OPA

Commissioner of Indian Affairs Louis R. Bruce today announced his support of the Iroquois League and the Onondaga Nation of New York State in their efforts to have the sacred wampum belts returned to their proper place and preserved in the tribes' possession.

The Commissioner pledged his support following a meeting in his office with a 12-member delegation of Iroquois tribal leaders. The wampums, sacred belts of historic religious importance to the Iroquois League of New York, have been kept in the New York State Museum at Albany since they were taken from the tribes in 1898.

“I strongly urge the New York State Legislature to repeal the Custody of Wampums Law,” Commissioner Bruce declared. “As a member of the Mohawk Tribe, which is a part of the Iroquois League, I know the deep feelings that all Iroquois attach to the wampums."

The Onondagas hold the religious office of Keepers of the Wampum in the Iroquois League. Since the belts were removed from their custody in 1898, they have made numerous attempts to regain possession. Their initial legal effort failed because the State court did not recognize their right to sue.

A bill was introduced in the last session of the New York Legislature to modify the statutes of the wampum belts, but it was not enacted.

Commissioner Bruce continued: "We existed as a people long before the coming of the white man. Were it not: for the Iroquois the French would have won the struggle for North America, since it was the strong protection given the English by the Iroquois League that enabled them to survive.”

The Commissioner also noted that the wampum belts have a recognized religious significance to all the -member tribes of the Iroquois League, and that they are integral parts of the religious ceremonies conducted by the tribes; therefore, “The return of these belts involves a principle more precious to American freedom than any other -- the freedom to practice one's religion without interference from any government body. The continued possession of the belts by the State museum limits the religious freedom of my people, and for that reason I urge their prompt return. “

The wampum belts issue was among others discussed by Commissioner Bruce and members of his Washington staff during a day-long series of meetings with the New York delegation today. The Commissioner indicated his willingness to provide federally recognized tribes in New York with Bureau of Indian Affairs cooperation.

Bruce discussed with the group the services that New York State is presently offering to the tribes. He said the Bureau would not supplant these services but rather would provide complementary services, primarily in the technical assistance area.

The Commissioner also pointed out that the Indians have lacked the unity to obtain many services in the past. He declared: "We must stand united in order to obtain the services and programs which are due to the Indian people.

The delegation lunched on Capitol Hill with members of the New York Congressional delegation, including Representatives Henry p. Smith, Ogden R. Reid, and Robert C. McEwen.

Tribal chiefs and leaders in the delegation included Chief Franklin Patterson, Cayuga; Chiefs Robert Burr, Jr. and Jacob Thompson, Oneida; Chiefs Irvin Powless, Jr. and Leon Shenandoah, Onondaga; Chief John Cook, Mohawk; Barry Snyder, treasurer, and Hrs. Cheryl Barney, clerk, Seneca;, Chiefs Corbett Sundown and Beeman Logan, Tonawanda; and Chiefs Arnold Hewitt and Leo Henry, Tuscarora.

Secretary Watt announced today that William "Perry" Pendley will be the Acting Director of the new Minerals Management Service in the Department of the Interior. Pendley will retain his current position as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy and Minerals, but in the days to come while the search for a permanent Director is underway, his prime responsibility will be the administration of the Minerals Management Service

"I have full confidence that Perry will provide the strong leadership needed to .transfer the functions of the Conservation Division into the Minerals Management Service and to ensure that the goals of the Linowes Commission are not only achieved, but exceeded," Watt said.

As Acting Director of the Mineral Management Service, Pendley will report directly to a four-man Minerals Management Board made up of the Under Secretary, the Assistant Secretary for Policy, Budget and Administration, the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs and the Assistant Secretary for Energy and Minerals. This reorganization and restructuring will ensure that the royalty collection functions within the Department receive high priority and Secretarial level attention, Watt said.

Pendley came to Interior after nearly five years on Capitol Hill, first as Legislative Assistant to former U.S. Senator Clifford P. Hansen of Wyoming, and then as Minority Counsel to the Mines and Mining Subcommittee of the House Interior and Insular Affairs Committee.

