OPA

WASHINGTON – Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Tara Mac Lean Sweeney announced today that the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development (IEED) has awarded business development grants totaling $400,000 to 12 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes.

The awards from IEED’s Native American Business Development Institute (NABDI) Feasibility Study Program will enable tribal leaders to better evaluate and identify viable economic opportunities for their communities.

"These grants are an important tool for tribal leaders to use in scoping out or planning how to develop their tribes’ economic assets to benefit their communities,” Sweeney said. “This year’s grants will fund feasibility studies covering a wide range of economic development projects that have the potential to create, develop, diversify and strengthen tribal economies for their recipients.”

NABDI awards fund feasibility studies that weigh the viability and risks of an economic development project, opportunity, enterprise, or business or the practicality of a technology a tribe may choose to pursue. The studies may be used to determine the likelihood of success for businesses in specific American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

When performed by a reputable third party, an economic development feasibility study also can be used to help persuade lenders and investors to provide financial backing. A study that concludes a project is worthwhile and financially sustainable can often fulfill many of the lender’s or investor’s due diligence requirements by answering questions about a project’s chances of success, resulting in a more rapid loan approval or better loan terms. Feasibility studies can also be used to examine the credibility of a project promoter and claims made regarding a specific project.

Grants are awarded on the basis of a proposal’s potential to create jobs for tribal members and stimulate economies in Native American communities. During this year’s NABDI funding cycle, IEED received 50 proposal requests totaling $2,423,687.

The grant recipients and award amounts announced today are:

• Aleut Community of St. Paul Island, Alaska: $45,398 to study the feasibility of methods to attract visitation, modern accommodations, attractions, and food service facilities required to develop a local tourism industry.
• Angoon Community Association, Alaska: $38,650 to study the feasibility of developing a local cultural tourism industry.
• Catawba Indian Nation, South Carolina: $35,000 to study the feasibility of developing a strategically located parcel of land that offers the potential for an industrial park and manufacturing hub that will foster tribal enterprises and attract investment.
• Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation, Nevada and Utah: $46,500 for a reservation-wide economic development plan that will provide a comprehensive review and particular emphasis on planning broad-range commercial business opportunities for the tribe.
• Elk Valley Rancheria, California: $20,000 for a feasibility study to provide market information for developing a gas station and grocery store.
• Forest County Potawatomi Community, Wisconsin: $20,000 for a study on the economic profitability of repurposing organic waste from the tribe’s Milwaukee biomass facility into an organic soil additive or fertilizer.
• Hydaburg Cooperative Association, Alaska: $30,000 to study the feasibility of a combined community café and laundromat facility upon which to build the infrastructure needed to support a sustainable and diversified local economy.
• Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, South Dakota: $40,000 to study the feasibility of marketing bulk popcorn and edible beans to category buyers in the domestic and foreign markets.
• Paiute-Shoshone Tribe of the Fallon Reservation and Colony, Nevada: $39,175 for a reservation-wide economic development plan that will bring together tribal government and private sectors to identify, prioritize and leverage funding to construct new business ventures on the reservation. • Seneca Nation of Indians, New York: $15,000 for a feasibility study to assess potential benefits the Salamanca Railroad Museum is planning to institute, and to guide the tribe on partnering with the museum on tourism and related projects.
• Stockbridge Munsee Community, Wisconsin: $40,617 for a feasibility study to explore value-added agricultural opportunities on agricultural land the Community owns.
• Yavapai-Apache Nation, Arizona: $29,660 for a feasibility study to determine the financial viability of developing an RV park and tourist-based commercial development at the tribe’s Cloverleaf Ranch.

The Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs oversees the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development, which implements the Indian Energy Resource Development Program under Title V of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. IEED’s mission is to foster stronger American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities by helping federally recognized tribes develop their renewable and nonrenewable energy and mineral resources; increasing access to capital for tribal and individual American Indian- and Alaska Native-owned businesses; assisting tribes in building the legal infrastructure necessary for their economic progress; and enabling tribally and individual AI/AN-owned businesses to take advantage of government and private sector procurement opportunities.

