Indigenous Studies Commons^™

Letter From Citizens For Alternatives To Radioactive Dumping, April 13, 1987, Janet Greenwald

American Indian Movement and Activism

This typed and annotated letter from CARD (Citizens for Alternatives to Radioactive Dumping), dated April 13, 1987 outlines strategies for stopping a proposed land withdrawal bill that would earmark land in New Mexico to be used as a dumping site for radioactive waste. The letter calls for more active engagement from citizens and urges them to contact representatives to voice concerns. Included are notes by an unknown author as well as contact information for senators and congressional representatives.

Final Report And Recommendations Of The Garrison Unit Joint Tribal Advisory Committee: Joint Hearing Before The Select Committee On Indian Affairs, United States Senate And The Committee On Energy And Natural Resources, United States Senate And The Committee On Interior And Insular Affairs, House Of Representatives, One Hundredth Congress, First Session On Oversight Hearing On The Final Report And Recommendations Of The Garrison Unit Joint Tribal Advisory Committee, United States Congress, Us Senate, Us House Of Representatives

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

This report from the United States (US) Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs, the US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources along with the Subcommittee on Water and Power, and the US House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs along with the Subcommittee on Water and Power Resources, dated March 30, 1987, includes the transcript of a hearing to address the US Department of the Interior’s Garrison Unit Joint Tribal Advisory Committee’s (JTAC) finding that “the tribes of the Standing Rock and Fort Berthold Indian Reservations bore an inordinate share of the cost of implementing the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin …

Decker Cave Action Plan, March 23, 1987, Walter E. Allen

Graves Protection and Repatriation

This 20-page typed document consists of an action plan sent to District Ranger John Tharp from archeologist Walter E. Allen on March 23, 1987 as well as supplementary materials about Decker Cave. The plan details the history of vandalism and pothunting at the site, including the disturbance of American Indian burials. It also explores the potential for further archeological exploration of the cave in coordination with concerned American Indian groups and provides a plan to deter additional looting of the site. Supplemental materials include a discussion with the University of Missouri Archeological Department, a review of literature, and maps of …

Leonard Peltier Brochure, Leonard Peltier Defense Committee

American Indian Movement and Activism

This typed brochure made by the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee details the timeline of Leonard Peltier's arrest, trial, and efforts to free him. Leonard Peltier is an Ojibway-Lakota and activist for AIM who was indicted for allegedly murdering two FBI agents in a shootout on the Pine Ridge, South Dakota, Lakota reservation in 1975. Years after his trial, the Committee obtained some 12,000 pages of documents that show perjured testimonies, conflicting statements, and violations of due process. The brochure introduces other issues surrounding the case and urges people to write letters to government officials to help free Peltier.

Water Resources Development Act Of 1986, United States Congress, Us House Of Representatives

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

This excerpt from a report from the House Committee of Conference dated October 17, 1986, was written to accompany United States (US) House Resolution 6, also known as the “Water Resources Development Act of 1986.” US House Resolution 6 authorizes development, flood control, and water protection measures for several projects across the US. This report suggests amendments to US House Resolution 6. This excerpt highlights a section of the report entitled “Garrison Land Transfer” which stipulates that 136 acres of land be held in trust by the United States for the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation in …

An Act To Implement Certain Recommendations Made Pursuant To Public Law 98-360, United States Congress

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

This public law, also known as "The Garrison Diversion Unit Reformulation Act of 1986" or United States (US) Public Law 99-294, passed on May 12, 1986, amended existing public law related to the Garrison Diversion Unit and addressed the major issues of meeting the water needs of North Dakota, addressing environmental impacts associated with the Garrison Diversion Unit, compensating farmers for lost land, honoring the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909, and repaying Federal Loans that were used for the construction of the Garrison Diversion Unit.

To Implement Certain Recommendations Made Pursuant To Public Law 98-360, United States Congress, Us House Of Representatives

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

This report, dated April 22, 1986, is the second part of a two-part report. The first report “Garrison Diversion Unit Reformulation Act of 1986 is dated April 9, 1986 and was written to accompany United States (US) House Resolution 1116.

