OPA

The Department of the Interior announced today that it has no objection to statutory postponement of the deadline for termination of Federal trust supervision over the property and affairs of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin beyond the presently scheduled date of December 31, 1960.

In presenting its views on four pending congressional bills that affect the Menominee termination program, the Department recommended that they be combined into one and suggested important amendments in each. The bills are H. R. 11813, H. R. 11476, H. R. 10450, and H. R. 10451. They deal respectively with the terminal date, a proposed authorization for Federal loans to the Tribe after termination, Federal reimbursement to the Tribe for its termination expenditures, and tax exemption for stock certificates to be issued by a tribal corporation.

In commenting on the terminal date proposal, the Department emphasized its desire to do everything possible to assure the success of the Menominee termination program.

“If after considering all of the facts and after hearing from the Tribe and other interested parties Congress feels that a postponement is desirable,” the Department's report said, “then we would have no objection if Congress should fix a new termination date, which we feel should not be later than July 1, 1961. The date should not be left for determination by the Secretary, because experience clearly shows that without a firm statutory date the Tribe will in all probability not complete the actions necessary to put the termination plan into effect.”

With reference to the loan legislation, H. R. 11476, the Department recommended that it be given authority to make post-termination loans, if necessary, to a tribal corporation for the purpose of expanding and modernizing the Tribe's sawmill and other business operations. The Department's report, however, recommended substantial amendment of the pending bill to provide (1) that Federal loans could be made only if commercial credit is not available on reasonable terms, (2) that interest rates should be sufficient to cover the Government's cost of borrowing money plus the costs of administration, and (3) that after a loan has been made by the Department it could be transferred to another Federal agency or private credit agency for administration and collection.

Commenting on H. R. 10450, the Department pointed out that under present law Federal reimbursement of the Tribe's termination expenses is limited to cover all which were incurred before July 2, 1958 plus half of those incurred after that date, or $275,000, whichever is lesser. The Department advocated liberalizing this formula to provide for full reimbursement up to a maximum of $500,000.

In its comments on the documentary stamp tax, the Department stressed that under all the termination laws so far enacted by Congress the distribution of tribal assets to tribal members is made exempt from Federal and state income taxes. In the Menominee case, however, the situation is complicated because the Tribe plans to establish a corporation under State law and issue stock and debentures to the tribal members. Issuance of these certificates would be taxable under the Internal Revenue Code and the taxes might amount to as much as $165,000. In its report the Department expressed the opinion that Congress clearly intended to make the distribution of Menominee tribal assets tax-exempt and that the failure to mention documentary stamp taxes along with income taxes in the original termination law was inadvertent.

"Under the legislation we are recommending," the Department said, "the Government will have to reimburse the tribe for all termination expenses, including the documentary stamp tax if paid by the tribe. The choice, therefore, is either to exempt the tribe from payment of the documentary stamp tax, or to impose the tax and use Federal money to pay it. We urge that tax exemption be provided. “

To safeguard against a possible hiatus in the termination program, the Department recommended a provision authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to step in and act on behalf of the Tribe if the Tribe should fail to take all of the actions necessary to complete the termination plan before the scheduled date. Under present law, it was pointed out, the tribal corporation can be organized and tribal property transferred to it only after voting trustees have been selected or approved by the General Council of the Tribe. In view of the great difficulty that has been experienced in getting a quorum to attend the General council meetings, it is possible that these actions may be taken before the scheduled date. Under the Department's proposal the Secretary would have the authority under such circumstances to establish a tribal corporation and transfer the property to it after giving the Tribe 20 days' notice of intention.

Secretary of the Interior Walter J. Hickel announced today that he has approved an “executive realignment” of top positions in the Bureau of Indian affairs.

“These changes will help make the Bureau more responsive to the needs of the Indian people and will provide the necessary flexibility in developing and carrying out programs to meet those requirements.” Secretary Hickel said.

The realignment creates the positions of Associate Commissioner for Education and Programs and Associate Commissioner for Support Services. They replace the Deputy Commissioner and the six Assistant Commissioners. The two positions have, between them, line authority over all Bureau programs.

Assisting the two associate Commissioners will be five staff directors. The Offices of Education Programs, Community Services and Economic Development will be under the Associate Commissioner for Education and Programs and the office of Management Services and Operating Services under the Associate Commissioner for Support Services. The staff directors will not have line authority.

Secretary Hickel said that he and Commissioner of Indian Affairs Louis R. Bruce nave been consulting with tribal leaders in the selection of the personnel for these positions and that appointments will be announced as soon as possible.

The realignment expands the Bureaus Office of Congressional Relation to become the office of Congressional and Tribal Relations. It will assist tribes in presenting their legislative needs and keep them informed on Congressional matters.

An Office of Intergovernmental Relations is created within the Bureau to stimulate maximum participation of Indian and Alaska Native people in interagency and intergovernmental programs and to be a for Bureau cooperation with the National Council of Indian Opportunity in the Vice President's office.