Visit the Indian Affairs website for more information about IEED programs and services

The following statement was issued today by Ralph E. Erickson, Special Assistant to the Attorney General:

I returned to Washington late last night expressly to give a first-hand report to officials of the Department of Interior on the current situation at Wounded Knee. A meeting was held this morning at the Department of Justice. In attendance were John C. Whitaker, Under Secretary of the Interior, Marvin L. Franklin, Assistant to the Secretary for Indian Affairs, and William Rogers, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Public Land Management, in addition to representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other offices in the Department of Justice. Secretary Morton has been fully briefed.

The briefing included details of Department of Justice operations at Wounded Knee. But, I also identified for Interior officials what I think to be some major problems for their consideration, particularly, local law enforcement capabilities and government on Indian reservations such as Pine Ridge.

On Wednesday, March 7, 1973, I issued a statement in which I said the Justice Department and the Interior Department had come as far as we could in negotiations with those who unlawfully occupy Wounded Knee. I also extended our offer of free passage for nonresident Indians through road blocks without fear of arrest. Approximately 42 women and children who live in Wounded Knee left yesterday in response to my request. Several more left the village today.

But AIM leaders continue to defy our repeated requests to leave Wounded Knee so that order can be restored.

Under the circumstances, the offer I made Sunday, March 4 -- five full days ago -- is terminated as of this moment. Hereafter, any non-residents attempting to leave under any circumstances will be subject to immediate arrest on federal charges.

As I said before, evidence concerning the violations of federal law which took place and subsequent violations will be presented to a grand jury which will convene on Monday, March 12, 1973.

We will make every effort to arrive at a peaceful conclusion to this matter. But, we must enforce the law, and that we will do.

In response to my statement, further negotiations have been initiated by the attorneys for residents of the Wounded Knee district.

These negotiations have resulted in a request that Marvin Franklin agree to listen to the grievances of the Wounded Knee district residents in Pine Ridge within 24 hours of the peaceful departure of the non-residents in the Wounded Knee area. Mr. Franklin has agreed to meet with the residents according to the condition stated above.

I call upon the non-residents in Wounded Knee, especially the AIM leaders, to come to their senses, to think of the innocent people involved and lay down their arms and come out during daylight hours. They will be arrested but no one will be hurt.

It would appear that the origins of our State names would be well-established facts; however, when an attempt is made to trace these origins, they are found to be quite elusive and controversial. In most instances, loose translations are offered as an explanation for the meaning of the original word; this is especially true for State names of Indian origin. Some of the following information is quoted, and some is a composite of ideas and opinions expressed by several authorities. Among the authorities from which parts of the material were gathered are State historical societies, the Bureau of American Ethnology, college and university departments of history, and individual researchers.

A State that many have never heard of -the State of Franklin was named for Benjamin Franklin. In 1784, Franklin was a part of North Carolina's western territory, a part of the grant of Charles II. It broke away from the original territory and elected a legislature' and a governor. For about three years, the two factions were nearly at war. Congress was petitioned by the newly formed State and asked for recognition, but this was not granted. Franklin was ceded to the Federal government in 1790, became the State of Tennessee in 1796, and was admitted to the Union.

Following are the 50 States' names, listed alphabetically, with brief explanations of their origins:

ALABAMA: From an Indian tribe of the Creek Confederacy originally called the Alabamas or Alibamons, who in turn gave the name to a river from which the State name was derived.

ALASKA: From Eskimo word "alakshak”, meaning peninsula; also said to mean "great lands."

ARIZONA: Many authorities attribute the meaning to a word meaning arid zone or desert. Others claim the name is Aztec, from "arizuma" meaning "silver bearing." Still another version: attributes the origin to the Papagos tribe of the Southwest, wruc named it from the locality in which they lived called Arizonac, meaning "site of the small springs" (lack of water). This place was near the present town of Nogales, and in the early 1700's, silver ..was discovered near here, which gives some credence to the Aztec word "arizuma."

ARKANSAS.: Origin uncertain. As usual with words of Indian origin, there are various spellings for this State name, among them Alkansia, Alkansas, and Akamsea. The word, according to some, is of Algonquin origin, and the meaning is unknown. Others say that Arkansas is a French version of "Kansas, a Sioux Indian name for “south wind people.”