Last year, President Reagan appointed Pendley as a member of his Strategic Minerals Task Force responsible for submitting to the President recommendations for achieving a national strategic minerals policy.

A native and legal resident of Wyoming, Pendley was born in Cheyenne April 3, 1945. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Wyoming's College of Law, and Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in public affairs from George Washington University, Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of President Obama’s commitment to help American Indian leaders strengthen self-sufficiency and self-determination, U.S. Department of Interior officials will remove liens placed on thousands of acres of tribal lands acquired under the Indian Land Consolidation Act (ILCA) program and return the revenues generated by these liens to tribal communities to use for reacquiring tribal homelands. The announcement was made today by U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Interior Michael Connor, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Lawrence S. Roberts, who leads the Office of the Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs, and Michael S. Black, Senior Advisor to the BIA Director.

Because the ILCA land acquisition program is no longer in operation, the waiver of the liens ensures that the economic productivity of those restored tribal lands directly benefits the Tribes. The return of more than $14 million existing lien proceeds will be used by the 20 Tribal nations who participated in the ILCA acquisition program to purchase lands from willing sellers within their reservations to further consolidate tribal homelands.

“Our action today is a result of our engagement and meaningful consultation with Tribal leadership, respecting their judgment that waiver of ILCA liens and return of lien proceeds will spur economic development within their territories and enable them to restore tribal homelands,” said Deputy Secretary Connor. “Our trust and treaty responsibilities include ensuring that federal programs are tailored to work effectively and efficiently for Indian country. Tribal nations spoke clearly about the benefits of waiving ILCA liens and their effective and efficient ability to reacquire tribal homelands from willing sellers.”

On the lien waiver and return of lien proceeds, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Roberts said, “Tribal nations have repeatedly proven that if an Administration works with them, tribal solutions can ameliorate the impacts of now repudiated policies that sought to end tribal culture and communities. Our action today is another example of Tribes determining what is best for their communities.”

“By releasing the outstanding liens and returning lien proceeds, we are supporting the Tribes in determining the best use of their lands, and continuing opportunities for economic development, housing, and restoring tribal homelands,” BIA's Senior Advisor Black said.

Congress enacted the ILCA land acquisition program in 2000, authorizing the Interior Secretary to acquire fractional interests in trust or restricted lands and require the Secretary to place a lien on those lands to recoup the purchase price. Since the program was established, more than 427,313 fractional land interests were restored to the 20 participating tribes.

In 2009, the Administration settled Cobell v. Salazar and in 2010, Congress enacted legislation approving the settlement. The settlement and legislation established Land Buy-Back Program acquiring trust and restricted interests from willing sellers and transferring those interests to Tribes.

While Congress intended the ILCA acquisition initiative to be on-going and self-sustaining, the program was unable to sustain itself because many of the lands with liens generated little or no income. The proceeds generated from lands acquired for a particular tribe were used to acquire more lands for that tribe. Further, the program liens reduced the ability of tribes to obtain financing to promote economic development on those lands. The program ceased operations in 2014 because it lacked funding and the Cobell Land Buy-Back Program was implemented.

Several tribes approached Department officials to request a waiver of the ILCA liens and to determine how to dispose of the proceeds collected from the liens. In 2016, the Department consulted with Tribes on whether to waive the liens established through the ILCA program and return any existing ILCA program funds to the Tribes to be used for land acquisition. Tribal leaders supported the waiver of ILCA liens and the return of any ILCA funds remaining in tribal accounts. Waiver of liens will enable tribes to fully utilize those tribal lands and to devote future income from such lands to advance the health and welfare of tribal communities.

The Department has notified Congress of the Secretary’s decision to waive the liens and transfer the proceeds remaining in the ILCA Acquisition Fund to the appropriate tribe via their trust account for their use and benefit.

