't understand why he would single out the native Amer-
ican, especially when it's a totally different type of relation-
ship.
KOPPEL: When we return, we'll talk with four Indian
leaders about Secretary Watt's remarks, about the furor they've
ignited and about the very real problems confronting American
Indian communities.
*
*
*
KOPPEL: There are more than 260 Indian reservations
scattered across the country. Tonight we'll talk to the leaders
of three. The Navajo tribe is the nation's largest, and its
25,000 acre reservation spreads from Arizona into New Mexico and
Utah. Joining us from Albuquerque, New Mexico, is Peterson Zah,
Chairman of the Navajo Nation. The Rosebud Sioux Reservation is
located in south central South Dakota. Rosebud Sioux President
Carl Waln joins us from our Denver affiliate, KBTV. From the
Florida Everglades is the reservation of the Seminole Tribe.
Joining us from our Miami affiliate, WPLG, is Seminole Chairman
James Billie. And with us here in Washington is Ron Andrade,
Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians.
Mr. Billie, I'd like to begin with you, because at one
point today you called for the resignation of Chairman Watt --
not Chairman Watt, of Secretary Watt. Since then you've had
occasion to change your mind. Why?
JAMES BILLIE (SEMINOLE TRIBAL CHAIRMAN) : About two
hours ago I had a -- I was listening to one of the conversations
that he had. I think it was an interview somewhere in Tulsa.
And before I heard this, the news media approached me and told me
- 4 -
the different type situation that Secretary Watt had said. But
as it turned out, when I saw the interview it appeared to me that
his conversation was taken out of context. And some of the
things that Secretary Watt had indicated there is existing on the
reservations.
KOPPEL: Such as?
BILLIE: Such as high unemployment. Like in my par-
ticular reservation there's approximately 47 percent. We have a
different type of illnesses that's on the reservation; it's
probably higher than anyplace else. He was talking about alco-
holism; we do have our share of problems with it. The other
things that he was talking about, they all fall into place.
KOPPEL: All right. He reached certain conclusions
about that; I'm wondering whether you agree with those
conclusions. He found that to be the result of a form of
socialism, where the American government is doing certain things
for the Indian nations which he seems to believe they ought to be
doing for themselves.
BILLIE: I don't understand the entire question, what
you're saying, but I believe there's a certain amount of problems
that we have on the reservations that somewhere down the line the
bureaucratic system has failed to help us or help each other get
into this modern day and age. And I know that somewhere -- like
socialism that he was talking about -- we've confined ourselves
to the reservations, where we should be going out and integrating
a little bit more but maintaining our culture at the same time.
KOPPEL: All right. Let's jump around the country
quickly, and let's go first of all to Peterson Zah, who repre-
sents the Navajo Nation. Do you agree, first of all, with what
you've heard so far? State your own opinion, Mr. Zah, would you
please?
PETERSON ZAH (NAVAJO TRIBE CHAIRMAN): Well, I was
really disturbed at what the Secretary has said, quite disturbed
because it comes from a federal official, a federal administra-
tor, who has a big huge responsibility in looking after the
Indian people in this country. And as Secretary of Interior he
is charged by law to look after our resources, the people, our
water routes and our land. And I was --
KOPPEL: All right. Let me just -- let me interrupt
you for a moment to find out what it is that he said that upset
you. Do you take issue with some of the problems he claims exist
on many of the reservations?
ZAH: I think mainly the attitude more than anything
else -- attitude because I think there is certain interest group
- 5 -
that he is pushing this administration in terminating many of the
Indian reservation that has been in dispute for several years.
And we're disturbed because there seems to be some attitude
that's taking a similar role as what it has in the past.
KOPPEL: All right. Now, we're in agreement, aren't
we, Mr. Zah, that he didn't actually call for the abolition of
the reservations. But do you see anything in what he did say
that leads you to believe that's what he wants?
ZAH: Yes, I do.
KOPPEL: What?
ZAH: If you look at the text of his speech, or the
interview, he alludes to some degree of trust responsibility,
where he is essentially saying that perhaps the federal govern-
ment should not be -- or should not have a role in having such a
tremendous role on the reservation, as far as the trust responsi-
bility is concerned.
KOPPEL: All right. I just want to keep on going
around. Let me go to Carl Waln of the Rosebud Sioux. Pick up
with what we've covered so far. With what do you agree, with
what do you disagree?
CARL WALN (ROSEBUD SIOUX NATION PRES. ) Okay, Ted, I'd
like to begin by thanking ABC News and the American public for
allowing the tribal Indian governments to have their perspective
aired and their voice heard.
We had a tribal council meeting today on our reserva-
tion, and one of the things that some of the elders have brought
out was the fact that when Watt talks about the social problems
and the diseases and the health problems he cited that these were
not here before 1492, and a lot of these things we have inherited
from the dominant culture. I see this statement and this release
as a political ploy type thing on the part of the Secretary.
KOPPEL: To do what?
WALN: Well, I think it's another move toward termina-
tion; I think it's a move that concerns environmental issues,
concerns our land, concerns our resources. And I think this is
the underlying meaning behind this.
KOPPEL: Ron Andrade, you're the executive director of
the National Congress of American Indians. Interpret all of that
for me. Why would it be to the advantage of the Reagan adminis-
tration, or why would they think it to be to their advantage, if
somehow reservations were disbanded?
- 6 -
RON ANDRADE (CONGRESS OF AMERICAN INDIANS): Well, of
course most of the tribes are concerned that if they were
disbanded the land would automatically come up for sale. Tribes
could never -- or the individual member could never pay the tax
rates, the other kind of costs that would happen once the tribe
lands were dispersed to individual members.