CALIFORNIA: Generally agreed that Cortez first applied the name, the origin is traced to the name of an imaginary island in an old Spanish romance written by Montalvo in 1510. The island is described as an earthly paradise, abundant with gold and precious gems.

COLORADO: Presumably named from the river bearing the name, although only tributaries flow through the State. Other theories are that it might have come from the Spanish word meaning "rad" or "ruddy," describing the color of the stream in various places or the red earth found in some areas.

CONNECTICUT: Appears to be a derivation of the Indian word "Quonoktacut" (also Quonecktacut) , interpreted by some to mean "river whose water is driven in waves by tides O:c:" winds." Other interpretations include "long river," "the long ({without end) river," and "long river place."

DELAWARE: Named for Lord De La Warr, first governor and captain-general of Virginia, who in 1630 explored the bay and river area where his name was first applied.

FLORIDA: In 1513, Ponce de Leon landed here on Easter Sunday, the Spanish Pascua de Flores, meaning "Feast of Flowers," for which the State is named.

GEORGIA.: Named by and for King George II of England. The colony bore this name in the charter granted by the king to General James Oglethorpe, colonial administrator, in 1732.

HAWAII: English spelling of Owhyhee, possibly from a native word meaning "homeland.”

IDAHO: Origin uncertain. Some claim it to sterol from an Indian word of unknown meaning, while others claim the mean1img "gem of the mountains," which properly describes the State especially because Indian translations quite often referred to natural features of surrounding country. Another claim is the Shoshone translation of "Edah hoe," or "light on the mountains."

ILLINOIS: From the Illini Indian word meaning "men" or "warriors,” supplemented by the French adjective ending "ois..”

INDIANA: Presumably named from the fact that the land lying along the Ohio River was purchased from the Indians. Others claim it was named for the Indian tribes who settled in western Pennsylvania.

IOWA: From an Indian tribe, "Ah-hee-oo-ba," meaning "sleepy ones" or "drowsy ones." They lived in the valley of the State's principal river, which they named for their tribe; and, in turn, the name was applied to the State.

KANSAS: Named for the Kansas or Kanza tribe of the Sioux family that lived along a river in the area and gave it the tribal name. The name translates as "south wind people," or "wind people."

KENTUCKY: Origin and meaning controversial. Pioneer George Rogers Clark claimed the name was derived from the Indian word "Kentake," meaning "meadow land." The claim is also made that it stems from the Shawnee word meaning "at the head of a river" inasmuch as they used the Kentucky River in traveling throughout the area. It is also claimed to stem from the Wyandot word "Ken-tah-ten," meaning "land of tomorrow."

LOUISIANA: Named in honor of Louis XIV of France. First used in 1683 by the French explorer, Rene Robert Cavelier de La Salle, and was applied to the territory- encompassing the drainage basin of the Mississippi and its tributaries.

MAINE: Two versions: One is that it was so called by early explorers after the private estate of Henrietta Maria in Maine, a French province; the other attributes it to fishermen of the islands along the coast who referred to it as the main or mainland, often spelled "Maynland" in some early documents. In a grant to Sir Fernando Gorges by Charles I in 1639, it is referred to as “the province or county of Mayne.“

MARYLAND: Named for Queen Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles I of England.

MASSACHUSETTS: First of the States to have an Indian name. From the Algonquin word "Massadchu-es-et," meaning "great-hill-small-place,” possibly for the hills around Boston as seen from the bay."

MICHIGAN.: From Algonquin word "Mishigamaw," meaning “big lake” or “great water,” deriving its name from the lake of the same name. Also said to be from "Michi" meaning "great" and "Gama" meaning “water.”

MINNESOTA: From Sioux word meaning "cloudy water" or “sky-tinted water,” deriving its name from the river of the same name.

MISSISSIPPI: Meaning "great river" or "gathering-in of all the waters," sometimes referred to as the "father of waters," indicating that the Indians were aware of the immensity of the river. First written by Tonti as "Michi Sepe.”

MISSOURI: An Indian tribal name denoting "muddy water” and named for the large river.

MONTANA: Controversial from the standpoint of whether the name is Spanish or Latin, but quite descriptive; it means “mountainous.”

NEBRASKA: From Sioux word describing the river from which the State gets its name, meaning "shallow water" or "broad water." Also said to be an Otos Indian word meaning "flat river," referring to the Platte River.