Fractionation of American Indian lands was caused by the now repudiated 19th century policy of breaking up tribal homelands into individual allotments or tracts and then the division of ownership among more and more owners after the death of the original owner or allottee. Fractionation has grown exponentially over generations. As a result, many allotted tracts now have hundreds or even thousands of individual owners.

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke signed two secretarial orders to advance American energy independence. The Secretary’s orders foster responsible development of coal, oil, gas, and renewable energy on federal and Tribal lands and initiate review of agency actions directed by President Trump’s executive order entitled “Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth.” Secretary Zinke also signed a charter establishing a Royalty Policy Committee to ensure the public receives the full value of natural resources produced from federal lands. In signing the historic actions on energy independence, Secretary Zinke was joined by Members of Congress from western states and other stakeholders.

"Today I took action to sign a series of directives that put America on track to achieve the President's vision for energy independence and bringing jobs back to communities across the country" said Secretary Zinke. "American energy powers our national and local economies. But for too many local communities, energy on public lands has been more of a missed opportunity and has failed to include local consultation and partnership. Today's orders allow for Americans to benefit from safe and environmentally responsible development on federal lands and put America on track for energy independence."

Secretarial Order 3348 overturns the 2016 moratorium on all new coal leases on federal land and ends the programmatic environmental impacts statement that was set to be completed no sooner than 2019. Based upon the Department’s review of Secretarial Order 3338, the order notes that, “the public interest is not served by halting the federal coal program for an extended time, nor is a PEIS required to consider potential improvements to the program.” The order notes that the federal coal leasing program supplies approximately 40 percent of the coal produced in the United States and is critically important to the U.S. economy.

Secretarial Order 3349 implements review of agency actions directed by the President’s Executive Order signed yesterday on energy independence. It also directs a reexamination of the mitigation and climate change policies and guidance across the Department of the Interior in order to better balance conservation strategies and policies with the equally legitimate need of creating jobs for hardworking American families. In particular, the order sets a timetable for review of agency actions that may hamper responsible energy development and reconsideration of regulations related to U.S. oil and natural gas development.

In an effort to ensure the public continues to receive the full value of natural resources produced on federal lands, Secretary Zinke also signed a charter establishing a Royalty Policy Committee to provide regular advice to the Secretary on the fair market value of and collection of revenues from Federal and Indian mineral and energy leases, include renewable energy sources. The Committee may also advise on the potential impacts of proposed policies and regulations related to revenue collection from such development, including whether a need exists for regulatory reform. The group will consist of up to 28 local, Tribal, state, and other stakeholders and will serve in an advisory role.

Secretary Zinke added that, "It's important that taxpayers get the full value of traditional and renewable energy produced on public lands and that we ensure companies conduct environmental reviews under NEPA and have reclamation plans."

Secretary Zinke issued the following statement regarding the President's executive order on energy independence:

"American energy production benefits the economy, the environment, and national security. First, it’s better for the environment that the U.S. produces energy. Thanks to advancements in drilling and mining technology, we can responsibly develop our energy resources and return the land to equal or better quality than it was before. I’ve spent a lot of time in the Middle East, and I can tell you with 100 percent certainty it is better to develop our energy here under reasonable regulations and export it to our allies, rather than have it produced overseas under little or no regulations. Second, energy production is an absolute boon to the economy, supporting more than 6.4 million jobs and supplying affordable power for manufacturing, home heating, and transportation needs. In many communities coal jobs are the only jobs. Former Chairman Old Coyote of the Crow Tribe in my home state of Montana said it best, 'there are no jobs like coal jobs.' I hope to return those jobs to the Crow people. And lastly, achieving American energy independence will strengthen our national security by reducing our reliance on foreign oil and allowing us to assist our allies with their energy needs. As a military commander, I saw how the power of the American economy and American energy defeated our adversaries around the world. We can do it again to keep Americans safe."

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Fred Kabotie, the well-known Hopi Indian artist, will join the staff of the Indian Arts and Crafts Board this week, the Department of the Interior announced today. His headquarters will be at Oraibi, Arizona, and his territory the Hopi Indian Reservation.

