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Report On Second Meeting For The Purpose Of Obtaining The Views Of The Three Affiliated Tribes Of The Fort Berthold Reservation On The Lieu Lands Offered By The Secretary Of War, December 23,1946, United States Department Of The Interior

William Langer Papers

This report contains a transcript of the second meeting held on December 23, 1946 in the office of the United States (US) Assistant Secretary of the Interior C. Girard Davidson for the purpose of obtaining the views of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation regarding the lieu lands offered by the US Secretary of War as compensation for the loss of tribal lands to be inundated by waters of the Missouri River due to the construction of the Garrison Dam. Included in the report is a list of attendees, a transcript of the meeting, in which the …

Report On Meeting For The Purpose Of Obtaining The Views Of The Three Affiliated Tribes Of The Fort Berthold Reservation On The Lieu Lands Offered By The Secretary Of War, December 16, 1946, United States Department Of The Interior

William Langer Papers

This report documents a meeting that took place on December 16, 1946 in the conference room of the United States (US) Secretary of Interior to obtain the views of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation on the lieu lands offered by the US Secretary of War.

The report includes a roster of attendees, a transcript of the meeting and a number of exhibits submitted, including: a letter from US Under Secretary of the Interior to Attorney Ralph Case; Section 6 of US Public Law 374, 79th Congress 2d session; a memorandum to the US Secretary of the …

Telegram From Senator Langer To Hensler Helpful Club Regarding Garrison Dam, December 12, 1946, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This telegram dated December 12, 1946, from United States (US) Senator Langer to Hensler Helpful Club, responds to their telegram from that same day. In the telegram, Langer states that as member of the Public Lands Committee he is giving the matter of relocation of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fert Berthold Reservation as a result of the Garrison Dam his careful consideration.

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Telegram from Hensler Helpful Club to Senator Langer Regarding Garrison Dam, December 12, 1946

Telegram From Hensler Helpful Club To Senator Langer Regarding Garrison Dam, December 12, 1946, Hensler Helpful Club

William Langer Papers

This telegram dated December 12, 1946, from the Hensler Helpful Club of Oliver County, North Dakota, to United States Senator William Langer, states that the Club is against the proposed relocation site for the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation as a result of the Garrison Dam. The letter goes on to state that the Club would favor an alternative land resettlement plan or a cash reimbursement for the Fort Berthold residents.

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Telegram from Senator Langer to Hensler Helpful Club Regarding Garrison Dam, December 12, 1946

Letter From Myrtle E. Russell To Senator Langer Regarding Garrison Dam, December 12 1946, Russell E. Myrtle

William Langer Papers

This letter dated December 12, 1946 from Myrtle E. Russell to United States Senator William Langer protests the taking of lands where she and her family live to be offered as lieu lands for the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation whose lands were to be flooded by the construction of the Garrison Dam. Russell appeals to Langer, describing her family's history on the land from 1903 to the present. Russell does not find the compensation offered by the government for their land to be adequate. The letter has a handwritten note at the top.

Telegram From Senator Langer To Carl Sylvester Regarding Garrison Dam, December 9, 1946, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This telegram dated December 9, 1946, from United States Senator William Langer to Carl Sylvester of Elbowoods, North Dakota, replies to a November 30, 1946 letter in which Sylvester had urged Langer to oppose the Garrison Dam project. In this telegram, Langer assures Sylvester that "nothing will be left undone that I can do to protect their [i.e. the tribe's'] interests."

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Letter from Carl Sylvester to Senator Langer Regarding Garrison Dam, November 30, 1946

Telegram From Senator Langer To Colonel Ww Wannamaker Regarding Relocation, December 6, 1946, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This telegram dated December 6, 1946, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to US Colonel of the Army Corps of Engineers WW Wannamaker, asks Wannamaker to wire him regarding a statement on the relocation of members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation to Oliver County as a result of the Garrison Dam.

This telegram contains the handwritten words "Indians" and "Oliver."