Additionally, the oil companies and mineral interests
would immediately go in and start to buy up the individual lots
from the individual members. This is a part of our history from
the 1800s, and so many of the tribes are very fearful that the
breakup of the land and the breakup of the governments would mean
total loss of the lands and, as a result, the loss of our
culture.
KOPPEL: All right. I should interject at this point
that we invited Secretary Watt, indeed we invited someone from
the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to come join us on our program this
evening. We can only regret that they chose not to.
Let me come back to you, though, Mr. Andrade. He
didn't say that, did he? I mean, he didn't call for the breakup
of the reservations -- I mean Secretary Watt. Do you believe
that that, however, is either policy or the intended policy of
this administration?
ANDRADE: No, I don't think we've been able to pinpoint
anything, other than maybe feelings on parts of some of the
people. The recent announcements made by the President on
January 14 we felt were beginning to strengthen our relationship
with the federal government. We didn't see anything particular
in the interview with Mr. Watt, at least from his side, that
seemed to be an indication. I would not hold the same feeling
for Mr. Howard Phillips; he seemed to be more interested in
seeing a breakup of the reservations.
KOPPEL: He's the Chairman of the Conservative Caucus,
who was conducting
the interview.
ANDRADE: Yes, and he seemed to be -- and his questions
seemed to be very loaded to try to get an answer from Mr. Watt
that would lead to a statement saying, we should break up the
reservations and get rid of the socialistic programs.
KOPPEL: Was there anything, indeed, in that interview
that offended you?
ANDRADE: If anything was, I believe it was the -- our
feeling was the attitude of Mr. Phillips and the other inter-
viewers. Those kind of statements we believe were an attempt to
try to draw out a statement, and maybe seen as a trial balloon by
the conservatives, to see whether or not -- how many Americans
- 7 -
would buy these kind of answers, would buy this kind of question-
ing, against Indians. I think their attitude is the most offen-
sive thing I think we got from this interview.
KOPPEL: Mr. Zah, do you -- what did you find most
offensive?
ZAH: Well, we're more concerned about the lack of
policy on the part of this administration. In other words, there
is no Reagan policy on American Indians or native Americans in
this country. And in absence of a clear-cut policy in terms of
how they're going to deal with these programs, you have somebody
like a secretary saying and doing all these things. And we have
been quite concerned about that.
KOPPEL: Well, I mean, what kind of a policy do you
think Secretary Watt is trying to impose, if indeed he is? Some
of the things he said sounded, on the face of it, to be quite
sympathetic to problems faced by many of the Indian nations.
ZAH: Well, I think many of those things that he is
saying right now -- for example, the social program that he
indicated -- there are some problems on the reservation. This
administration had a chance to see if they can help us with some
of those problems, but instead -- for example, he mentions the
unemployment. On the Navajo Reservation the Reagan administra-
tion has saw fit to pull back $152 million during the year 1982,
and at the same time they're complaining that there is such a
high unemployment rate and that the tribal government ought to do
something about it.
KOPPEL: What is the unemployment rate on your reserva-
tion?
ZAH: About 75 percent unemployment rate now.
KOPPEL: And what about -- let's take a look at the
Rosebud Sioux Reservation. What's the unemployment rate there?
WALN: The last figures that came out of our planning
office, Ted, were around 80 percent.
KOPPEL: And the Seminoles?
BILLIE: Forty-seven percent.
KOPPEL: And Mr. Andrade, on a national basis, are you
able to put a number to it?
ANDRADE: Well, the Bureau of Indian Affairs estimates
approximately about a 55 percent unemployment rate.
- 8 -
KOPPEL: And does that have to do largely with the fact
that Indians choose to stay on reservations or are clannish, as
some people would suggest? Or does it have to do with the fact
that you have a very difficult time getting off the reservations
and finding jobs? Any one of you can pick up on that.
ANDRADE: Well, Ted, we don't think it's because we
choose to stay on the reservations, that it's anything of that
nature. After 200 years with bureau domination, there's no
industry, no private sector industry; there's not sufficient jobs
on the reservation that they could have created, helped create
with the tribes. They've not given tribal support -- the tribes
the support they needed to create jobs on the reservation, and as
a result, we have a high unemployment rate.
KOPPEL: And yet the way Secretary Watt puts it, he's
suggesting that the very fact that the government has intruded
too much over the last few years into Indian life has brought the
state of affairs to where it is today.
ANDRADE: Well, I don't think the tribes have been
asking for a handout; they've been asking for a hand. They said,
help us develop the jobs, help us develop the industry. Instead
the government has usually held back the tribes from doing that
because of no assistance. And I think if the tribes had the
proper assistance from the federal government we would have had
many, many more jobs on the reservation.
KOPPEL: In a word, then, what is it you would like to
see from the Reagan administration? Let's -- we have only about
a minute left. I'd like to whip around very quickly. Mr. Zah,
what would you like to say?
ZAH: Probably more funding to the Indian reservation,
with less strings attached to those dollars.
KOPPEL: Mr. Waln?
WALN: One thing the Secretary has said, and the
President also has stated, that they want to deal directly with
tribal governments. It will be a government-to-government
relationship. And we agree with this, and they have agreed with
it. And we feel that the funds channeled directly to the tribal
government, we would be able to develop our own resources and
provide employment for the reservation.
KOPPEL: All right. We have time enough only for you,
Mr. Billie.
BILLIE: I would like to go ahead and acquire some land
near larger cities, where I can get my people out of the swamps
and get to where the jobs are. And I've been quite successful in
- 9 -
some areas to this day -- and with some oppositions. And now,
with the 47 percent unemployment, I think by going out closer to
the city areas and putting my reservation there, I can slow down
the unemployment rate.