In keeping with the purpose of the Board, Hr. Kabotie will promote the economic welfare of the Hopi people through the development of their arts and crafts.

Mr. Kabotie has long been associated with the Bureau of Indian Affairs as a teacher and as the advisor of the Hopi Silvercraft Guild. His own paintings have been shown at the New Mexico Art Gallery, the Museum of Northern Arizona, Philbrook Art Center, Dallas Art Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art. Of equal importance have been his Hopi arts and crafts shows in the leading exhibitions of the southwest.

Because of his great contribution to Indian art and service to his people, Mr. Kabotie has been the recipient of many honors. Chief among them are: The John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship, New York, 1945; Indian Achievement Award, Chicago, 1949; Scholarship to Alfred University, Rochester, New York, 1949; Award, medal and certificate from Republique Francaise Ministere del ‘Education Nationale, Paris, France, 1956; and Certificate of Appreciation by Indian Arts and Crafts Board, 1959.

From December 1, 1959, to February 19, 1960, Mr. Kabotie and his wife served as delegates and technicians in American Indian arts and crafts at the International Trade Fair, New Delhi, India, under the sponsorship of the United States departments of Commerce and Agriculture.

Indians who work for the Bureau of Indian Affairs headquarters in Washington, D.C., are offering three multi-colored travel posters for sale as unusual Christmas gifts.

The posters, designed by American Indian art students, are based on the theme, "Discover America with the First Americans, " an invitation to visit Indian reservations at vacation time.

The posters sell for $1.75 each with all proceeds going directly into college scholarships for Indian youngsters.

Posters are part of the "mod" look in Indian art, and for someone looking for a decorative, different gift, these are the answer.

Subjects include a classic Kachina figure; a black and white rendition of an Indian on a horse against a brilliant yellow and orange background, and a psychedelic design.

Creators of the posters were Delbridge Honanie, a Hopi; Joe Powskey, Hualapai-Hopi, and Ben Martinez, Navajo.

The general public may order the posters from the American Indian Society of Washington, 519 5th Street, S.E.,Washington, D.C. 20003. Add 25¢ to cover postage and handling.

The proposed revision codifies for the first time many rules, practices and procedures previously contained only in memoranda and instructions, and is designed to bring all procedures into line as far as practicable with the general philosophy of current court rules and practices. Included are a proposal that would modernize regulations relating to the probate of estates of deceased Indians is being published in the Federal Register, the Board of Indian Appeals in Interior's Office of Hearings and Appeals announced today. The updated procedures would make it feasible to probate Indian estates more efficiently and eliminate delays, the Board said. In addition, the new framework is designed to afford a greater degree of impartiality and independence in handling Indian probate matters through the Board.

Provisions for the approval of settlement of disputes by compromise, determina­tion of nationality and non-Indian status, the taking of depositions and for discovery procedures, determination of escheat of estates, as well as procedures applicable to appeals proceedings before the Board of Indian Appeals.

Written comments, suggestions or objections should be submitted within 30 days after publication of the proposed regulations in the Federal Register. Such comments should be addressed to the Director, Office of Hearings and Appeals, Attention Special Assistant to the Director (Regulations), 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22203.

Acting Secretary of the Interior Fred J. Russell today signed an order extending the legal “freeze” on public domain lands in Alaska until midnight on June 30, 1971 -- or sooner, if Native land claims legislation takes effect in the interim.

Secretary Russell said the extension of the two-year-old order beyond its scheduled expiration date of December 31, 1970, is intended to give Congress additional time to complete action on legislation settling the land claims of Alaska's native Aleuts, Eskimos and Indians.

Secretary Russell stressed that the language of the extension order signed today is identical to that of the original order issued in January 1969. In addition to the six-month extension, the only substantive change is that applications for patents (land titles) may be processed to conclusion for home­ steads, where valid settlement was made prior to December 14, 1968; for native land allotments where occupation was commenced before the same date; and for trade or manufacturing sites, home sites or headquarters sites if the claim was initiated before that date.