NEVADA: From the Spanish word meaning “snow-clad,” “snowy land,” or “snowy” - descriptive of the snow-clad mountains of the area.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Named in 1629 by John Mason for the English county of Hampshire.

NEW JERSEY: Named for the Isle of Jersey off the coast of England by George Carteret, who settled in this area after receiving it in a grant from the Duke of York.

NEW MEXICO: Called "New Mexico" when the Mexicans referred to the territory north and west of the Rio Grande in the 16th century. May have been derived from the name of the Aztec war god, "Mexitli" still another interpretation is that it means "habitation of the god of war.”

NEW YORK: Originally called New Netherlands, but changed in 1664 when taken over by the English and named in honor of the Duke of York.

NORTH CAROLINA: In the early 1600's, the area was referred to in some English papers as Carolina and was thought to be named for Charles I of England. Later, about 1663, the name Carolina was definitely applied by those who had received a grant to the land from Charles II, and so it was named in his honor.

NORTH DAKOTA: From Indian name meaning "allies. "' Indian form is - Lakota, Nakota, Lahkota, or Dakota, depending on dialect. "Allies" was used to signify the common name of the confederated Sioux tribes.

OHIO: Iroquois Indian word meaning the river of the same name. "beautiful river," taken from the river of the same name.

OKLAHOMA: Choctaw Indian word meaning “red people."

OREGON: One theory is that the name is derived from "origanum," a species of wild sage which grows abundantly on the coast of Oregon; another, that it stems from the Spanish "Oregones," which referred to the Indian tribes inhabiting the region and meant "big-eared men." Joaquin Miller, poet of the Sierras" gave another version - that the name came from the Spanish "alura agua" meaning "gently falling waters."

PENNSYLVANIA: This is the only State in the Union named for its founder, William Penn, who wanted to call it "Sylvania" because of the extensive forest areas.

RHODE ISLAND: Originally called "Roode Eylandt'" by the Dutch Navigator Adrian Block (for whom Block Island was named), presumably from the redness of the clay in the area along the shore. Name was later anglicized to Rhode Island. Also said to have been named from the Island of Rhodes in the Mediterranean, but several historians give this little or no support.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Named for Charles II of England, the same as its sister State, North Carolina. (See North Carolina.)

SOUTH DAKOTA: From Sioux Indian name meaning “allies.” (See North Dakota.)

TENNESSEE: Name is of Cherokee origin from a tribe located at a village site called Tanasse (also spelled Tennese). The State is named for its principal river, which has been interpreted as meaning "bend in the river." However, this has not been substantiated, and the meaning is considered to be lost.

TEXAS.: The generally accepted version is that the name is an Indian word "tejas," meaning "friends" or "allies."

UTAH: Name taken from the Ute Indians who inhabited that region, but origin of the word is unknown.

VERMONT: Named by Samuel de Champlain (the famous lake's namesake) for the Green Mountains (Vert Mont), a range which is one of the outstanding features in the State.

VIRGINIA: Named by Sir Walter Raleigh for Elizabeth, the Virgin Queen of England.

WASHINGTON: May be said to have a truly American name - named for George Washington, "The Father of our Country." When the bill creating the Territory of Columbia was introduced in the 32nd Congress, the name was changed to Washington because of the existence of the District of Columbia.

WEST VIRGINIA: Originally a part of Virginia. When the western counties left Virginia (rejecting secession), they retained a portion of the original name. It was suggested that it be named "Kanawha," an Indian name and the name of one of its principal rivers, but this was not adopted.

WISCONSIN: From an Indian name whose meaning is uncertain. Named after its principal river and said to mean "wild rushing channel;" also refers to "holes in the banks of a stream in which birds nest." Spelled Ouisconsin and Misconsing by early chroniclers.

WYOMING.: Name has more than one meaning as interpreted by different authorities. One meaning is "extensive plains" (from the Delaware or Leni-Lenape word "maugh-wau-wama"). Another interpretation suggests that the name means "mountains with valleys alternating."

More authority for the Johnson-O' Malley program -- by which American Indians in public schools get special help from the Bureau of Indian Affairs -- may be placed in the hands of Johnson-O' Malley parent committees that must approve special need programs for eligible Indians submitted by public school districts, Morris Thompson, Commissioner of Indian Affairs indicated today.

