Native American Studies Commons^™

A Bill To Provide For The Segregation Of Certain Funds Of The Fort Berthold Indians On The Basis Of A Membership Roll Prepared For Such Purpose, United States Congress, Us Senate, William Langer, Milton R. Young

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

This bill, dated June 6, 1955, proposes to authorize and direct the Secretary of the Interior "to segregate the funds on deposit in the Treasury of the United States titled 'The Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold Reservation, North Dakota' on the basis of a membership roll prepared for that purpose and approved by the Secretary.

"The segregated shares. of adults, including interest accruals thereon, shall be subject to expenditure in accordance with plans prepared and submitted by such adult and approved by the Secretary. The segregated shares, including interest accruals thereon, of persons who are minors or non compos …

Lower Heart River And Its Tributaries In The Vicinity Of Mandan, N. Dak. Letter From The Secretary Of The Army Transmitting A Letter From The Chief Of Engineers, Department Of The Army, Dated March 18, 1955, Together With Accompanying Papers And Illustrations, On A Review Of Report On The Missouri River With Respect To Control Of Floods On Lower Heart River And Its Tributaries, Particularly In The Vicinity Of The Mandan, N. Dak., Requested By A Resolution Of The Committee On Public Works, United States Senate, Adopted June 1, 1948, United States Congress, Us Senate

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

This collection of letters and reports, dated April 1, 1955, contains correspondences from the Chief of Engineers of the Army and others regarding a review of flood control for the Missouri River with respect to flood control of the lower Heart River and its tributaries. These correspondences contain recommendations on flood control measures. The collection includes maps and tables.

Juvenile Delinquency: Interim Report Of The Committee On The Judiciary, United States Senate, Eighty-Third Congress, Second Session, Pursuant To S. Res. 89 And S. Res. 190 (83d Congress, 1st And 2d Sessions) To Study Juvenile Delinquency In The United States, United States Congress, Us Senate

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

This report, dated March 14, 1955, from the United States (US) Senate Committee on the Judiciary is a study of juvenile delinquency in the US. The study aimed to define and characterize juvenile delinquency, to determine its cause and contributing factors, to study sentencing and corrective measures in use, and to determine if juveniles are breaking Federal narcotics laws. The study took place over a 17 month period. Under the subheading "Special problems" is a section on "Juvenile delinquency among Indian children." In 1956, the committee released a report focused exclusively on "Juvenile Delinquency Among the Indians."

Providing For The Acquisition Of Lands By The United States Required For The Reservoir Created By The Construction Of Oahe Dam On The Missouri River And For Rehabilitation Of The Indians Of The Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, S. Dak., United States Congress, Us Senate

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

This report from the United States (US Senate Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, dated August 17, 1954, was written to accompany US House Resolution 2233 which recommended that the United States acquire additional lands for construction of the Oahe Dam. Construction of the Oahe Dam required that the US Government take lands from the Cheyenne River Sioux, similar to the taking of lands from the Three Affiliated Tribes. This report recommends amendments to US House Resolution 2233, including a recommendation that the contract with the Cheyenne River Sioux require only a majority vote of enrolled adult tribal members, as …

Indian Commissioner Tells Of Bureau Economic Program, April 8, 1954., Unknown

Usher Burdick Papers

This newspaper article published on April 8, 1954 in the Mountrail County Reporter (Parshall, ND), reports on a speech delivered by Glenn L. Emmons, Commissioner of Indian Affairs before the Indian Rights Association. Addressing the New Town, ND community, the article states that he discussed the BIA’s Agency Placement and Relocation Program, which aims to assist Native American families in finding employment off reservations, as well as the development of greater economic opportunities in and around reservations.

River Basin Surveys Papers, No. 7: Archeological Investigations In The Oahe Dam Area, South Dakota, 1950-51, Donald J. Lehmer, Smithsonian Institution, Bureau Of American Ethnology

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

Published as a series sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution Bureau of American Ethnology, the “River Basin Surveys Papers” are a collection of archeological investigations focused on areas now flooded by the completion of various dam projects in the United States. The River Basin Surveys Papers (numbered 1-39) were mostly published in bundles with 5-6 papers in each bundle. In collaboration with the United States (US) National Park Service and the US Bureau of Reclamation, the US Department of the Interior, and the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Smithsonian Institution pulled archeological and paleontological remains from several sites prior to …

An Act To Confer Jurisdiction On The States Of California, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, And Wisconsin, With Respect To Criminal Offenses And Civil Causes Of Action Committed Or Arising On Indian Reservations Within Such States, And For Other Purposes, United States Congress

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

This act, dated August 15, 1953, also knows as United States Public Law 83-280, confers jurisdiction on the States of California, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, and Wisconsin, with respect to criminal offenses and civil causes of action committed or arising on Indian reservations within such States, and for other purposes, except where noted.