The order affects more than 90 percent of the land area of the largest State in the Union. It continues in effect the withdrawal of all unreserved lands. The order also continue the “freeze” on the Federal lands which are subject to selection by the State of Alaska pursuant to the Alaska Statehood Act of 1958 and continues the "freeze" on applications for leases under the Federal Mineral Leasing Act of 1920.

Beginning on the 91st day after expiration of the order, all applications for leases, licenses, permits or land title transfers that were pending when the "freeze" took full effect January 17, 1969, will be given the same status and consideration. As if there had been no intervening period. During those intervening 90 days after this "freeze" order expires, the State of Alaska will have a preferred right to select public lands under the Statehood Act.

The full text of the new order is being sent for immediate publication in the Federal Register.

Fifty American Indian students in Bureau of Indian Affairs high schools carne to Washington, D. C. last week and discussed "What is being done to preserve nature?", "How can smoke from sawmills and paper mills be prevented?" and "How can natural resources be used without creating pollution?"

The occasion was an environmental awareness forum for key Bureau of Indian Affairs high school students. They met to help Bureau of Indian Affairs educators determine what should be included in the environmental awareness curriculum, now a part of the Bureau school system. I represented were Eskimos, Aleuts, and American Indians from 23 tribes.

Commissioner Louis R, Bruce addressed the visiting school students reminding them that "Environmental awareness is an area in which we American Indian people are more concerned than others some of the last we once owned, this is our land. We still call it ours. And we hope people will keep it as it is now.

The group met for five days beginning May 10. During that time they heard the Commissioner, Wilma Victor, Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, Ed Coate, Pre Eident ' s Council on Environmental Quality, and James E. Hawkins, Director of Education for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, relate their education to the world around them.

The students toured Theodore Roosevelt Island Environmental Study Area in the middle of the Potomac River across from the Nation’s Capital. Their guide pointed out that the Anacostin Indians who inhabited the island used fire to clear trees, and that even today fire can sometimes be effective in maintaining the balance of nature in wooded areas.

He indicated other ways in which man had changed the environment, sometimes improving it, other times disturbing it. Early settlers to the New World, he said, brought English ivy. On Theodore Roosevelt Island it is choking native undergrowth of greater value to the ecology.

An early inhabitant of the island dammed the Potomac on the Virginia side of the island with a causeway and so slowed the water that it became a lake where malaria bred. Malaria drove him from the island.

The Indian pupils posed questions to a representative of the President's Council on Environmental Quality, and to Bureau of Indian Affairs resource specialists.

Ideas discussed included: Measures may have to be taken to force industry to decide ten years in advance where to place an industrial plant; by 1975 the pollution problem may be settled.

They also learned that grass doesn't know a buffalo from a horse steer, or prairie dog; that if grass is constantly chewed or stomped off it is replaced by a more vigorous species. If that is also destroyed, weeds and sagebrush may follow. This is the overgrazing cycle that has taken place on some Indian reservations.

The pupils were urged to remember that in order to keep a good grass cover on the land they must "take half and leave half of the current year's growth”. A Bureau of Indian Affairs spokesman said that sometimes brush must be removed and the land reseeded into grass in order to get vegetation back on the land.

They learned that there are a dozen major forests on Indian reservations with a timber cut of 25 million board feet per year. First land on Indian reservations includes 13 million acres, 51/2 million of which is in commercial use.

One of the summary speakers, a student, asked that we "Don't litter for just one day ... and then for another day, because if nothing is done about pollution, in five years water will have to be rationed."

The Indian youngsters in grades 9, 10, 11, are taking back ideas gleaned from their forum in Washington D.C. to their schools, t10 provide background in environmental awareness the year ahead.

This forum ended a series of teacher workshops in environmental awareness throughout Indian county and in Washington, D. C. It will be followed by the presentation of environmental awareness awards in ceremonies that will conclude the school year. Indian school boards for Bureau of Indian Affairs schools will select projects to receive the awards.