KOPPEL: All right. Mr. Billie, Mr. Andrade, Mr. Waln,
Mr. Zah, thank you all. When we return, we'll see what life is
like at the Rosebud Sioux Reservation and how the people who live
on it feel about Secretary Watt's remarks.
*
*
*
*
*
KOPPEL: When reports of Secretary Watt's controversial
interview first surfaced yesterday, the news spread through
Indian communities like so much wildfire, and so did the anger
and resentment. It's clear that many Indians agree with Watt on
two points: that they should have a freer hand to govern them-
selves, and that they're plagued by serious social problems.
Where they disagree with Secretary Watt is on where to place the
blame. Jerry King reports from Pine Ridge, South Dakota.
(FILM SHOWN)
JERRY KING: He is a Sioux Indian; his name is Crazy
Horse. His wife is a full-blooded niece of the legendary Indian
chief. Together they, some of their 12 children and some of
their grandchildren live just outside Pine Ridge, South Dakota.
There is no running water in their trailer. It is not an easy
life.
DAVID LONG (CRAZY HORSE) : A lot of persons living in a
small room, and not very much to eat. And now this alcoholics
comes into the picture (sic). And I guess that is true all over
the world, but as far as our Indian reservation, there is really
nothing to do, especially the younger people.
G. WAYNE TAPIO (COUNCIL MEMBER): This is about the
worst -- expert I ever seen, because Watt's never came here, he
never asked anybody, he never listened.
KING: A special meeting of the Oglalo Sioux Tribal
Council today interpreted Watt as pushing Indian integration with
the rest of America, which they see as endangering their very
existence as a Sioux nation.
JOHN STEELE (OGLALO SIOUX COUNCIL): Termination, as
advocated by Secretary Watt, is genocide and, if continued or
carried out against Indian people, makes President Reagan and the
Secretary of Interior, James Watt, as guilty as Adolph Hitler in
committing acts of genocide.
- 10 -
MARIO GONZALEZ (INDIAN ATTORNEY): We want to be left
as a separate and distinct people, but yet we want to live and
get along with everybody.
KING: Many on this reservation agree with Watt that
alcoholism is rampant and so is drug abuse, that unemployment at
70 to 85 percent is horrendous, housing and medical facilities
are terrible. But they feel these problems were exacerbated by
Washington.
Sioux Indian leaders here on the Pine Ridge Reservation
acknowledge the social problems prevalent among their tribe, but
they say the fault is not with the system of reservations but
rather with the way the reservations are administered by the
federal government.
This is the Sioux Indians' national anthem. It is not
a war chant, but there is certainly a feeling here that General
Custer is alive and well in Washington. Jerry King, for
Nightline, on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.
(END FILM)
*
*
*
*
*
*
KOPPEL: That's our report on Nightline for tonight.
For all of us here at ABC News, this is Ted Koppel in Washington.
Good night.
10A MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 1983 USA TODAY
USA TODAY
OPINION
John Seigenthaler, Editorial Director
John J. Curley, Editor
Allen H. Neuharth, Chairman
JAMES WATT
Guest columnist
U.S. tries to build
tribal self-sufficiency
WASHINGTON - The Rea-
James Watt is secretary of
gan administration is strongly
the interior.
committed to strengthening
tribal governments so we can
vations. Tribes are encouraged
bring lasting solutions to prob-
to assume responsibility for
lems plaguing many reserva-
law and order, education and
tions.
other services.
Persistent problems on res-
President Reagan has estab-
ervations are not the fault of
lished a commission to recom-
the Indians themselves. Indi-
mend actions to improve reser-
to
ans are the victims of failed
vation economies. Meanwhile,
federal policies. Subjugation by
we are working with new pro-
the cavalry in the 19th century
grams to attract private capital
was replaced with suffocation
to reservations. Just one of
a
by federal bureaucracy in the
these is a new law we support-
rod
20th century. Excessive regula-
ed that allows tribes to enter
light-
tion and self-perpetuating bu-
joint ventures with private cor-
reaucracy have stified tribes,
porations in ways which bring
thwarted Indian control of res
not only greater economic re:
President
take
notice
ervation resources and pro-
turn to tribes but also develop
the
doesn't
moted dependency.
Indian skills in business and
Indian leaders want to take
management
charge of their reservations
Some tribes have developed
and their destinies. We in the
successful reservation enter-
Reagan administration ardent-
prises despite past federal poli-
ly want to help them achieve
cy; we will make it easier for
their goals. Tribes have a right
other tribes to follow these
to develop the human and nat-
good examples.
ural resources of their reserva-
America's need for energy
tions; the 735,000 Indians living
and other resources will give
on or near reservations are en-
many reservations opportuni-
titled to the opportunities guar-
ties to prosper. Our policy en-
anteed to all other Americans.
courages tribes to take advan-
Our Indian policy calls for
tage of this need, while
the conduct of federal-tribal re-
carefully protecting their cul-
lations on a government-to-gov-
ture, environment and sacred
ernment-basis, just as with
lands.
states and cities. We recognize
Once freed of this stifling bu-
a continued federal trust re-
reaucracy, America's reserva-
sponsibility. With this is a com-
tion Indians can and will solve
mitment to build tribal self-suf-
many of their own problems,
ficiency and to minimize
and will contribute significant-
federal interference on reser-
ly to the rebuilding of America.
The Topic:
AMERICA'S INDIANS
Each day, USA TODAY explores a major news issue. To-
day's page includes our opinion that another study won't
solve the problems of native Americans, other views from
the secretary of interior, Arizona, South Dakota and Wash-
ington, and voices from across the USA.
Restore the pride
of first Americans
At some time during his term of office, every American
president, starting with George Washington, has asked him-
self: "What am I going to do about the Indians?"
Different presidents, faced with different times and dif-
ferent pressures, found different answers Andrew Jackson
adopted a policy to brutalize them. Herbert Hoover picked
an Oklahoma Kaw, Charles Curtis, to be his vice president.