This second part, presented by Morris K. Udall from the US House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, summarizes modifications proposed to the Garrison Diversion Unit and provides a cost estimated for the proposed bill. The report acknowledges the devastating effects that the Pick-Sloan Project had on the tribes living on Fort Berthold and Standing Rock reservations. US House Resolution …

Garrison Diversion Unit Reformulation Act Of 1986, United States Congress, Us House Of Representatives

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

This report from the United States (US) House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs dated April 9, 1986, was written to accompany US House Resolution 1116 which seeks authorization for the construction of the Garrison Diversion Unit to help meet the water needs of North Dakota (ND). US House Resolution 1116 proposes improved repayment methods for irrigation and includes provisions that will compensate for farmland lost to the implementation of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program. This report includes a history of the Garrison Dam project, including problems encountered with the proposed implementation of irrigation which some in Congress criticized as …

Three Affiliated Tribes V. Wold Engineering (1986), United States Supreme Court, Sandra Day O'Connor

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

Three Affiliated Tribes v. Wold Engineering is a case that forced the United States (US) Supreme Court to clarify US Public Law 83-280 (typically referred to as Public Law 280). Due to a lack of clarity in US Public Law 280, when the Three Affiliated Tribes attempted to sue Wold Engineering for breach of contract, North Dakota (ND) state courts told the tribes that they were unable to preside over a case between a sovereign nation and a private business. The ND Supreme Court held that the tribes would have to give up tribal sovereignty if they wanted to try …

Cousin Laman In The Wilderness: The Beginnings Of Brigham Young's Indian Policy, Richard E. Bennett

Faculty Publications

Historians of the American West have observed that compared with most other mid-19th century American overlanders, whether Oregon-bound farmers or California Agronauts, the Mormons enjoyed a relatively more amicable, more peaceful relationship with the American Indian. Furthermore several contend with cause that Brigham Young was the principal architect of peace with the Ute, Shoshoni, Navaho, Hopi, and other tribes in the deserts and valleys of "Deseret," the Mormon Zion in the Great Basin Kingdom. Leonard Arrington, Davis Bitton, James Allen, and other modern writers have argued that Young pursued a conciliatory (if not self protective and condescending) policy toward the …

Letter From Suzan Shown Harjo To Thomas King, August 12, 1985, Suzan Shown Harjo

Graves Protection and Repatriation

This typed letter from Suzan Shown Harjo, Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians, was sent to Dr. Thomas King, Director of Resource Preservation for the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, on August 12, 1985. Harjo praises the new draft Guidelines for the Consideration of Traditional Cultural Values in Historic Preservation Review because they promote active consultation with American Indians before grave sites are disturbed and favor reburial of remains over perceived scientific value. She contrasts the draft Guidelines with those of the U.S. Department of the Interior, which heavily favor the self-interests of archeologists and anthropologists.

Draft Guidelines For Consideration Of Traditional Cultural Values In Historic Preservation Review, Advisory Council On Historic Preservation

Graves Protection and Repatriation

This 21-page typed document is a draft of Guidelines for the Consideration of Traditional Cultural Values in Historic Preservation Review, dated August 1, 1985. The document outlines the Historic Preservation Advisory Council's policies and procedures concerning project planning for historic properties, taking into account the traditional cultural values that may be impacted by such projects. It provides background on the American Indian Religious Freedom Act and contains an appendix dealing with the treatment of human remains.

Statement Of The Director, American Indians Against Desecration, July 30, 1985, Jan Hammil

Graves Protection and Repatriation

This 4-page typed document is a statement from the Director of American Indians Against Desecration, Jan Hammil, speaking before the United States House of Representatives on July 30, 1985. Hammil provides a history of the AID organization as a result of the Longest Walk, when the bodies of ancestors were discovered in museums and universities across the United States. Hammil expresses the need for a federal policy to avoid significant archaeological sites that incorporate Indian burial sites. She also advocates for the consideration of traditional cultural values when organizing archaeological digs, referencing the American Indian Freedom of Religion Act and …

Letter From Mateo Jose Guerrero Flores To William Means, November 8, 1984, Mateo Jose Guerrero Flores

American Indian Movement and Activism

This typed letter to William Means from Mateo Jose Guerrero Flores requests the International Indian Treaty Council (IITC) to cooperate and assist the Nicaraguan government, the United Nations, the International Red Cross and the Inter American Human Rights Commission with problems concerning the Miskito Indians of Central America. He notes that American Indian Movement leader Vernon Bellecourt can provide further details about the project.

