Native American Studies Commons^™

Indian Independence, Unknown

Usher Burdick Papers

This editorial, titled “Indian Independence,” reflects on the historical and ongoing challenges faced by Native Americans due to colonization and federal policy and discusses the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ policy that allows tribes to govern themselves and gain independence from federal supervision, though it notes that full independence remains a distant goal. It addresses concerns about overprotection, undereducation, and the lack of viable opportunities for tribes to thrive economically, particularly in agriculture and ranching.

Letter From Barton Greenwood To U.S. Representative Burdick Regarding Per Capita Payments As Inquired By Mrs. E. V. Schanandore, October 29, 1956, Barton Greenwood

Usher Burdick Papers

This letter from Acting Commissioner of the United States (US) Bureau of Indian Affairs Barton Greenwood to US Representative Usher Burdick provides information addressing an inquiry from Mrs. E. V. Schanandore regarding the delay of per capita payments authorized by US Public Law 533. Greenwood informs Burdick that the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council has reconsidered the enrollment of several applicants and that has delayed approval of the final tribal roll. Greenwood notes that since this distribution of funds will effectively comprise the last of the funds held in trust for the Three Affiliated Tribes, it's imperative that the rolls …

Letter From U.S. Representative Usher L. Burdick To Mrs. E.V. Schanandore Regarding Her October 15 Letter About Her Per Capita Payment, October 22, 1956, Usher L. Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

This letter dated October 22, 1956, from U.S. Representative Usher L. Burdick to Mrs. E.V. Schanandore regarding her previous October 15 letter addressed to both U.S. Representative Otto Krueger and Usher L. Burdick about her per capita payment acknowledges that he has taken up the matter with the Commissioner of Indian Affairs and will update her as soon as he is able.

Telegram From U.S. Representative Usher L. Burdick To Chairman Martin Cross Regarding The Vote To Amend Public Law 280, January 13, 1956, Usher L. Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

In this telegram, United States Representative Usher Burdick replies a telegram dated January 12, 1956 from Martin Cross, Tribal Chairman of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold, Representative Burdick states that he will vote to amend Public Law 280 as the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council has requested.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

Letter From Us Representative Usher L. Burdick To Hal Simon Regarding Relocation Costs, April 29, 1949, Usher Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

This letter, dated April 29, 1949, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Hal Simon of Elbowoods, North Dakota, concerns relocation costs for people living in Elbowoods. Burdick writes that, in his opinion, the US Army Core of Engineers is not being reasonable with people in the area and that these people deserve compensation for their relocation costs. He goes on to write that he will do what he can, but suggests that US Representative William Lemke is in a better position to help due to his position the US House of Representatives Committee Public Lands.

See also:

Letter …

Letter From U.S. Representative Usher L. Burdick To Audrey Twilling Regarding Relocation Costs, April 29, 1949, Usher Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

This letter, dated April 29, 1949, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Audrey Twilling of Elbowoods, North Dakota, concerns relocation costs for people living in Elbowoods. Burdick writes that, in his opinion, the US Army Core of Engineers is not being reasonable with people in the area and that these people deserve compensation for their relocation costs. He goes on to write that he will do what he can, but suggests that US Representative William Lemke is in a better position to help due to his position the US House of Representatives Committee Public Lands.

See also:

Letter …

Letter From U.S. Representative Burdick To Mary Long Chase Regarding Mary Many Wounds, February 25, 1949, Usher Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

This letter, dated February 25, 1949, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Mary Long Chase concerns Mary Many Wounds. The letter thanks Long Chase for her recent letter commenting on a speech Burdick has made. Burdick writes that he is enclosing a file related to Mary Many Wounds, who has recently died. This file is not included with this document. A handwritten note at the top of the document reads "Indians."

Letter From U.S. Representative Burdick To Sybelle Wright Regarding Native American Living Conditions, February 11, 1949, Usher Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

This letter, dated February 11, 1949, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Sybelle H. Wright of St. John, North Dakota concerns the relationship between the US and Indigenous peoples. The letter is in response to Wright's letter which is not included. Burdick's letter asks Wright who is to blame for the poor living conditions of Native Americans. He responds by stating that the US government took charge of these people 80 years prior and failed in its responsibility to educate them through "forced wardship." The letter also discusses the poor quality and low amount of land owned by …

Letter From U.S. Representative Usher Burdick To J.R. Harmon, March 03, 1938., Usher L. Burdick

Usher Burdick Papers

In this letter from United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick to J.R. Harmon dated March 05, 1938, Burdick states that he will use his "influence" on an unstated matter.