Most presidents in this century have named committees
to "study" problems of Indians. Many have resolved to
"help" them. A few have truly tried to be sensitive to the
plight of native Americans who are caught in a cultural vise
of values in conflict. But, finally, almost every administra-
tion has given lip service to superficial solutions. And the
country has continued to ignore tragic conditions that cause
frustration and hopelessness among the majority of its 1.4
million Indians, 735,000 of whom live on reservations.
Tribes and individual Indians own more than 52 million
acres held in trust by the U.S. government. But while the
land is theirs and they cling to their cultural heritage, there
is little in their daily lives to give them pride.
Life on most reservations is hellish. Unemployment has
soared above 30 percent and on some reservations actually
approaches 80 percent. Housing conditions are often sub-
standard. Health services are inadequate. Lack of opportu-
nity creates a despair that has produced phenomenally
high rates of suicide and alcoholism.
Last week it was the Reagan administration's turn to ad-
dress the question of what to do about the Indians. The pres-
ident announced he will name a nine-member commission
- co-chaired, of course, by a non-Indian and an Indian -
to find ways to improve reservation economies.
The commission's charge is to discover how to develop
stronger private sector investment in Indian reservation
commerce and how to reduce federal funds and the "feder-
al presence" in Indian affairs.
The Reagan answer to the Indian question would have
60ne virtually unnoticed had not Interior Secretary James
Watt selected that moment to issue one of his cryptic as-
saults on liberalism, declaring that reservations represent
"an example of the failures of socialism."
Some Indian leaders criticized the secretary for over-
simplifying the historic complexity of Indians' suffering
Still, the timing of the secretary's remarks will force nation-
al attention on the tragedy afflicting the first Americans.
That, in and of itself, is a service. But another study group
and another try at reservation free enterprise won't cure
Indian ills. The cure won't come until all the people of this
8
land share the Indians' sense of lost pride and determine at
last and at least to give that back to them.
Friday, Jan. 21. 1983 / The Miami Herald 9A
Watt survives because his value
to Reagan outweighs his liability He
the
By AARON EPSTEIN
Herald Washington Bureau
News Analysis
WASHINGTON He's gone and done it again,
that pugnacious Cabinet member known to-his enemies
as "the Darth Vader of the administration:
Watt's latest statements echo the beliefs of many
Secretary of the Interior James Gaius Watt. who
Republican conservatives and irritate people who op-
last year promised his mother not to provoke so many
pose Reagan policies anyway.
fights. has triggered renewed fury with his inflamma-
"Watt has the great confidence of the President,
tory rhetoric.
who agrees with what be is doing." API's Ranney said.
First, in a television interview aired Wednesday, he
"And Watt has the very strong support of the conserv-
called the American Indian reservations "an example
atives, who have gotten more and more disenchanted
of the failures of socialism." Then in a Business Week
with Reagan. For the President to get rid of Watt
article, he likened the tactics of the "hard-line left" in
would be the last straw for the conservatives."
the environmental movement to Nazi and Russian tyr-
Moreover, as a Republican Party official said re-
anny.
cently, Watt "may raise Cain but he also raises coin."
Despite the outcry generated by such remarks.
The controversial interior secretary has been a pop-
Watt manages to survive - and thrive. The reason is
ular draw at political events and has raised hundreds of
that he remains more of a political asset than a political
thousands of dollars for GOP candidates.
liability to President Reagan
Also, Watt remains a firm Reagan loyalist who be-
"Getting rid of Watt wouldn't make the environ-
lieves he helps the President by drawing much of the
mentalists love Reagan more, but it would make the
political heat to himself
conservatives love him less," observed Austin Ranney,
"I would walk the plank for him [Reagan] any-
a political scientist at the American Enterprise Institute
time," Watt has said. "I see myself as a lightning rod
(API), a conservative research group.
for the President. Every Cabinet has one or more light-
While Watt's aides were busy Thursday explaining
ning rods.
to reporters and angry Indian leaders what the interior
Reagan's recent decline in popularity is not Watt's
secretary "really meant, the White House appeared to
fault. Ranney said. but a result of the sagging economy
take little notice.
and the public's perception that the President doesn't
A White House official said Watt retains the full
have the answers.
confidence of the President and remains secure in his
"What Watt is doing is not a very significant fac-
Cabinet post.
tor," Ranney said.
Almost since he took office two years ago, Watt
To environmental leaders, though, Watt's survival
has polarized Americans with his conservative environ-
is both an absurdity and a rallying cry.
mental policies and his knack for hyperbole.
'It's unbelievable to us," said the National Audubon
He once referred to environmentalists as "elitists
Society vice president Brock Evans. "There must be
and extremists." He warned Jewish liberals that U.S.
people in the White House who share his views. That's
support for Israel could be jeopardized if they con-
why he's not being muzzied."
tinued to oppose his energy policies, such as expanding
Commenting on the Business Week interview, Inte-
offshore oil drilling and mining coal on public lands.
rior press aide Harmon Kallman said Watt was saying
He was caught spending $6,000 in tax money for
that a "grass roots movement, no matter how well in-
private parties, triggering a flap that evaporated when
tentioned, can get out of hand and bully their oppo-
the Republican National Committee picked up the tab.
nents
He's not confusing environmentalists with
And he once remarked: "I never use the words Re-
the awful people who were responsible for those
publicans and Democrats. It's liberals and Americans."
dreadful things in Europe."