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Letter from Colonel WW Wannamaker to Senator Langer Regarding Lieu Lands Related to the Garrison Dam, December 4, 1946

Telegram From Senator Langer To Floyd Montclair Or Charles Berger Regarding Land Trade, December 6, 1946, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This telegram dated December 6, 1946, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Floyd Montclair or Charles Berger, states that either recipient should wire Langer regarding the status of the land trade between the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation and the US Government.

Letter From Senator Langer To Ward F. Boyd Regarding Garrison Dam, December 5, 1946, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated December 5, 1946, from United States Senator William Langer to Pastor Ward F. Boyd of the First Presbyterian Church of Fargo, North Dakota (ND), Langer replies to Boyd's letter from November 26, 1946 where Boyd laments the proposed eviction of members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berhold, ND and asks whether it is too late to move the site of the dam nearer to Sanish, ND.

In his reply, Langer thanks Boyd for his letter. Langer suggests that Boyd would be interested to know that Langer has taken this matter up himself and gave a …

Letter From Colonel Ww Wannamaker To Senator Langer Regarding Lieu Lands Related To The Garrison Dam, December 4, 1946, Ww Wannamaker

William Langer Papers

This letter dated December 4, 1946, from United Stated (US) Army Corps of Engineers Colonel WW Wannamaker to US Senator William Langer, states that he is writing in light of the Washington announcement that the US Secretaries of War and Interior have made a lieu lands offer to the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. Wannamaker states that the most serious problem of the Garrison Dam was the relocations it required. He states that his department was tasked with finding lieu lands "comparable in quality and sufficient in area" while also an "economical solution to the United States" …

Letter From Ward F. Boyd To Senator Langer Regarding Garrison Dam, November 26, 1946, Ward F. Boyd

William Langer Papers

This letter dated November 25, 1946, from Pastor Ward F. Boyd of the First Presbyterian Church of Fargo, North Dakota (ND) to United States Senator William Langer, Boyd laments the forthcoming eviction of members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold, ND and asks whether the project has gone to far to change the location of the dam to one nearer the town of Sanish, ND.

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Letter from Senator Langer to Ward F. Boyd Regarding Garrison Dam, December 5, 1946

Letter From Assistant Commissioner Of Indian Affairs Zimmerman To Senator Langer Regarding Distribution Of Payments To The Fort Berthold Indians, September 13, 1946, William Zimmerman

William Langer Papers

This letter dated September 13, 1946, from Assistant Commissioner of Office of Indian Affairs William Zimmerman to United States Senator William Langer is a response to Floyd Montclair’s letter to Langer where Montclair asks for $400,000 per capita payments to the Fort Berthold Indians. Zimmerman clarifies that the Interior Department Appropriation Act does not “contain a provision for a per capita payment to the Fort Berthold Indians.” The letter is enclosed as a copy from the United State Department of Interior Office of Indian Affairs. The enclosure is entitled “Enc. 393.” Both Langer and Commissioner of Indian Affairs Brophy William …

Letter From Senator Langer To Floyd Montlcair Regarding Per Capita Payments To The Fort Berthold Indians, September 11, 1946, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated September 11, 1946, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Floyd Montclair of the National American Indian Association, marks the receipt of Montclair’s letter from August 27, 1946. Langer calls Montclair’s attention to the distribution of “the four hundred thousand dollars awarded to the Fort Berthold Indians” by citing the Interior Appropriation Bill (US Public Law 478) along with the provision of HR 1095 (US Public Law 467), along with how this money will be distributed through the US Treasury. Langer says there “is no provision by law” that would distribute this money per capita, although …

Letter From Senator Langer To Adorah Carson Regarding Garrison Dam, August 20, 1946, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated August 20, 1946 from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Adorah Carson is a response to her August 9 letter regarding delaying the Garrison Dam construction. Senator Langer says that the US Department of the Interior will compensate the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation the equal value of the land. A handwritten note on the letter reads, "Indian Affairs."

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Letter from Adorah Carson to Senator Langer Regarding Garrison Dam, August 9, 1946

Letter From Senator Langer To Floyd Montclair Regarding Per Capita Payments, August 23, 1946, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated August 23, 1946, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Floyd Montclair, marks Langer’s receipt of Montclair’s letter from August 19, 1946. Langer clarifies that the “$400,00 awarded to your tribe in full settlement of all claims of the Indians of the Fort Berthold Reservation” are now on deposit in the US Treasury. Langer points out that any further distribution of money requires an act of legislation, including a per capita distribution.