Letter From Fernando Colomer To William Means, November 7, 1984, Fernando Colomer

American Indian Movement and Activism

This typed letter to William Means from Rev. Fernando Colomer of the Moravian Church in Nicaragua requests the support of the International Indian Treaty Council. It invites the Council to aid discussions with the Nicaraguan government and find solutions to problems concerning the Miskito Indians including those who are held prisoner in the cities of Managua, Puerto Cabezas and Bluefields.

Report Of The International Indian Treaty Council Delegation To Nicaragua, Janice Denny

American Indian Movement and Activism

This original 15-page typed report provides a brief history of United States involvement in Nicaragua and the use of violence against the Nicaraguan people including the Miskito Indians. It also includes a detailed timeline of the International Treaty Council Delegation's activities, travels and meetings during their stay in Nicaragua from November 2 to November 15, 1984.

An Act To Provide For The Use And Distribution Of Certain Funds Awarded The Wyandotte Tribe Of Oklahoma And To Restore Certain Mineral Rights To The Three Affiliated Tribes Of The Fort Berthold Reservation, United States Congress

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

This public law, dated October 30, 1984, also known as the Mineral Restoration Act of 1984 and Public Law 98-602, declared that the mineral interests in the land within the boarder of the Fort Berthold Reservation be held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. In 2016, this public law allowed for the return of about 25,000 acres of land taken for the Garrison Dam Project to the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation.

Declaring That The Mineral Rights In Certain Lands Acquired By The United States In Connection With The Garrison Dam And Reservoir Project Are Held In Trust For The Three Affiliated Tribes Of The Fort Berthold Reservation, And For Other Purposes., United States Congress, Us Senate

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

This report from the Select Committee on Indian Affairs, dated September 18, 1984, was written to accompany United States (US) Senate Bill 2480 which puts the mineral rights of certain lands acquired by the United States for the Garrison Dam project in trust for the Three Affiliated Tribes. This report contains correspondences regarding US Senate Bill 2480 and proposed amendments for the bill. Various US government entities here debate whether the Three Affiliated Tribes have rights to the mineral interests on land that was taken for the Garrison Dam project. The bill summarizes that when the Three Affiliated Tribes accepted …

Form Letter From William M. Kunstler, September 17, 1984, William M. Kunstler

American Indian Movement and Activism

This letter from William M. Kunstler, attorney for American Indian Movement leader Dennis Banks, was sent to supporters on September 17, 1984. It explains that Banks has surrendered to authorities and is awaiting sentencing. Kunstler asks that anyone who can attest to Banks' character and background consider attending the sentencing hearing or sending letters to the judge in support.

Letter From Harry Belafonte In Support Of Dennis Banks, September 12, 1984, Harry Belafonte

American Indian Movement and Activism

This copy of a typed letter from Harry Belafonte was sent on September 12, 1984. Belafonte speaks in support of American Indian Movement leader Dennis Banks who faces incarceration in South Dakota for his conviction there in 1975. The letter details the accomplishments of Banks during his stay in California and demands the end of the federal persecution of Banks.

Sand Creek: Tragedy And Symbol, Gary Leland Roberts

John Evans Study: Supporting Materials

Gary L. Roberts' 1984 Sand Creek Massacre dissertation.