The Allanta Tournal P. THE ATLANTA CONSTITUTION
tear
SUNDAY, JANUARY 23,1983
Dick Williams
Diogenes never met James Watt, truth-teller
Nobody, not Anne Gorsuch, not Jesse
"user fees on income James Watt is a vital
coholism and unemployment? Ja) anyone ary
Helms, not Larry McDonald, not Richard
truth-teller.
guing with those facts? No. Ha's once again
Nixon, angers the quiche eators and beby-seals-
And the way things have gone in Washing-
being accused of McCarthyism and gross Insen-
and-bunnies prowd like
ton since Lyndon Johnson, isn't it time we had
sitivity
James Walt.
a fox in the henhouse? We're laying far tog
Unlike many others, Welt understands that
I have hereby decided
many eggs for even Cool Hand Luke to eat.
the government's treatment of the Indian has
that Watt is foremost on my
It's questionable whether anyone from east
been so shameful that we couldn't end the
list of truth-tellers. He hasn't
of the Mississippi River could ever understand
reservation system now if we wanted ta The
minced a word yet, ending
Watt. He is # product of the Sagebrush Rebel-
Indians' gloom would be their doom
for now the centuries old
lion, born of the Western states where a major-
search of Diogenes for an
ity of land is held forever wild by the federal
We have lied so, broken treaties, appropri-
ated the choice land and destroyed Incontives
honest man. Go on to bed,
government.
and self-rellance. Watt wants to de better by
Diobaby, your search is over.
While we are cramped for park and recre-
Get a decade's sleep.
ational land in the Eastern zones, the West is
the Indian. For this he is called the greatest
starved for. development in its many forms. For
threat to the Indians god given culture since
The Interior secretary,
smallpox.
his part, Watt the Westerner seems not to
quiet and lawyerly though he may be, sends
understand the need for urban parks or the
Shortly after his pomination to Interior,
cartoonists and socialist commentators into red-
preservation of parks such as the Chattahoo-
Watt caused a national choking on and regurgi-
dened rages. He wants, they say, to cut down
chee River National Recreation Area.
tation of chablis and Perrier when be admitted
all the trees, pave the beaches, dig for oil in na-
Watt's most recent sin, of course, was at
to believing in God and the Apocalypes.
tional parks, put a cable car down the Grand
tacking the paternalism and self-interest that is
He was ridiculed and lampooned for dark
Canyon and starve Bambi.
the nation's treatment of the Indian (excuse
ing to say that Planet Earth would end some-
Not anly that, they say, he's so cocksure.
me, Native American). Socialism, he called it.
day in something's lifetime. Watt is to ba pitied
Why the man goes so far as not to apologize
Have you heard him rebutted?
if he ever dares utter the Pledge of Allegiance.
for his statements! In an age when politicians
He said Indian reservations sport the high-
You remember, one nation under
whatshis-
try calling taxes "revenue enhancements or
est rates nationally of divorce, drug abuse, al-
name?
The Plight Of The Indians
The United States is peopled by
jected to a reservation system. Of the
many races. But pity the poor Indians.
conditions afflicting 735,000 Indians
The native Americans stand virtually
living on 50 million acres of reserva-
alone and at the bottom of our society's
tions, Mr. Watt said: "If you want an
attainments in many cases while every
example of the failures of Socialism,
other group has ridden the escalator of
don't got to Russia - come to America
American opportunity to great heights.
and go to the Indian reservations."
Why? When Interior Secretary
Then he ticked off examples that all of
James Watt tried to explain in a recent
the social problems are worse under
comment. his intentions were immedi-
the reservation system.
ately twisted and distorted. He was at
Was he criticizing Indians? Not at
tacked for calling attention to an un-
all. He is for them. He is against the
pleasant truth. Mr. Watt has come to
abuse of them: "If we treated the black
be something of a lightning rod that is
people in America like we're now
repeatedly struck not only by natural
treating the Indians
there would be
elements but by all sorts of contrived
a social revolution that would tear the
charges these days That is likely to
country up. But Congress tol-
distract attention from the facts. But
erates the abusive government actions
he was right
on Indians. I try to liberate them and
get squashed by liberal Democrats in
Mr. Watt had nothing at all detri-
the House of Representatives."
mental to say about Indians His
Even some Indian leaders have
lament was over the way they have
gone on the warpath against Mr. Watt.
been treated. He spoke as a friend and
champion of Indians, though some of
demanding his resignation, though his
purpose is to aid them.
them and others have not chosen to
We would not take away any right
accept it that way
accorded any Indian as a result of
It would be best for Indians and for
treaties from a past and often unjust
America if each one were treated the
age. But we wish every Indian could be
same as every other person here, equal
a part of American society and oppor-
under the law, encouraged in every op-
tunity, just as every other American
portunity for personal advancement.
may be, regardless of his race or ori-
But Indians have been treated differ-
gin.
ently from every other racial group
Denying facts and criticizing Mr.
Because they were native Americans
Watt won't uplift the Indians. They
whose lands were in the path of United
have problems that are not being
States expansion, they have been sub-
solved.
CHATTANOOGA NEWS-FREE PRESS
ROY McDONALD
FRANK McDONALD
LEE ANDERSON
Publisher
President
Editor
THURSDAY. JANUARY 20. 1983
was
the
con
from
Roccy Mountain News 1-23-83
Despite the
Editoral
Watt right about American disgrace
is an area that most Americans visualize as a Techni-
these native Americans, its policies have resulted in
By Ralph Looney
color scene from a John Wayne movie, a land of vast
making them more dependent on government Lar-
Editor of the News
distance and big sky and scarlet buttes and mysteri-
gess.
ous canyons. A place of beauty and serenity.