In addition, regulations governing the public school assistance program of the Bureau of Indian Affairs may be changed to insure that more attention is given to expenditure of these funds solely for the education of Indian students

These two changes in the Bureau of Indian Affairs Johnson-O'Malley program may come about as the result of a proposed change in Title 25, Code of Federal Regulations, Indians, 33. Notice of the proposed revision was published in the Federal Register of January 14, 1974.

Those interested may submit written comments, suggestions, or objections regarding the proposed revision to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Attention: Director of Indian Education Programs, Washington, D.C. 20245 within 30 days after the date of publication of the notice.

''These regulations are proposed to make certain that money the Congress intends to go to Indian students goes to those students, and that programs are tailored to the needs of the Indian young people in the public school district, said Thompson.

An Indian, for purposes of the Act, is a member of a tribe, band, or other organized group of Indians, including Alaska Natives, which is recognized by the Secretary of the Interior as being eligible for Federal services. Contracts may be entered into under the provisions of the Johnson-O'Malley Act for the education of Indian children of 1/4 or more degree Indian blood, unless excepted by law, in grades kindergarten through 12.

Monies appropriated by the Congress for such purposes can be expended only in eligible public school districts containing large tracts of non-taxable Indian-owned land and educating large numbers of eligible Indian children, as compared to the total school population.

The contracts may authorize payments for educational programs in two categories:

(a.)In support of the basic school program offered to all students, to meet educational standards established within the State, only if authorized by the Education Plan, and only if a school district's financial need is proven, after consideration of all income, including income from P. L. 874, 81st Congress (64 Stat. 1100) as amended; and

(b.)In payment for the costs of providing supplemental programs to meet the specialized needs of Indian students, as determined by the Indian Advisory School Board, which may result from the financial status of the parents, or from cultural and language differences, and where such programs are necessary so that Indian students can benefit from the basic educational programs equally with non-Indian students.

Program operations conducted through contracts under this part must be conducted for the primary benefit of eligible Indian students enrolled in eligible public school districts.

To become eligible to administer the contract funds, the contractor shall formulate an operational plan for distribution of contract funds, and this plan shall become a part of the contract.

Contracts must specify that there will be no discrimination against Indians or schools enrolling such Indians. The school district serving Indian students shall provide educational programs required by established State standards.

Commissioner of Indian Affairs Morris Thompson today announced his first two executive appointments since he took office December 3 --both Indian, one a woman. The woman is Mrs. Shirley Plume, an Oglala Sioux, who will be Superintendent of the Standing Rock Agency, Fort Yates, North Dakota. She is the first Indian woman appointed to such a post. The second executive appointment is Frank Self, Choctaw, who will be Superintendent of the Phoenix Indian School, Phoenix, Arizona.

Other similar appointments to key Bureau of Indian Affairs posts will be forthcoming soon, Thompson said.

Mrs. Plume's career embraces 30 years in the Bureau, including posts in North and South Dakota and Oklahoma. She received a Superior Performance Award of the Department of the Interior in 1958, and a commendation from the United Sioux Tribes as a result of her work in connection with establishment of its training center.

Miss Wilma Victor, Department of the Interior Federal Women's Program Coordinator and herself a Choctaw Indian said, when notified by Commissioner Thompson of Mrs. Plume's appointment: "I am most gratified to hear that one of the first appointments of the Commissioner is that of a woman. She is an Indian and career employee. Of further significance is that this position is one of so much responsibility."

Mrs. Plume was graduated from St. Francis Mission High School, Rosebud Reservation, South Dakota, and Haskell Institute, Lawrence, Kansas, a Bureau of Indian Affairs two-year business school that has become Haskell Indian Junior College. She has attended North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, and has had extensive management training thrown Department of the Interior programs.

She began her career within the Bureau at Pine Ridge Agency, Pine Ridge, South Dakota, as a clerk and served in the same capacity at Shawnee, Western Oklahoma, and Fort Sill Agencies, Oklahoma, and at the Anadarko Area Office, Oklahoma. In 1957 she was named relocation assistant at Pine Ridge.

