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Telegram From Senator Langer To George Gillette Regarding Per Capita Payments For Minors, May 8, 1948, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This telegram, dated May 8, 1948, from United States (US) Senator Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council Chairperson George Gillette is a reply to Gillette's telegram of May 6 urging Langer to request that the "Indian Office" authorize that per capita pay shares for minors under the age eighteen be allocated to heads of families.

See also:

Telegram from George Gillette to Senator Langer Regarding Per Capita Payments for Minors, May 6, 1948

Statement By Rufus Poole On The Indian Claims Commission Bill, Undated, Rufus G. Poole

Usher Burdick Papers

This undated statement by Rufus G. Poole, assistant solicitor of the US Department of the Interior concerns the Indian Claims Commission Bill, H.R. 7837. The conclusion of Poole's statement expresses his support for the bill, noting that it will be a relief to US Congress from the "onslaught of bills for jurisdictional acts."

See also:

An Act to Create an Indian Claims Commission, to Provide for the Powers, Duties, and Functions Thereof, and for Other Purposes

Comments By Representative Burdick Regarding The Hoover Commission, June 15, 1949, Usher L. Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

This document by United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick, dated June 15 (year not given, though likely 1949 based on the references to the Hoover Commission and similar statements made by Burdick during that year on Congress), titled “Congressman Usher L. Burdick Comments:- Report of the Hoover Commission Strikes a Snag,” expresses Burdick's views that "the Corps of Army Engineers is supported in Congress by a powerful lobby." Burdick writes that in the construction of the Garrison Dam in North Dakota “the Army Engineers paid no attention to the law creating the dam,” adding that they are “intrenched (sic) …

Magazine Article By J.S. Seybold Regarding The Construction Of The Garrison Dam, October, 1949, J.S. Seybold

Usher Burdick Papers

This reprint of an article in Civil Engineering, The Magazine of Engineered Construction, dated October, 1949, by Colonel of the United States Corps of Engineers J.S. Seybold is a publication of the North Dakota State Water Conservation Commission. The six page article provides pictures and diagrams outlining the progress of the Garrison Dam project and is divided by the following subtopics: Seepage Control and Drainage, Driving Cutoff Piling, Eight Tunnels in Right Abutment, Test Tunnel on Site of Penstock No. 4, Measurements Provide Design Data, Intake Structure Contract Let, Spillway in Left Abutment, Permanent Town Built, Progress to Date. The …

Speech Draft By Representative Burdick Regarding Garrison Dam And Fort Berthold, Usher Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

This undated speech draft, by United States House Representative Usher Burdick, addresses issues surrounding the building of Garrison Dam and the proposed higher pool level. Burdick contends that the higher pool level is not legal, and he notes that the flood control will be of no benefit to the Upper Missouri River Valley, where the damage from the Garrison Dam will affect North Dakota people and cities. Burdick then speaks to the problems the dam will cause for the tribal members of the Fort Berthold Reservation. Burdick asserts that the higher pool level will result in about forty percent of …

Senate Memoranda Regarding Martin Cross And Hearing On Us Senate Bill 2151, January 20, January 21, And February 8, 1956, Author Unknown

William Langer Papers

These notes dated January 20, January 21, and February 8, likely from 1956, pertain to a hearing for United States (US) Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151). These were filed with US Senator William Langer's papers along with other correspondences from this time on the topic of S. 2151.

Letter From Mrs. Richard C. Andrews To Representative Burdick Regarding Reservoir Name, Mrs. Richard C. Andrews

Usher Burdick Papers

This undated letter from Mrs. Richard C. Andrews to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick urges Burdick to support the proposed legislation to name the Garrison Dam reservoir "Lake Sakakawea." Andrews notes she is writing as a representative of the "Ladies Aides of the Congregational Churches of Dawson, Tappen, Weiser Township, and Pettibone, North Dakota." Andrews further asserts that naming the reservoir after Sakakawea will strengthen the morale of the "first Americans" who have been "unjustly treated," and she closes by proposing the new name will make North Dakota more appealing to tourists.

There are some handwritten notations, likely from …

Notes On Us Senate Bill 2151, Presumably Made By Representative Burdick, Likely 1956, Likley Usher Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

These undated notes, presumably written by United States (US) Usher Burdick and attached to a copy of US Senate Bill 2151 dated June 6, 1955, explain the need for per capita payments to aid the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, as they were forced to relocate their homes due to flooding by the completion of the Garrison Dam. The notes are annotated. At the top, a handwritten notation reads, "S. 2151, for record, March 7, 1956."