In a letter to tribal leaders, Commissioner Bruce said the realignment “will permit me to obtain a group of individuals in top management positions who will generate new directions and flexibility of policy in Indian affairs. The new team will include established Indian leaders, many of whom have been recommended by the various tribes and Alaskan Native groups.

"With this new team, I hope to make the Bureau totally responsive to your needs. We shall actively seek your thoughts and ideas on how to bet organize so as to make it an Indian Bureau not only in name but in fact."

Secretary of the Interior Rogers C. B. Morton announced today that "following an intensive review of environmental protective measures," he approved document covering construction arrangements, transmission rights-of-way, and electrical interconnection for the Navajo steam electric generating power plant near Page, Arizona.

In his announcement Secretary Morton said:

"I have imposed numerous specific requirements as a condition of my approval of various documents relating to the Navajo power plant construction. I want to be certain that the facilities needed to supply electricity' for the Southwest will be built and operated in a way that will assure maximum protection' to the environmental values of that area.

“I have directed all offices in the Department of the Interior to see that all these requirements are implemented and enforced in the years ahead," Secretary Morton also said.

The Secretary also said plans had been approved for electrostatic precipitators to control particulate emissions from the stacks and for a pumping station that will deliver cooling water from Lake. Powell. Federal, State and local environmental authorities shared in the review of these projects.

Five Southwest utilities are building the Navajo power plant. The Bureau of Reclamation is also a participant to secure pumping energy for the Central Arizona Project.

The Interior Department last February 4 submitted to the Council on Environmental Quality its final environmental impact statement on the project.

In previously executed documents relating to the Navajo power plant project, developers have been required to and the Navajo and Hopi Indian communities whose resources would be affected by the construction. Also quilt into construction requirements are stipulations designed to protect air, -- water and land ecosystems and insure compliance with Federal and State standards.

The Co-Tenancy Agreement, for example, specifies that:

"The Participants will design, construct, operate and maintain the Navajo Project in a manner consistent with the Participant’s objective of attaining the greatest feasible degree of environmental protection. In addition to fulfilling all obligations which have been assumed under provisions relating to environmental protection. The participants shall to the extent practicable anticipate and make provision for the future installation of any systems required to comply with changes in said laws, orders, regulations, rules and standards.”

Design, construction and operational plans for the Navajo steam electric generating power plant must meet all Federal, State and local air and water quality standard provide for protection of archeological values and historic places restore and revegetate coal mined areas; provide for the protection of ground and surface waters; meet the environmental criteria of the Interior and Agriculture Departments in building of transmission lines.

Additional agreements and approvals still to be executed will also be subject to the numerous environmental protection stipulations.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has determined that a proposed wood supply agreement between the Penobscot Indian Tribe of Maine and the Lincoln Pulp and Paper Company, Inc., would have no significant impact on the environment.

An environmental assessment, prepared by the Bureau, indicates that some short-term environmental effects on land on wildlife resources would result from the timber harvesting, but would be typical of those encountered elsewhere in nearby locations in Maine where timber harvesting regularly occurs.

The proposed agreement gives the Lincoln Company the right to buy, and the tribe to sell, up to 15,000 cords of hardwood annually for a 30-year term.

For further information, contact Thomas J. Bond, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Eastern Area Office, 1951 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20245, (703) 235-2794.

SELLS, Ariz. – Today, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Tara Mac Lean Sweeney reopened the Santa Rosa Ranch School (SRRS), located on the Tohono O’odham Nation reservation. The school provides education for grades K-8 and serves approximately 66 students. The school had been closed since December 13, 2018, when the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) leadership and safety personnel identified several high priority deficiencies during a campus walk-through.

“I am proud to return to the Santa Rosa Ranch School after working closely with Tohono O’odham Chairman Edward Manuel and I was delighted to welcome back our students, teachers and staff today. I applaud the diligent and expedited response made by our leadership, staff and the SRRS Community to improve the school’s facilities and upgrade its equipment,” said AS-IA Tara Sweeney. “My priority is for our BIE students to receive a quality education and study in safe facilities and environments, and I continue to look forward to working with the community on future improvements.”

"The Nation has been very pleased to work with Assistant Secretary Sweeney and BIE to facilitate the prompt improvements and reopening of the Santa Rosa Ranch School,” said Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Edward D. Manuel. “Providing our youth with safe, accessible places to learn and grow is vitally important. We will continue working with our federal partners to ensure that schools on the Nation meet that standard.”

ASIA Sweeney toured the school’s new five modular units and refurbished buildings, which include several classrooms and a kitchen. Additional improvements at the school include:

• The installation of new access ramps, access platforms and stairs.
• The installation of fencing around the campus area.
• The installation of a new fire alarm system.
• The installation of six new classrooms.
• The new kitchen includes a dining room facility with new furniture, appliances and ice machine.
• Preexisting buildings received new doors and fresh paint.
• The Indian Affairs Office of Information Technology (IT) installed new computers with internet access and landline phones.