One basic problem, it seems to me, is that the
It was all of this, but it was much more.
government has never seemed able to understand the
A world of misery. A world where perhaps only a
Indian and his ways, even when it made the effort.
quarter of the homes had electricity, where only 15
Certainly this was true in its education system in
OU'VE got to admit there's nothing shy
Y
percent had refrigeration. A world where nearly se
the Navajo country which never considered that these
about Interior Secretary James Watt. Lead-
percent of the population lived in homes without
people have utterly different cultural backgrounds
ing with his chin has made him into the
running water, where water frequently had to be
from non-Indians with other beliefs and values.
administration's chief punching bag. if noth-
bauled for miles over almost impassable roads.
ing else.
It was a place where less than half the water
To understand the Navajo you must understand
New he's done it again. The un-
available was fit to drink and only 15 percent of the
that his religion is a constant striving for harmony.
thinkable as far as much of the Wash-
homes had flush toilets.
He is concerned 'about the precise relationships
ingten establishment is concerned. He
Travel was difficult. Most roads were unpaved,
among all created things. They govern their entire
tas raised an issue that many people
often rutted or buried in sand. Most school children
lives with harmony. From earliest childhood they
would like to sweep under the rug.
were herded in barracks-type quarters in boarding
function as members of the group and are tolerant of
Watt aimed his finger squarely at
schools.
others and their failings.
America's greatest disgrace, its treat-
It was a world where nearly half of the nearly
Is it any wonder they frequently experience prob-
ment of the American Indian.
40,000 people in the work force were without jobs, at
lems living in today's aggressive world, which is
Watt charged, among other things,
a time when the national jobless figure averaged 5
offensive to them?
Leoney
that our Indian reservations are "an
percent.
Government teaching methods didn't take such
example of the failure of socialism."
And things were getting worse. The Navajo birth-
problems into consideration until comparatively re-
He Jaid much of the problem 2: the doorstep of the
rate was twice the national figure and life expectancy
cent times.
Bureau of Indian Affairs bureaucracy and called
was shorter. Illness was rampant.
Watt has done a great service in pointing a spot-
attention to the enormous social problems that afflict
And at that time we discovered that federal and
light on the Indian issue... The heat be is taking as a
the first Americans.
state taxpayers were spending $151,503,305 a year on
result of his forthright talk is undeserved. Ironically,:
Indians, declared Watt, have been "trained through
the Navajos! Yet precious little was filtering down to
the loudest complaints are coming from the native
100 years of government oppression to look to the
the thousands of Indians scattered across the vast and
Americans themselves, who believe Watt advecates
government as the creator, as the provider, as the
unfriendly landscape.
abolishing the reservations.
supplier and have not been trained to use their initia-
Today, little has changed. In many respects the
Watt's office says the secretary was misquoted on
Live to Integrate into the American system."
situation has probably grown worse, and will continue
this, pointing out that reservations were created by
Watt speaks the truth, as anyone who has spent
to worsen until the American people decide they want
treaty.
much time on Isdian reservations will testify.
to do something to correct it.
But Indian tribes have also always resisted any
In the early 1970s I spent many months reporting
The Navajo problem is representative of the entire
move to abolish the Bureau of Indian Affairs, even
on the Navajos, the nation's largest Indian tribe. The
Indian problem in the United States. The Indians have
though it in a (avorite target of Indian criticism. I
25,000-square-mile reservation that sprawls across
been wards of the government for more than
doubt any such move today would be successful.
parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah was and still
century. Each year the situation grows worse. Each
Whatever the reaction, Watt has raised an issue
is an island of grinding poverty in a sea of relative
year, more and more money is spent on the problem.
that has been neglected far too long. So long as it is
plenty.
Wall is correct when be lays the blame on the
out in the open and subject to debate, we can at least:
The land of the Navajo was then and probably still
government. Ever since n failed at exterminating
hope that new solutions will be tried,
Omaha world
Huald 1-20-83
Watt Statements Might Help
Interior Secretary James Watt has trained to use initiative to inte grate
never been one to flirch at taking con-
into the American system."
troversial stands.
Watt savs he would like to "liber-
He has become the favorite target of
ate" the Indians and give them their
many of the nation's environmentalists
rights. One of the ways he has tried to
because of statements and policies re-
do this, he said, is to close the Indian
garding use of the federally owned nat-
boarding schools and provide the Indi-
ural resources under his jurisdiction.
ans tuition grants to attend schools of
Now he has again placed himself
their choice.
squarely in the line of fire because of
For that effort, Watt said, liberal
the statements made in a television
congressmen have tried "to squash
interview (Satellite Program Net-
him.'
work) about the government's treat-
Watt's latest statements are likely to
ment of Indians.
draw similar reaction, from Indians as
"If you want an example of the fail-
well as from congressmen.
ures of socialism, don't go to Russia,
But few would disagree that the gov-
Watt said. "Come to America and go
ernment's treatment of Indians on
to the Indian reservations.
reservations has been less than a suc-
"Every social problem is exagger-
cess. That treatment, according to
ated because of socialistic government
Watt, has led to high unemployment,
policies on the Indian reservation, be-
drug abuse, alcoholism, divorce and
cause the people have been trained
venereal disease.
through 100 years of government op-
It is time to look for new solutions.
pression to look to the government as
the
If Watt's statements succeed in getting
the creator, as the provider, as the
this started, perhaps they will have
supplier, and they have not been served a useful purpose.
2 SARFIELD COUNTY NEWS
Thursday, January 6, 1983 pletely forgotten by many who have opposed multiple
use of public lands and who advocate having lands
locked up.
Garfield County News
The giant Intermountain Power Project is another
good example of environmental pressure. Originally
USPS 2140-2000-00
scheduled to be in Wayne County where the water was
Panguitch, Utah 84759 Telephone 676-2704
The Garfield County News (USPS 2140-2000-00) is published each Thursday
already available and where it was close to two major
in Panguitch, Utah 84759 for $8.00 per year in Utah and $10.00 per year out of
coal fields, a study indicated that maybe, smoke from
Utah by The Garfield County News, 115 North Main, Panguitch Utah 84759.