Letter From Bear, Et Al To Representative Burdick Regarding Property Laws, Undated, Joe B. Bear, Adlai Stevenson, Alfred S. Smith, Jackson Dancing Bull, Francis Stevenson

Usher Burdick Papers

This undated resolution signed by Joe B. Bear, Adlai Stevenson, Alfred S. Smith, Jackson Dancing Bull, and Francis Stevenson concerns property issues related to the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. The resolution states that the members of the Fort Berthold Americans Inc. do not agree with a law which would regard native property as a collective movement that denies property ownership.

See also:

Letter from Adlai Stevenson to Representative Burdick Regarding Lemke Bill, April 3, 1944

Memorandum From R. B. Mckee To Area Director Regarding Grazing On The Fort Berthold Reservation, Likely 1956, R. B. Mckee, Wayne T. Emerson

Usher Burdick Papers

This memorandum, likely from 1956, from R. B. McKee, Superintendent of the Fort Berthold Agency to "Area Director" responds to a request for maps of the taking area of the Fort Berthold Reservation and a description of how that land is being used. The memorandum indicates that that the current area of 70,000 acres will reduce to 37,000 as the Garrison Reservoir pool level continues to rise to 1850 feet. At this time, a little more than half of the area is used for grazing by non-Indigenous people and about 90% of Indigenous-owned livestock is grazed in the area. Some …

Correspondences Between Laura Knudson And C.J. Barry Regarding Sale Of Land On The Fort Berthold Reservation, September 1, 1955, C. J. Barry, Laura Page Knudson

Usher Burdick Papers

These correspondences, dated September 1 and September 2, 1955 between C. J. Barry and Laura Page Knudson from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick's office concern the sale of tribal land to non-tribal members. Barry requests that the matter be looked into or delayed as tribal members received very little notice of the sale. Knudson replies that the intended sale was listed in New Town news over a month ago, so the tribal members had plenty of notice. A news clipping entitled "Ft. Berthold Agency Sale of Noncompetent Indian Lands" was included with these correspondences.

See also:

Letter from Ralph …

Statement By Representative Burdick On Indian Claims, Undated, Usher Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

This undated statement by United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick concerns "Indian claims." Burdick writes that indigenous populations have just claims against the US government for millions of dollars as a result of treaties, citing examples of specific treaties including the 1868 treaty with the "Sioux at Fort Rice" and General Custer's 1874 violation of this treaty. He makes reference to planks he proposed for settling of all Indian claims that were adopted in part or fully by both the Republicans and Democrats and laments that neither party has redeemed their pledges.

See also:

American Indian Plank for Republican and …

Summary Of Action Taken Following Delegation Trip To Washington, D.C On Behalf Of The Three Affiliated Tribes, May 9 (No Year Given), Leslie D. Polk

Usher Burdick Papers

This news release, dated May 9 (no year given), provides a summary of what was accomplished by a group of delegates from the Three Affiliated Tribes in Washington D.C. to attend hearings before the United States (US) House Interior Committee. Delegates included Martin Cross, William J. Deane, and O. R. Shulte. The list of accomplishments includes a bill to provide for the distribution of funds held in trust to be distributed by on a per capita basis, an amendment to a bill that authorizes members of the Three Affiliated tribes to acquire trust in tribal lands, and a bill to …

List Of Items Related To Needs Of The Three Affiliated Tribes Of The Fort Berthold Reservation, Undated, Author Unknown

Usher Burdick Papers

This undated list was filed in one of two folders labeled "Fort Berthold Indians" in US Representative Usher Burdick's files. Almost all of the items in the folder with it were from the 1950s. The items on the list all relate to the needs of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. A handwritten note on the list adds, "S. 3311" referring to US Senate Bill 3311.

Handwritten Note Filed With Burdick's Papers, Undated, Author Unknown

Usher Burdick Papers

This undated handwritten note was filed in one of two folders labeled "Fort Berthold Indians" in US Senator Usher Burdick's files. Almost all of the items in the folder with it were from the 1950s.

Memorandum From Martin Cross To Senator Langer Regarding Several Bills That Cross Wants To See Though The Committee, Likely 1955, Martin Cross

William Langer Papers

This undated memorandum, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Senator William Langer, lists five US Senate Bills that Cross would like to see: US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151), US Senate Bill 1528 (S. 1528), US Senate Bill 746 (S. 746), US Senate Bill 1530 (S. 1530), and US Senate Bill 1956 (S. 1956).

There are some handwritten notes on the memorandum.