The letter includes the handwritten note, “Indians.”

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Letter from Floyd Montclair to Senator Langer Regarding Per Capita Payments, August 19, 1946.

Letter From Senator Langer To Floyd Montclair Regarding Abusive Language, May 26, 1949, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated May 26, 1949, from United States Senator William Langer to Floyd Montclair, is in response to Montclair’s charge of abusive language from Superintendent Quin. Langer has received a statement from the Committee of Interior and Insular Affairs regarding Montclair’s charge and enclosed that statement, written by Chief Clerk Mills Astin, which expresses that, “it is a problem of administration and not under the legislative purview of this Committee.” The letter includes the handwritten note, “Indians.”

Letter From Adorah Carson To Senator Langer Regarding Garrison Dam, August 9, 1946, Adorah Carson

William Langer Papers

This letter dated August 9, 1946 from Adorah Carson, a member of the Federated Cavalier Civitas Club of Cavalier, to United States Senator William Langer asks to delay the construction of the Garrison Dam until further consideration can be given to the alternate plan proposed by the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council. Carson asks that the tribes be left in peace in their homes lest North Dakota create a permanent "blot" on its history due to its treatment of the Indigenous people of this land.

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Letter from Senator Langer to Adorah Carson Regarding Garrison Dam, August 20, 1946

Letter From Senator Langer To John Hamilton Regarding Garrison Dam, August 3, 1946, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated August 3, 1946 from United States Senator William Langer to John Hamilton, President of the National American Indian Defense Association Inc., indicates that there is no news on the Garrison Dam project.

A handwritten note on the letter says, "Indians."

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Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Garrison Dam and Floyd Montclair Correspondences, July 29, 1946

Letter From John Hamilton To Senator Langer Regarding Garrison Dam And Floyd Montclair Correspondences, July 29, 1946, John E. Hamilton

William Langer Papers

This letter dated July 29, 1946 from John Hamilton, President of the National American Indian Defense Association Inc. to United States Senator William Langer, inquires about the Garrison Dam Project. Hamilton indicates that Floyd Montclair had written about a recent council meeting and asks if Langer has heard anything since then.

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Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Regarding Garrison Dam, August 3, 1946

Flood Control Act Of 1946, Us Conress

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This act, also known as Public Law 79-526 or "An act authorizing the construction of certain public works on rivers and harbors for flood control, and for other purposes" dated July 24, 1946, does a number of things, including amending previous laws, appropriating funds, and authorizing projects related to flood control across the entire United States and territories. Specific to North Dakota among the many amendments included is one that authorizes the Chief of Engineers of the United States (US) Army to "enter into cooperative arrangements with local agencies for the operation of such Government facilities for the expansion of …

Letter From Rr Robinson To Senator Langer, Senator Young, And Congressman Lemke Regarding Garrison Dam, July 19, 1946, R R. Robinson

William Langer Papers

This letter, dated July 19, 1946, is from RR Robison to United States (US) Senator William Langer, US Senator Milton Young, and US Congressman William Lemke regarding the Garrison Dam. Robinson states that white settlers have only been in the geographic area for fifty years whereas the 2,000 individual members of The Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation have held the area as their ancestral lands for centuries. Robinson states that he does not have a solution to the problem of water conservation, but implores the US Senators and Congressman to do more to consider the desires of …

Letter From Senator Langer's Office To Martin Cross Acknowledging June 12 Letter, June 19, 1946, Office Of Senator William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated June 12, 1946, from the office of United States Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, acknowledges Cross's June 12th letter and says that when Langer returns, Cross's letter will be brought to Langer's attention.

A handwritten note on the letter says, "Indian."