This act also gives the consent of the United States to the people of any State "to amend, where necessary, their State constitution or existing statutes, as the case may be, to remove any legal impediment to the assumption of civil and criminal jurisdiction in accordance with the …

Omnibus Judgeship Bill, United States Congress, Us House Of Representatives

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

This excerpt from a report dated July 28, 1953, from the United States (US) House Committee on the Judiciary was written to accompany US Senate Bill 15 which provides for the appointment of additional circuit and district judges. The bill approves the addition of one temporary district judge in North Dakota's northern district to assist with an increased caseload. The report indicates that the increase case load is due in part to an increase in land condemnation cases due to the Garrison Dam project. US Senate Bill 15 also provides for the appointment of one additional fifth circuit judge and …

Providing That No Further Funds Shall Be Appropriated For The Further Construction Of The Garrison Dam Until An Investigation Be Made By A Special Committe Of The House Of Representatives, Us Congress

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

This resolution, dated April 20, 1953, begins by outlining the complaint that the US Corp of Army Engineers, acting on its own and in violation of several stipulations of the original act authorizing the construction of the Garrison Dam, has decided to increase the water pool area by 6,000,000 acre-feet and the raise the surface height of the pool by twenty feet. This has required the construction of dikes that were not part of the authorized project, and led to the acquisition of more land around the reservoir, which the Corp has been acquiring using tactics that deprive the owners …

No Respect For N.D. Laws, April 4, 1953, Unknown

Usher Burdick Papers

This editorial, dated April 19, 1953, addresses the controversy surrounding the removal of the ancestral remains of Sitting Bull (Tatanka Iyotanka), a Hunkpapa Lakota leader, from his grave at Fort Yates, North Dakota "by a small band of South Dakotans." It condemns the inaction of the Standing Rock Reservation Superintendent, Charles Spencer, who did not prevent the removal and failed to uphold the ND state law that protects burial sites. The editorial calls for accountability against those officials who violate their responsibilities.

Attorney Contracts With Indian Tribes, United States Congress, Us Senate

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

This report, dated January 16, 1953, from the United States (US) Senate Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs provides the findings from an investigation of attorney contracts and other contracts with Indigenous nations in the US. One section of the report addresses the actions of James E. Curry who had dealings with the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation when they were seeking representation over the construction of the Garrison Dam.

Anthropological Papers, No 45: Archeological Materials From The Vicinity Of Mobridge, South Dakota, Smithsonian Institution, Bureau Of American Ethnology, Waldo R. Wedel

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

Published as a bundle of anthropological works sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution Bureau of American Ethnology, paper number 45 is a description of findings from an excavation of four burial sites which are presumed to be associated with village sites from Grand River and Elk Creek (located north of Morbridge, South Dakota). Excavation was completed by Matthew W. Sterling in 1923, described here by Waldo R. Wedel. These sites are documented as Arikara territory. The paper begins with an overview of Arikara history from 1717 forward as documented by European explorers, followed by a description of the graves excavated and …

River Basin Surveys Papers, No. 1: Prehistory And The Missouri Valley Development Program Summary Report On The Missouri River Basin Archeological Survey In 1948, Waldo R. Wedel, Smithsonian Insitition, Bureau Of American Ethnology

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

Published as a series sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution Bureau of American Ethnology, the “River Basin Surveys Papers” are a collection of archeological investigations focused on areas now flooded by the completion of various dam projects in the United States. The River Basin Surveys Papers (numbered 1-39) were mostly published in bundles with 5-6 papers in each bundle. In collaboration with the United States (US) National Park Service and the US Bureau of Reclamation, the US Department of the Interior, and the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Smithsonian Institution pulled archeological and paleontological remains from several sites prior to …

River Basin Surveys Papers, No. 2: Prehistory And The Missouri Valley Development Program Summary Report On The Missouri River Basin Archeological Survey In 1949, Waldo R. Wedel, Smithsonian Institution, Bureau Of American Ethnology