She entered a junior intern trainee program at the Aberdeen Area Office, Aberdeen, South Dakota in 1960 and remained in it for one year. She was made Employment Assistance Officer at Standing Rock Agency in 1969, and has served as Acting Superintendent there since August 1973.

Mrs. Plume is married to Paul Plume, also an Oglala Sioux, who retired last year after 30 years with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Plume are the parents of two sons and two daughters.

Frank Self attended Goodland Indian School, Goodland, Oklahoma and Haskell Institute, Lawrence Kansas. He received his Bachelors degree from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma in 1949, and his Masters degree in 1951. He attended Yale University for one year while in military service.

Self has had approximately 14 years of professional experience in school administration. He has been Acting Superintendent, Chilocco Indian School, Chilocco, Oklahoma; principal, Sherman Indian High School, Riverside, California; head, Boys Guidance Department, Phoenix Indian School, Phoenix, Arizona.

In addition he has been Chief, Training Division, United States Attache System -- responsible for training approximately 1,000 military personnel for diplomatic duty in Foreign Nations, but also responsible for 22 Federal schools overseas, Base Training Officer; Yokota Air Base, Japan, and Head of Education Division, United States Air Force Aerospace Program, Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa.

He has served in the United States Army, Navy, and Air Force -- from which he retired as a Major.

Self is married to the former Delores Webber of Oklahoma City, Mr. and Mrs. Self are the parents of two daughters and a son.

Commissioner of Indian Affairs Morris Thompson today announced the award of a contract amounting to nearly $1.33 million to construct a Bureau of Indian Affairs elementary school at Casa Blanca, Arizona, on the Gila River Indian reservation. The school will serve young Pima Indians.

Successful bidder is J. R. Youngdale Construction, Inc., San Diego, California.

"About four years ago it became obvious that this new facility was essential if the young people on the Gila River Reservation were to get education that would measure up to that of other American citizens," Thompson said.

A planning committee made up of members of the Gila River Indian Community members, education specialists from the State of Arizona and other States, and Bureau of Indian Affairs personnel was formed to consider the various educational needs that might be served by the school.

A program was developed and incorporated into where the unique characteristics of the Pima people, who have continued the tradition of the ancient Hohokam --irrigated farming, industry, peacefulness, and artistic excellence, especially in basket making. Provisions for language work was included.

"The planners hope that the school will become the center of community life in Casa Blanca and that it will reflect not only the heritage of the Pima people but their aspirations as well," Thompson said.

The new unit will include four classroom buildings, instructional material center, combination building housing kitchen-dining facilities, and a multi-purpose area. When completed, the project will accommodate students in kindergarten through the eighth grade.

Commissioner of Indian Affairs Morris Thompson today announced a streamlined system for the use or distribution of judgments made to American Indian tribes and groups by the Indian Claims Commission or the United States Court of Claims.

In implementing a 180-day time schedule in accord with the Act of October 19, 1973, new Regulations published in the Federal Register January 15, 1974 include these provisions:

1. The earliest possible completion of research to identify the ultimate or present-day beneficiaries of judgments.
2. The affected Indian tribe or group is to hold a preliminary meeting of the tribal governing body, or a public meeting if it chooses, to develop a proposal for the use or distribution of its judgment funds. The Area Director or Superintendents will assist in meeting arrangements and make technical assistance available to the Indian people.
3. A public hearing of record will be held to receive testimony on the tribal proposal for the use or distribution of claims funds.

Within 180 days of the appropriation of judgment funds – or in the case of awards for which covering funds were appropriated before passage of the 1973 Act, within 180 days from the Act's passage -- the Secretary of the Interior will submit the final proposed distribution plan to the chairmen of the Senate and House Interior Committees and to the tribal governing body.

Thompson pointed out that the distribution plan becomes effective on the 60th day from its submission to the Committees unless either the Senate or the House of Representatives disapproves by resolution.

Disapproval of a plan will require the submission of proposed legislation for the use or distribution of judgment funds after further consultation with the affected Indian tribe or group.

Publication of the new Regulations follows public hearing in Denver on December 13, 1973. In addition to testimony given at that time, numerous oral and written comments and suggestions were given consideration by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Department of the Interior.