Three Affiliated Tribes V. Wold Engineering (1984), United States Supreme Court, Harry Blackmun

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

Three Affiliated Tribes v. Wold Engineering is a case that forced the United States (US) Supreme Court to clarify US Public Law 83-280 (typically referred to as Public Law 280). Due to a lack of clarity in US Public Law 280, when the Three Affiliated Tribes attempted to sue Wold Engineering for breach of contract, North Dakota (ND) state courts told the tribes that they were unable to preside over a case between a sovereign nation and a private business. The North Dakota courts held that the tribes would have to give up tribal sovereignty if they wanted to try …

Year-End Report Of The 2d Session Of The 98th Congress, United States Congress, Us Senate

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

This excerpt from the United States (US) Year-End Senate Report, dated January 1, 1984, includes a section entitled “Accomplishments of the Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs” that summarizes laws passed and enacted regarding Indigenous People in the United States. The summary covers business pertaining to tribes across the United States, including the note that hearings on Indian health were held in North Dakota, Alaska, Washington, and Montana and that the Indian Health Care Improvement Act was vetoed. The summary indicates that an inheritance and land consolidation code was enacted pertaining to the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe of North and South …

Philosophical, Legal, And Social Rationales For Appropriating The Tribal Estate, 1607 To1980, Arrell Morgan Gibson

American Indian Law Review

No abstract provided.

Letter From Ronald E. Lambertson To Alan "Redshirt" Lewis, December 7, 1983, Ronald E. Lambertson

American Indian Movement and Activism

This is a copy of a two-page typed letter from an Associate Director of the US Interior Department, Ronald E. Lambertson, that was sent to Alan "Redshirt" Lewis, Sr. on December 7, 1983. The letter is in response to Lewis' request for American Indians to present their views on the killing and sales of eagles and other migratory birds. Lambertson outlines the history of the Endangered Species Act and other laws meant to protect migratory birds such as bald and golden eagles and presents data surrounding the prosecution of those charged with illegally selling protected bird species. He also notes …

Indiana University Vs. Indian People: Defending Our Roots In The Land, Jan Hammil

Graves Protection and Repatriation

This 4-page typed press release titled "Defending our Roots in the Land" was issued by American Indians Against Desecration circa November 1983. It describes the history of the founding of AID as a result of the Longest Walk, when Indians discovered the remains of their ancestors housed in universities, laboratories and museums across the United States. It also details the conflict between the Glenn Black Laboratory of Archeology at Indiana University and members of AID who were denied access to human remains stored there. A prayer vigil and four days of fasting are planned in protest.

Authorizing The Secretary Of The Interior To Set Aside Certain Judgment Funds Of The Three Affiliated Tribes Of Fort Berthold Reservation In North Dakota, United States Congress, Us Senate

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

This report, dated May 17 1983, also known as United States (US) Senate Report 98-126, was submitted by the US Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs to accompany Senate Bill 727, "to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to set aside certain judgment funds of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota, and for other purposes." In the report, the committee recommends passage of the bill, with three amendments that are detailed in the report.

The Introduction Of European And Asian Cultural Materials On The Alaskan And Northwest Coasts Before 1800, Herbert Kyle Beals

Dissertations and Theses

This thesis concerns the introduction of exogenous cultural materials among the native inhabitants of the Alaskan and Northwest coasts prior to the and of the 18th century. It is an investigation of the sources of these materials and the manner and chronology of their introduction. The research is based primarily on data drawn from accounts of native life by explorers and fur traders who visited the coasts of northwestern North America in the 18th century. These accounts are supplemented by ethnologic and archaeologic data collected by anthropologists in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Letter From William M. Kunstler To Bella Abzug, January 4, 1983, William M. Kunstler

American Indian Movement and Activism

This copy of a typed letter from attorney William M. Kunstler to Judge Bella Abzug was sent on January 4, 1983. Kunstler provides details on the background and character of American Indian Movement leader Dennis Banks, including a timeline of his life both before his arrest in South Dakota and after fleeing to California. Kunstler explains that Banks is seeking to avoid extradition to South Dakota and now wishes to live in New York state.

Dennis Banks: His Seven Years In California, Unknown

American Indian Movement and Activism

This typed document, circa 1983, outlines the activities of Dennis Banks in California from 1976-1982, prior to his move to the Onondaga Reservation in New York. It lists events that Dennis Banks helped organize, such as the first Sun Dance held in California, the "Longest Walk" protest march, the first American Indian International Arts Exposition and the Airlift of food and other supplies to Indians in Arizona and South Dakota. Many of the activities listed are related to Banks' involvement in Deganawidah-Quetzalcoatl University.