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

Published as a series sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution Bureau of American Ethnology, the “River Basin Surveys Papers” are a collection of archeological investigations focused on areas now flooded by the completion of various dam projects in the United States. The River Basin Surveys Papers (numbered 1-39) were mostly published in bundles with 5-6 papers in each bundle. In collaboration with the United States (US) National Park Service and the US Bureau of Reclamation, the US Department of the Interior, and the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Smithsonian Institution pulled archeological and paleontological remains from several sites prior to …

Sitting Bull’S Grave-Until Raiders Struck, Circa 1953, Unknown

Usher Burdick Papers

This article, published in circa 1953, subtitled "S.D. Governor Condones Theft of Sitting Bull," reports on the reaction of South Dakota Governor Sigurd Anderson regarding the removal of the ancestral remains of Sitting Bull (Tatanka Iyotanka), a Hunkpapa Lakota leader, from their previous resting place in Fort Yates, ND to a new location in Mobridge, SD. Anderson said that he is not in favor of the law breakers, but he can understand their sentiment.

Sitting Bull’S Bones Encased In Steel, Circa 1953., Unknown

Usher Burdick Papers

This article, published circa 1953, discusses the the final resting place of the ancestral remains of Sitting Bull (Tatanka Iyotanka), a Hunkpapa Lakota leader, who was removed from a burial site in Fort Yates, ND to Mobridge, SD. The article notes that the removal was incomplete and that individuals were able to get “4$ apiece in Bismarck” for the bones of Sitting Bull. The article also quotes of head of the removal party, which included self-proclaimed heirs of Sitting Bull who said, “I was tired of the white man’s red tape and delays.”

Letter From U.S. Representative Usher L. Burdick To Jerome Has Tricks Regarding The Timing Of Leo Running Bear's Discharge, September 02, 1952., Usher Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

This letter, dated September 02, 1952, from Usher L. Burdick to Jerome Has Tricks, lets Has Tricks know how soon Running Bear can be discharged from the service.

An Act Making Appropriations For Civil Functions Administered By The Department Of The Army For The Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1953, And For Other Purposes, United States Congress

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

This act, dated July 11, 1952, also known as United States (US) Public Law 82-504, makes appropriations for, among other things, paying lawful occupants of properties within the towns of Elbowoods, Sanish and Van Hook, North Dakota, for their improvements, which will be rendered useless by the construction of the Garrison Dam and Reservoir project on the Missouri River.

It Costs Too Much To Liquidate Bureaus, February 15, 1952., Unknown

Usher Burdick Papers

This editorial, published in the Fargo (N.D.) Morning Forum on February 15, 1952, critiques the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and its proposed plan for “self-liquidation.” While the Bureau presented a plan to wind down its operations, the House Appropriations Committee discovered that the process would require 90% more funding in the upcoming year than ever before and extend for at least another 15 years.

Congressional Record (Senate), February 7, 1952 Vol. 98, Part 1--Bound Edition, United States Congress, Us Senate

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

This excerpt from the United States (US) Senate Congressional Record dated Thursday, February 7, 1952 (legislative day of Thursday, January 10, 1952) contains a resolution adopted by the Fort Berthold Inter-Agency Committee on December 7, 1951. The resolution outlines a plan for obtaining medical care for residents of the Fort Berthold Reservation as the Indian Service hospital in Elbowoods, North Dakota closed August 1951. The Fort Berthold Inter-Agency endorses the outlined plan. The resolution is prefaced by a note from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council Chairman Martin Cross. The note from Cross and copy of the resolution were submitted into …

Bill Now In Congress To ‘Shoot Indians’, February 2, 1952, Unknown

Usher Burdick Papers

This newspaper clipping, published in the Sioux County Pioneer-Arrow on February 2, 1952, discusses the controversy surrounding Senate Bill 2543, a proposed piece of federal legislation that would expand the authority of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and its law enforcement officers. The article provides the text of the bill and warns that its broad language could allow federal authorities to enter Native American homes, confiscate property, and make arrests without due process, essentially placing tribal members under martial-law-like conditions.

Test Case Planned On Indian Rights, February 1, 1952, Unknown

Usher Burdick Papers

This newspaper article, published in the Aberdeen (S.D.) American News on February 1, 1952, reports that Representative Usher L. Burdick (R-ND) announced a legal test case to determine whether displaced Native Americans retain oil rights to land inundated by the Garrison Dam reservoir in North Dakota. The article notes that Congress approved “$12,500,000” in compensation to the tribes for land taken for the reservoir and highlights ongoing disagreements over mineral rights and revenue distribution among tribal members and federal authorities.