The Reflector City portion of the Badlands Air Force Gunnery Range, South Dakota --some 5,280 acres of land --is now available for sale to its former owners, mostly Oglala Sioux Indians, Morris Thompson, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, said today.

The lands have been declared excess to the needs of the Air Force and administrative jurisdiction has been transferred to the Department of the Interior. Notice was published in the Federal Register of January 3.

Thompson said that any eligible former owner -- either Indian or non-Indian -- who wishes to purchase an available parcel within the 5,280-acre tract must file an application with the Superintendent of Pine Ridge Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs, South Dakota by January 31, 1975, or by law such right will automatically terminate.

The Oglala Sioux Tribal lands within the gunnery range were leased by the Federal government and the other lands within the range were purchased by the Federal government from individual owners, mostly Indians.

Commissioner of Indian Affairs Morris Thompson on February 8, 1974 issued the following statement in connection with Feb, 7’s tribal election at the Oglala Sioux Reservation, Pine Ridge, South Dakota:

Following yesterday's election in which the uncertified results indicate that Richard Wilson won by a plurality of about 200 votes over Russell Means, a number of allegations of "massive election fraud" have been made, and the Department of the Interior has been asked by Wounded Knee Legal Defense/Offense Committee to send a large investigation team to the reservation.

Based on our present information, there does not appear to be sufficient evidence of voting fraud or irregularities to warrant Federal intervention at this time. The Federal Government intends, however, closely to monitor developments in this situation and if any such evidence is developed giving validity to these charges, we will see that a complete and proper investigation is made.

This election was exclusively a tribal election, supervised by a tribal election board. It was the function of this board, under the tribal ordinance, to conduct the election and certify its results. The tribal ordinance also provides for the filing of complaints concerning election irregularities and fraud with this board. The board is empowered to rule on those pro tests and, if warranted, recommend the calling of a new election. In addition, each candidate had a poll watcher at each of the 22 voting precincts.

Prior to the election the Bureau of Indian Affairs was requested to provide for observers at the polls. The Community Relations Service of the Justice Department sent two of its officials to Pine Ridge with the knowledge of the Department of the Interior to look into the arrangements for the election. During the election, two lawyers from the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department were at Pine Ridge to receive any complaints of election irregularities, and their presence was known to both candidates and their supporters.

Historic strides have been taken in Federal Indian policy in the last five years.

Federal funding has doubled, with great emphasis on education, training, and self-determination. Indian tribes and groups now set their own priorities on how funds are to be programmed. Land taken from the Taos Pueblo, Yakima and other people has been returned. The policy of termination is a thing of the past. Trust status has been restored to the Menominee. Alaska native claims settlement has been achieved. Our continuing commitment looks forward to the enactment of legislation which would speed Indian economic development and upgrade the position of Commissioner of Indian Affairs to Assistant Secretary level at the Department of the Interior.

Since 1969, Federal outlays in Indian programs have soared from approximately 8/10 billion dollars annually to some $1.6 billion requested for Fiscal Year 1975.

In addition to Interior, other Departments and Agencies participating in this worthwhile and far-reaching effort include Health, Education and Welfare - whose representatives are with us today --Commerce, Labor, Housing and Urban Development, Department of Transportation, Small Business Administration, tile National Council on Indian Opportunity, and others over the years.

Strong currents of self-determination continue to run through the Bureau of Indian Affairs budget requested for Fiscal Year 1975.

The budget request of the Bureau of Indian Affairs includes $869,083,000 in budget authority. Within this sum are permanent funds and trust funds of the Indians themselves, Federal Highway Act contract authority, and other items not subject to appropriations.

The total request in annual appropriations is $634,682,000 the largest single item of which is $219.0 million for education. The request for social services and housing is $76.6 million, and for law enforcement on the reservations, $8.8 million. Other significant items are $57.6 million for development of tribal resources; $10.9 million for aid to tribal government; $63 million for general management and facilities operations; $51.9 million for general construction, and $70 million for Alaska native claims. Protection of Indian natural resources rights and real estate and financial trust services is proposed at $17.9 million.

In exercising their rights of self-determination, American Indian tribes and groups may assume administrative responsibility for a service program – in the past it was administered by a responsibility for a service program – or a portion of a program – which in the past was administered by a Federal agency. Additionally, the right of retrocession remains. If an Indian community government elects to administer a Federal program and later chooses to return to Federal direct services, it may do so.