See also:

Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Senate Bills 2151 and 1528, February 23, 1956

An Act to Provide for the Segregation of Certain Funds of the Fort Berthold …

Letter From Barton Greenwood To Senator Langer Regarding Recommendation Of Frank Gordon For Superintendent Of The Fort Berthold Reservation, August 4, 1955, W. Barton Greenwood

William Langer Papers

This letter dated August 4, 1955, from acting Commissioner W. Barton Greenwood of the United States (US) Bureau of Indian Affairs to US Senator William Langer, acknowledges Langer's July 22th letter on behalf of Commissioner Glenn Emmons. Greenwood informs Langer that tribal members from the Three Affiliated Tribes recently visited to discuss the recommendation of Frank Gordon for superintendent of the Fort Berthold Indian Agency. Greenwood says that they were informed that Gordon would be given every consideration.

See also:

Resolution of the Governing Body of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation Recommending Frank Gordon as Superintendent, …

Opinion Regarding The Status Of Mineral Ownership Underlying The Missouri River Within The Boundaries Of The Fort Berthold Reservation (North Dakota), United States Department Of The Interior, Robert T. Anderson

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This memorandum, dated February 4, 2022, from the United States (US) Department of the Interior (Office of the Solicitor) to the Secretary and Assistant Secretary of Land and Minerals Management, the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, and the Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs rescinds the Solicitor’s May 26, 2020 opinion regarding mineral rights on the Fort Berthold Reservation which declared the state of North Dakota to be the owner of said rights. This memorandum reaffirms the January 17, 2017 opinion of Solicitor Hilary Tompkins that the rights belong to the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. …

Reclamation: Managing Water In The West; An Overview Of The Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program, United States Bureau Of Reclamation, Roger S. Otstot

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This undated summary released by the Bureau of Reclamation offers a concise overview of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin flood control plan which was enacted when Congressed passed the Flood Control Act of 1944. This plan led to the construction of several dams in the Missouri River basin, including the Garrison Dam. The completion of the Garrison Dam displaced the majority of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara people living on the Fort Berthold Reservation. This document contains tables, graphs, maps, and a photograph.

Status Of Mineral Ownership Underlying The Missouri River Within The Boundaries Of The Fort Berthold Indian Reservation (North Dakota), Department Of The Interior, Daniel H. Jorjani

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This memorandum, dated May 26, 2020, from the United States Department of the Interior (Office of the Solicitor) to the Assistant Secretary of US Indian Affairs and the Assistant Secretary of Land and Minerals Management rescinds the Solicitor’s January 18, 2017 opinion regarding mineral rights on the Fort Berthold Reservation and asserts that the state of North Dakota, not the Three Affiliated Tribes, is the legal owner of the submerged lands beneath the Missouri River. The Solicitor cites the “Historical Examination of the Missouri River within the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, Precontact-1902” and his interpretation of laws and case precedent …

Opinion Regarding The Status Of Mineral Ownership Underlying The Missouri River Within The Boundaries Of The Fort Berthold Reservation (North Dakota), United States Department Of The Interior, Hilary C. Tompkins

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This memorandum, dated January 18, 2017, from the United States (US) Department of the Interior (Office of the Solicitor) to the Assistant Secretary of US Indian Affairs and the Director of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs responds to an inquiry requesting an opinion on mineral rights ownership on the Fort Berthold Reservation. The state of North Dakota and the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation submitted competing claims of ownership. The memorandum provides a history of the area, settlement, trade, treaties, the river and its flood and flood control history, the Garrison Dam, and the reasons why …

Interior Department And Army Corps Announce Restoration Of Tribal Lands For The Three Affiliated Tribes Of The Fort Berthold Reservation; Transfer Restores Nearly 25,000 Acres Of Tribal Homelands Lost To The Garrison Dam Project, Department Of The Interior, Assistant Secretary Of The Army For Civil Works

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This news release, dated December 20, 2016, from the United States (US) Department of the Interior and the US Assistant Secretary of the Army announces the return of 24,959 acres of land on the Fort Berthold Reservation to the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. The returned land was part of the 153,000 acres of land taken by the United States Government for construction of the Garrison Dam. The authority of this transfer is granted by the Fort Berthold Mineral Restoration Act of 1984 (Public Law 98-602). This press release provides some background on the Garrison Dam Project …

Fact Sheet: Potential Transfer Of Garrison Dam/Lake Sakakawea Project Lands, United States Army Corps Of Engineers

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This 2016 fact sheet released by the United States (US) Army Corps of Engineers, discusses the potential return of lands within the Fort Berthold Reservation to the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. The lands in question are part of 153,000 acres that were taken for the construction and operation of the Garrison Dam. The authority of this return is granted by the Fort Berthold Mineral Restoration Act of 1984 (Public Law 98-602). The fact sheet includes a brief history of the lands in question, the process of the return, and the status of the return.