The Budget Of The United States Government For The Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1953, United States Congress, Us House Of Representatives, Harry S. Truman

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

This excerpt from the US Government yearly budget, dated January 1, 1952, indicates a payment to the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold Reservation in the amount of 7.5 million dollars. This payment is noted in the section “Bureau of Indian Affairs” under the subsection “Miscellaneous Expired Accounts, Bureau of Indian Affairs” and is labeled an “expenditure out of prior authorization.”

Changin The Name Of The Reservoir To Be Formed Bygarrison Dam, N. Dak., Known As Garrison Reservoir, To Lake Thompson, United States Congress, Us Senate

US Government Documents Related to Indigenous Nations

This report, dated August 2, 1951, also known as United States Senate Report 608, was written by the US Senate Committee on Public Works to accompany US Senate Joint Resolution 13. In the report, the Committee recommends passage of the bill with no amendments.

Where We Fall Down, June 15, 1951., Unknown

Usher Burdick Papers

This editorial, published in the Hibbing (Minn.) Daily Tribune on June 15, 1951, criticizes the U.S. government and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) for failing to develop an effective and constructive Indian policy. The editorial argues that the bureau has been “worse than useless,” calling for genuine reform in Indian affairs management

Indians Under Dictatorship, N.D. Mother Of 3 Gis Says, April 28, 1951 (Minot Daily)., Unknown

Usher Burdick Papers

This newspaper article, published in the Minot Daily on April 28, 1951, reports the statements of Mrs. Josephine Kelly of Fort Yates, North Dakota, a mother of three sons serving in the armed forces and called "a chieftain of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe" by the reporter. Kelly protested "the old military-style governance and line system" that Indian Commissioner Dillon S. Myer was attempting to "install." The article also details a dispute involving "the Standing Rock Sioux and 13 associated tribes of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana," who sought to hire attorney James E. Curry to negotiate federal compensation …

Indians Under Dictatorship, N.D. Mother Of 3 Gls Says, April 28, 1951 (Minneapolis Star)., Unknown

Usher Burdick Papers

This newspaper article, published in the Minneapolis Star on April 28, 1951, reports the statements of Mrs. Josephine Kelly of Fort Yates, North Dakota, a mother of three sons serving in the armed forces and called "a chieftain of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe" by the reporter. Kelly protested "the old military-style governance and line system" that Indian Commissioner Dillon S. Myer was attempting to "install." The article also details a dispute involving "the Standing Rock Sioux and 13 associated tribes of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana," who sought to hire attorney James E. Curry to negotiate federal compensation …

Chieftain Says Indians Under Dictatorship, April 28, 1951., Unknown

Usher Burdick Papers

This newspaper article, published in Watertown on April 28, 1951, reports the statements of Mrs. Josephine Kelly of Fort Yates, North Dakota, a mother of three sons serving in the armed forces and called "a chieftain of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe" by the reporter. Kelly protested "the old military-style governance and line system" that Indian Commissioner Dillon S. Myer was attempting to "install." The article also details a dispute involving "the Standing Rock Sioux and 13 associated tribes of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana," who sought to hire attorney James E. Curry to negotiate federal compensation for lands …

Settlement Of Indian Estates Tedious Job, March 22, 1951., Unknown

Usher Burdick Papers

This newspaper article, published on March 22, 1951, circulated by the “Western Press Clipping Exchange” in Minneapolis, explains the complex legal and administrative challenges of settling Native American estates in North Dakota. The article highlights how ownership became so divided that individuals now inherit fractions as small as 4/2,835 of a property, and the complications that arise when heirs die before estates are settled, making probate a tedious and highly mathematical task.

Indian Independence And Advocates Ending Segregation Of Tribal Life, March 3, 1951., Unknown

Usher Burdick Papers

This newspaper article, published on March 1, 1951, by the Selfridge (N.D.) Journal and circulated by the “Western Press Clipping Exchange” in Minneapolis, reports on the work of the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission. Established by the 1949 state legislature, the commission conducted a two-year study to gather data, which concluded that assimilation of Native people into broader American society, socially, culturally, and economically, should be the ultimate goal, and it emphasized that the Indians “want their children to be actual, not just legal Americans.”