The contracting provisions of this budget become a positive force in reducing the role of the Federal government in reservation Indian affairs and placing that responsibility in the hands of the Indian groups themselves.

In reference to contracting, President Nixon in his State of the Union Message of January 30, 1974, said:

"...I shall ask that the Bureau of Indian Affairs make specific plans to accelerate the transfer of significant portions of its programs to Indian tribal management, although I repeat my assurances that, while accelerated, these transfers will not be forced on Indian tribes not willing to accept them."

The pace of Indian contracting to perform their own services previously performed by the government has shown remarkable acceleration since 1969 -- from under $8 million per year in 1969 to more than $63 million in the last complete Fiscal Year, that of 1973. I refer, for example, to contracting for schools and adult education programs, for road construction, maintenance and similar services. There are indications that Indian contracting will great] exceed that figure in Fiscal Year 1974.

While Indian participation in contracting increases, it must be emphasized that no service will be lost or lessened to the tribe or group that elects to continue with BIA services.

All of these currents of self-determination find their genesis in the Presidential Indian Message of July 8, 1970.

The principles enunciated then by President Nixon find ready support in the councils of Commissioner Morris Thompson with Indian leaders. As the Indian governments make their own decisions to increase contracting for the delivery of Federal services, the numbers of employees at Bureau centers are to be reduced commensurately.

Another major action which this Administration has taken to further self-determination is to allow Indian leaders to set priorities locally. The FY 1975 budget of the Bureau of Indian Affairs reflects Indian involvement and participation in the budget planning decisions of the Bureau. We have honored the priorities of the Indians in developing the budget and we are committed to distributing the funds at the local level based upon these same priorities.

While much has been accomplished, much remains to be done.

The Administration has before the Congress no fewer than seven bills which would alleviate problems facing the Indians, and greatly enhance their economic capabilities. All of these measures have been before Congress for three years – that is much too long. The time for action is now.

One bill, mentioned earlier, would eliminate the post of Commissioner of Indian Affairs and provide for a new Interior Assistant Secretary who would have Indians as his sole concern, and report directly to the Secretary. While both houses have passed it, the Senate has attached an amendment to create a 13th Alaska region under the new Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and a deadlock has developed.

The Indian Financing Act stands a better change to give the Indians a better chance. This administration proposal would provide that:

1. Existing revolving loan funds would be consolidated, and $50 million in new funds added.
2. A new program would guarantee private loans made to Indians for up to 90 percent, and
3. A new grant program would enable the Secretary of the Interior to provide up to $50, 000 to small Indian businesses which could not otherwise get a start.

The bill passed the Senate last July, but it is still awaiting House action.

Three more Administration bills cover self-determination and education proposals.

There is the assumption of control bill whereby Indians can take over their Federal programs on demand. This is the very cornerstone of self-determination.

There is the Civil Service benefits bill, whereby Federal employees who go to work for tribes which elect to administer their own programs retain their benefits.

And there are Johnson-O'Malley amendments so that the BIA may contract directly with tribes (instead of only with State and local governments, as of now) for carrying out educational programs.

Progress has been slow. But we have our hopes. All three are combined and somewhat altered in S. 1017 which has been ordered reported by the Senate Interior Committee. The House is apparently awaiting Senate action before moving further.

A sixth Administration proposal would create an independent trust counsel authority. Such an independent trust counsel would have but a single client - the American Indian. We believe this is desirable to eliminate the conflict of interests when Indian claims and other facets of the public interest are in conflict. There have been hearings in both bodies. But no action.

A seventh proposal is of fundamental concern to reservation Indians. It would enhance self-determination by giving tribes increased control over trespassing livestock, and the licensing of traders on reservations. Only the House has held a hearing.

Although we are frustrated with the pace of congressional deliberation, there has been some fine work done.

With Administration support, in December the reservation status of the Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin has been restored – concrete evidence of the President’s reflection of the policy of forced termination.

Congress in October passed a new Indian Judgment Distribution Act by having the Secretary submit to Congress for approval plans for distributing Indian judgments (e.g. Awards of Indian Claims Commission.) This should shorten appreciably the time for getting money into Indian hands.