Second-class postage paid at Panguitch, Utah 84759 and additional mailing
the plant would drift into the Capitol Reef National Park
offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Garfield County
area an average of 18 days a year.
News, P. O. Box 576, Pangultch, Utah 84759
Single Copy 25c
And so, the natural site for the plant was moved into a
Hal C. Edwards, News Editor
Mark G. Fuelienbach, Publisher
desolate region in Millard County where millions of
Nancy Bales, Associate Editor-Katie Thomas, Office Manager
dollars worth of water had to be purchased and taken
Deadline for news articles: 5 p.m. Mondays. Copy submitted after deadline
may not be used until the following week's publication. Deadline for
out of farm production, and coal shipped in from areas
classified ads is noon Monday: for display ads, noon Tuesday
far away form the plant.
We realize and support the idea that national parks
Editoral
tion of some
and other such areas be protected. We are aware of the
10
Interior
need for some wilderness. But we are also aware that
Watt Order Good
the land is for man's use, and without it, there will be no
life. We wonder if the environmentalists and wilderness
proponants are that aware or if they all figure there is
Despite the cries of wilderness advocates and en-
no problem if there aren't any cows because they can
vironmentalists, we applaud Secretary of Interior
get milk in a plastic bottle at the supermarket.
James Watt's order to release some 800,000 acres of land
We hope there will be more such action in the future to
from wilderness status and allow them to become
give southern Utah and other areas of the west and
productive.
the nation - an opportunity to use the lands for
For too many years lands have been more and more
strengthening the economy and place things in their
placed in a "do not touch" status at the expense of those
proper perspective.
whose livelihood depends on land, and more and more
lands have been locked up for the sheer pleasure of a
few who like to tramp into such areas
And while we agree that some lands should be un-
touched and remain in wilderness status, we have seen
too many instances when this has been foolhardy and at
the expense of too many others.
The Denver Post Friday. Jan 21, 1983
We site, for example, the Kaiprarowits project which
was killed before it could get off the ground because of
pressures from wilderness and environmentalists
Open Forum
groups. Kaiparowits had the potential of providing
thousands of jobs and making a stable economy base for
southern Utah, a reigon which has always lacked such a
Just wants the facts
base.
I AM SHOCKED and dismayed at the
Problems in Capitol Reef National Park, where the
Jan. 10 report by your Washington Bureau
same groups have pressured to have cattle and sheep
reporter, Kenneth T. Walsh, on James
Watt's "Meet the Press" appearance.
grazing phased out, have threatened to wipe out a large
It is just the sort of blased attack in the
majority of cattle raisers in Wayne County, the very
name of journalism that has besmirched
lifeblood of that area.
Watt's credibility. Walsh accuses Watt of
"beavy-duty name-calling." and says be
Throughout the nation, and especially in the west,
"blasted" the professional environmental-
lands have been taken out of production and placed in
ists and "glossed over" criticism of his
wilderness, mostly because of the whims of those who
coal-leasing program. These phrases are
don't even live in the area, but want to have it as their
supplied by the reporter and have the ef-
fect of slanting a reader's perception of the
playground.
issue.
How about those of us who live in these areas and need
When I read the news, I do so to get the
the lands for livelihood? This has been an area com-
facts, not some journalist's opinion.
SCOTT W. SHAW
Golden
MONDAY, January 10, 1983
4-A
Viewpoint
Lonaview Morning Dournal
Columnists do not necessarily Twas reflect newspaper's position
TOM MEREDITH
JOE CALVIT
MARY WINTER
to
RON WILSON
Publisher
Executive editor
Editor
News editor
J.D. OSBORN
BYBIL OSBORN
Business manager
Treasurer
Editorials
for
of
reservation
and
Watt commits no crime
Editorial writers around the coun-
97th Congress, it's probably just as
try will never find a replacement
well that he did not get that unpre-
for Secretary of the Interior James
dictable body into the act.
Watt. He is always good for some-
thing to write about.
For the record, the controversial
And the adjectives Watt inspires.
805,000 acres are not part of the 80
Outrageous Obsessive. Inexorable.
million acres already set aside as
Arrogant. Devious.
wilderness lands. The acreage was
Watt recently found a provision in
simply withdrawn from an addition-
the federal wilderness law which
al 44 million acres which are under
permitted him to make 805,000 acres
consideration for addition to the
of prospective wilderness land avail-
wilderness lands. The Board of Land
able for immediate oil drilling and
Appeals of the Interior Department
commercial exploitation Now the
doubted the 805,000 acres possessed
editorial writers are referring to
the legal qualifications to be desig-
nated as a wilderness.
"Watt's end run," "Watt's sneak at-
tack,' "Watt's rape and run." He has
If there is any real reason to ob-
been dubbed "the prince of plun-
ject to searching for oil on the
der."
805,000 acres, It should be based on
The Sierra Club has gone into
timing. The global surplus of oil has
orbit, and lawyers are preparing to
softened prices. This is not a good
file injunction suits.
time to take drilling bids from oil
The facts do not justify such
companies. Should there be oil any-
hysterical reaction. Suppose Watt
where on the land, It will still be
did make an "end run" around Con-
there and worth more money when
gress? Considering the record of the
the glut ends, as it surely will.
THE DAILY OKLAHOMAN
E. K. GAYLORD (1873-1974)
Published every morning by The Oklahoma Publishing Co., 500 N.