Memorandum Of Agreement Between The Department Of The Interior And The Department Of The Army Pursuant To Section 206(B) Of The Fort Berthold Mineral Restoration Act, Public Law 98-602 (1984), United States Department Of The Interior, Us Department Of The Army (Civil Works), Us Department Of Indian Affairs

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This Memorandum of Agreement, dated May 6, 2015, from the United States (US) Department of the Interior, the US Department of the Army (Civil Works), and the US Department of Indian Affairs, outlines the process by which a portion of land that was taken from the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation for construction and operation of the Garrison Dam be returned to the Three Affiliated Tribes. The authority of this return is granted by the Fort Berthold Mineral Restoration Act of 1984 (Public Law 98-602).

Effects Report: Potential Transfer Of Garrison Project Lands Within The Fort Berthold Reservation Boundaries Pursuant To The Fort Berthold Mineral Restoration Act, United States Army Corps Of Engineers, Omaha District, Nebraska

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This report, dated April 2008, from the United States (US) Army Corps of Engineers (Omaha District, Nebraska) explains the potential transfer of unused lands from the Garrison Dam Project to the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold Reservation. The land transfer proposed to return a portion of land out of the 153,000 acres taken by the US Government for the construction of the Garrison Dam. The authority of this transfer is granted by the Fort Berthold Mineral Restoration Act of 1984 (Public Law 98-602). This report is broken into six sections: Introduction, Authority, Criteria, Proposed Determination, Determination, and Conclusion. An …

Draft Effects Report: Potential Transfer Of Garrison Project Lands Within The Fort Berthold Reservation Boundaries, Pursuant To The Fort Berthold Mineral Restoration Act, Us Army Corps Of Engineers, Omaha District, Nebraska

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This report, dated May 2006, from the United States (US) Army Corps of Engineers (Omaha District, Nebraska) explains the potential transfer of unused lands from the Garrison Dam Project back to the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold Reservation. The land transfer proposed to return a portion of land out of the 153,000 acres taken by the US Government for the construction of the Garrison Dam. The authority of this transfer is granted by the Fort Berthold Mineral Restoration Act of 1984 (Public Law 98-602). This report is broken into four sections: Introduction, Background, Proposed Determination, Public Comment and Response. …

Appendix I: Comments By Comment Number, 2006, Us Army Corps Of Engineers

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This comments matrix, published in 2006, provides a summary of the public comments made in 2006 regarding the proposed return of land to the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. These comments were recorded from transcripts of six public meetings held in Bismarck, North Dakota (ND) on June 26; in Hazen, ND on June 27, in Dickinson, ND on June 27; in Williston, ND on June 28; in New Town, ND on June 29; and in Minot, ND on June 30. The matrix also includes comments received outside these meetings via email and letter. The proposed return of …

Appendix E: Comments By Number, 2005, Us Army Corps Of Engineers

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This comments matrix, published in 2005, provides a summary of public comments made in 2005 regarding the proposed return of land to the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. These comments were recorded from transcripts of three public meetings held in Bismarck, North Dakota (ND) on May 24; in Dickinson, ND on May 25; and in Williston, ND on May 26. The matrix also includes comments received outside these meetings via email and letter. The land return, based on the Mineral Restoration Act of 1984 (Public Law 98-602), proposed to return a portion of the land taken for …

Three Affiliated Tribes Health Facility Compensation Act, United States Congress, Us House Of Representatives

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This report from the United States (US) House Committee on Resources, dated June 3, 2004, was written to accompany US Senate Bill 1146 which proposed the construction of a rural health care facility on the Fort Berthold Reservation, North Dakota. The estimated cost for construction of said facility is 20 million dollars. This facility is part of a continued attempt by the US government to compensate for loss of property, infrastructure, and way of life for the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara people who were forced off their land on the Fort Berthold Reservation due to the construction of the Garrison …

Equitable Compensation Act: Hearing Before The Committee On Indian Affairs United States Senate; One Hundred Seventh Congress, First Session On Federal Obligation To Equitable Compensation To The Fort Berthold And Standing Rock Reservations, United States Congress, Us Senate

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This record, dated August 30, 2001, is a transcript of a follow-up hearing with the Three Affiliated Tribes and Standing Rock Nation to evaluate how the 1992 Equitable Compensation Act has served the tribes and if it has helped restore economic stability. Testimony from tribal members indicates that many promises made prior to the building of the dam were never met, that the promises were met were fulfilled 40-45 years after the dam was built, and, more importantly, that what was lost can never be compensated for with money. At the time of this hearing, the Three Affiliated Tribes were …