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Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding a Resolution Passed by Three Affiliated Tribes Business Council, June 12, 1946

Letter From Martin Cross To Senator Langer Regarding A Resolution Passed By Three Affiliated Tribes Business Council, June 12, 1946, Martin Cross

William Langer Papers

This letter dated June 12, 1946, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Senator William Langer, encloses a resolution passed by the Three Affiliated Tribes requesting that the Garrison Dam not be built below their reservation which will flood their homelands. The council proposes instead for the tribes to gift the necessary land to build the dam north of the reservation. This resolution includes a recommendation for the proposed plan which estimates a savings of about $100,000,000.

A handwritten note on the letter says, "PS--looking for you in Elbowoods on June 22."

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Letter …

Letter From Senator Langer To Chief Swimming Eel Regarding Garrison Dam, May 8, 1946, Willam Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated May 8, 1946, from United States Senator William Langer to Chief Swimming Eel, thanks him for his letter and says he is sending the Congressional Record for October 11. Langer further says he will "support the Indians."

See Also:

Letter from Chief Swimming Eel to Senator William Langer, April 11, 1946, Regarding Garrison Dam

An Act Making Appropriations For The Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1947, For Civil Functions Administered By The War Department, And For Other Purposes, United States Congress

US Government Documents related to Indigenous Nations

This Public Law, dated May 2, 1946, also known as Public Law 79-374, or "War Department Civil Appropriations Act, 1947," includes appropriations for a variety of projects ranging from cemetery expenses to waterway maintenance to flood control.

Letter From Senator Langer To Ralph Hoyt Case Regarding Possibly Speaking To Tribal Members, May 2, 1946, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated May 2, 1946, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Ralph Hoyt Case, Attorney for the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold, North Dakota (ND), acknowledges receipt of Case's letter "of the 30th" and says he will be ND on May 30th, and would be "glad to meet" with tribal members on the 31st.

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Letter from Ralph Hoyt Case to Senator Langer Regarding the Tribal Business Council, April 30, 1946

Letter from Ralph Hoyt Case to Senator Langer Regarding the Tribal Business Council, May 10, 1946

Letter From Ralph Hoyt Case To Senator Langer Regarding The Tribal Business Council, April 30, 1946, Ralph Hoyt Case

William Langer Papers

This letter dated April 30, 1946, from Ralph Hoyt Case to United States Senator William Langer, is in regards to a meeting of the Fort Berthold Tribal Business Council to discuss the Garrison Dam. In the letter, Case writes that the council will meet at Elbowoods with any members of the Three Affiliated Tribes who wish to attend. He also states that he will arrive at Elbowoods on May 23, 1946.

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Letter from Ralph Hoyt Case to Senator Langer Regarding the Tribal Business Council, May 10, 1946

Telegram From Senator Langer To Martin Cross Indicating Meeting With Senator O'Mahoney, February 18, 1946, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This telegram dated February 18, 1946, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, states that Langer will be in North Dakoka on February 24th meeting with US Senator [Joseph] O'Mahoney in order to give Cross the opportunity to protest. Langer is likely referencing Cross's desire to speak about the Garrison Dam.

Letter From Senator Langer To Martin Cross Acknowledging Recent Note From Cross, February 14, 1946, William Langer

William Langer Papers

This letter dated February 14, 1946, from United States Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, thanks Cross for his recent letter and indicates that Langer is glad that the tribes appreciate the help Langer has offered in "their matter."

A handwritten note on the letter says, "See Garrison Dam" which is likely the matter Langer references in this letter.

Letter From C. H. Beitzel To Joseph C. O'Mahoney Regarding Resolution From Three Affilliated Tribes Thanking Him For Amendment, February 5, 1946, C. H. Beitzel

William Langer Papers

This letter dated February 5, 1946, from Fort Berthold Agency Superintendent C. H. Beitzel to United States Senator from Wyoming Joseph C. O'Mahoney, Beitzel informs O'Mahoney that the Tribal Council of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold, North Dakota has passed a resolution thanking him for his amendment to the First Deficiency Appropriation Bill of 1946, which stipulated that no funds appropriated for the construction of Garrison Dam may be used until the members of the Three Affiliated Tribes had been satisfactorily compensated for the loss of their land.

See also:

Resolution by Tribal Council of Three Affiliated Tribes …