Broadway, P.O. Box 25125, Oklahoma City 73125. Phone (405) 232-3311
Edward L. Gaylord, President and Publisher
14
Thursday, January 20. 1983
Indian Ire Misplaced
CLEARLY & some Indian reac-
than continued paternalism, the
leaders
text shows Watt argued that "we
to Interior Secretary James
ought to give them freedom. We,
Watt's remarks about socialism
ought to give them liberty. We
and reservation life is the fact
ought to give them their rights."
that they did not read all of what
Instead, Watt observed that
he said.
for 100 years, the government
Take the comment by Vincent
has treated Indians as incom-
Knight, executive director of Ok-
petent wards, incapable of mak-
lahoma Indian Legal Services,
ing decisions on their reserva-
that accused Watt of trying to
tions about development, water
break up reservations and tribal
or land ownership.
control of Indian lands.
As for the comment of Millie
Nothing of the sort can be
Giago, executive director of the
inferred from what Watt actual-
Native American Center in Okla-
ly said. His point was directly to
homa City, who complained
the opposite.
about Watt citing the high inci-
"I am criticizing the manage-
dence of alcoholism, divorce and
ment of the reservations by
venereal disease among reser-
Washington and think that we
vation Indians, since when is a
ought to let the Indians do it," he
Cabinet official supposed to ig-
said 'Reservations are theirs
nore the facts? The incidence of
and they should manage them.
these conditions is higher on res-
Nobody is trying to eliminate
ervations than among the popu-
the reservations."
lation as a whole.
Mismanagement is, indeed,
There's also more than a grain
the point, said Thom Snead of
of truth in Watt's observation
the Oklahoma Choctaw tribe,
that some Indian leaders have a
who added that "anytime the
personal, vested interest in
government has anything to do
maintaining the status quo on
with management of a nation
reservations, which in itself ex-
like reservation Indians, they al-
plains some of the more vitriolic
ways manage to mess it up."
reactions to Watt's comments
That agrees with Watt. Rather
about reservation life.
Editorial continues
Daily OKLA continued howen 20-85
Socialism, U.S. Style
INTERIOR Secretary James
lems have become exaggerated
Watt is not the first person
on reservations because of the
to observe the connection be
pure socialism that governs
tween the sad plight of Ameri-
them.
ca's reservation Indians and the
"If you want an example of the
socialist system under which
failures of socialism, Watt said,
they have lived for more than a
"don't go to Russia - come to
century
America and go to the Indian
Some of his predecessors
reservations.
made similar observations. And
back in the 1950s, when he be-
That is not rhetorical excess.
gan his political career, Ari-
As one of the oldest federal
zona's Sen. Barry Goldwater of-
agencies, the Bureau of Indian
ten called attention to the link
Affairs has been responsible for
between socialist failure and
the management of reservation
reservation life.
life. This has bred a dependence
Anybody familiar with any of
on the BIA that severely handi-
the major Indian reservations of
caps most reservation Indians
the West knows the truth of the
and constitutes an almost in-
dismal statistics cited by Watt
superable obstacle to their assi-
in a broadcast interview.
milation.
What was true a quarter-cen-
It's an uneven picture, to be
tury ago is just as true today.
sure; with some tribes having
The 735,000 American Indians
accommodated themselves to
on reservations hold the dubious
the 20th century with far great-
distinction of being at the top of
er facility than others.
the list in unemployment and in-
But decades of following a pol-
cidence of alcoholism drug
icy that the Great White Father
abuse and venereal disease.
in Washington knows best, and
Malnutrition, tuberculosis and
from him do all blessings flow,
other physical ailments also
has produced. a truly second-
contribute their share to the
class group of citizens. And for
overall miseries of reservation
that congressional indifference
life
and the bureaucracy of the BIA
Watt thinks all of these prob-
are largely responsible.
of
their
blems
constitut
The San Diego Ilnion
Editorials
SATURDAY MORNING, JANUARY 22, 1983
PAGE B-14
Watt Is Right
As anyone would expect critics
tions.
from alcoholism at a rate 67 per-
quickly accused Interior Secre-
The administration plans to ac-
cent higher than the general pop-
tary James Watt of insensitivity
cord tribal governments the
ulation.
and worse toward American Indi-
same status as counties, cities
Mr. Watt might have avoided
ans when be compared their res-
and states Moreover, Mr.
criticism if he had used more dip-
ervations to enclaves of "terrible
Reagan intends to encourage free
lomatic language. But words can-
socialism."
enterprise on the reservations.
not hide the fact that the old Indi-
Mr. Watt, nevertheless, accu-
Lessening governmental med-
an policies are a scandal and
rately described the shameful
dling in Indian affairs is long
some sort of reform is long over-
plight of the Indians when he said
overdue, Shocking statistics show
due.
this week that oppressive govern-
how miserably the old policies
Indeed, even some Indian lead-
ment dominance of the reserva-
have failed
ers who castigated Mr. Watt have
tions has given Indians the worst
The 735,000 Indians on 261 res-
had second thoughts and now en-
health and social problems in the
ervations suffer from a 40 per-
dorse his remarks.
nation. Far from trying to in
cent unemployment rate and the
All the controversy aside,
terfere with the Indians' culture
average reservation Indian drops
James Watt, in his own abrasive
and other affairs, however the
out of school after the 9th grade
way, has focused public attention
Reagan administration has made
The Indian suicide rate is 80 per
on a segment of our population
it clear it wants to intrude as lit-
cent higher than that in the rest
that has been suffering too long
tle as possible on the reserva-
of the nation, and Indians die
- out-of-sight and out-of-mind.
NDIAN
4-29-83
Call from John Fritz
1. Details on American Indian Day celebration:
Master of Ceremonies - John Fritz
Reading of Proclamation
Remarks by Secretary Watt
Remarks by Morris Udall and Sen. Mark Andrews
If the President's Commission members could be
announced at the same time, it would be great
to have the President there.
At Main auditorium of Dept. of Interior
2. Information on Princess Pale Moon:
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