While the Office of Facilities, Property and Safety Management for Indian Affairs made improvements, the BIE provided daily transportation for displaced students and teachers to the nearest BIE school, Santa Rosa Day School, where the facilities include a gym, computer lab and cafeteria. Indian Affairs leadership and the Tohono O’odham leadership worked closely together to ensure an efficient time table was planned and followed for the SRRS to reopen on the target date set for when the students returned from Spring Break.

The Assistant Secretary–Indian Affairs advises the Secretary of the Interior on Indian Affairs policy issues, communicates policy to and oversee the programs of the BIA and the BIE, provides leadership in consultations with tribes, and serves as the DOI official for intra- and inter- departmental coordination and liaison within the Executive Branch on Indian matters.

The Office of Facilities, Property and Safety Management for Indian Affairs is responsible for policy, oversight, and technical assistance for facilities management, facilities construction, asset management, safety management, property management, and real property leasing for all of Indian Affairs, including Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE). These responsibilities are carried out through the Division of Facilities Management and Construction, Division of Safety and Risk Management, Division of Property Management, and the Real Property Leasing Program.

The Bureau of Indian Education implements federal Indian education programs and funds 183 elementary and secondary day and boarding schools (of which two-thirds are tribally operated) located on 64 reservations in 23 states and peripheral dormitories serving over 48,000 students. BIE also operates two post- secondary schools, and administers grants for 30 tribally controlled colleges and universities and two tribal technical colleges, and provides funding for higher education scholarships to Native youth.

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Acting Under Secretary of the Interior Kent Frizzell has approved an amendment to an existing water service contract relating to the use by Utah International, Inc. of water stored in the Navajo Reservoir for a proposed commercial coal gasification project near Farmington, New Mexico.

Utah International, Inc. (UII) will supply both the coal and the water for the coal gasification complex, to be constructed by the Western Gasification Co. (WESCO) on the Navajo Indian Reservation about 35 miles southwest of Farmington. The proposed complex would ultimately include four coal gasification plants capable of producing about 1 billion cubic feet per day of synthetic natural gas from coal mined by UII at its existing Navajo Mine.

The initial plant would be operative by late 1977 or early 1978, and all four plants would be operative by 1983 and under WESCO's proposed construction schedule.

Commissioner of Reclamation Gilbert G. Stamm said use of the water by UII was originally authorized in 1968 by Congress, which approved three contracts allowing the diversion of water from Navajo Reservoir for municipal and industrial uses.

At that time, UII proposed to use the water for cooling additional generating units at the Four Corners Power plant operated by the Arizona Public Service Co. near Farmington. UII provides coal for that generating facility. However, the additional units were not installed. Under its original water contract, UII was authorized to divert up to 44,000 acre-feet of water annually from the San Juan River downstream from Navajo Reservoir for municipal and indus­trial purposes at the power plant. The amendment to the contract will limit the water depletion to 35,300 acre-feet annually for the coal gasification process.

The original contract provided for renewal at 10-year periods beginning Jan. 1, 1972, and for two subsequent 10-year periods, but not beyond year 2005. It also carried the provision that the Federal Government would terminate the contract with respect to water not put to beneficial use by Jan. 1, 1977.

The proposed amendment would extend the date for beneficial use of water from Jan. 1, 1977, to Jan. 1, 1982, to allow for construction of the coal gasification complex. If the gasification project does not materialize, the water supply under the contract will revert to the U.S. Government.

Delivery of water under the amended contract will not be made until the completion of the final environmental impact statement which is now being prepared and a finding by the Secretary that the proposed use is environmentally acceptable.

Barney Old Coyote, a Crow Indian and career civil servant, has been appointed coordinator of the youth conservation camps for the Job Corps and related antipoverty programs of the Department, Secretary of the Interior Stewart L. Udall announced today.

In announcing his personal choice of Old Coyote, Secretary Udall said, "He has grassroots knowledge of the conservation programs of this Department. He has played an intimate and leading role in helping people to help themselves. He is especially well qualified to give leadership to this Department's efforts to blend natural resources conservation needs with human needs so as to provide the disadvantaged young people of this Nation an opportunity to become fully qualified builders of the Great Society."

Born January 10, 1923, on the Crow Reservation in Montana, Old Coyote has held varied assignments with the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs since 1949 in Montana and the Dakotas. His most recent assignment was as assistant superintendent of the Rocky Boy's Reservation at Box Elder, Montana.

Udall noted that one of the chief duties of the Department in the Administration's war on poverty will be to help raise the living standards of the nearly 400,000 Indians on reservations. He said Old Coyote had demonstrated unusual talent in community relations work with Indians during his long Government service.

Old Coyote attended elementary and high schools in Hardin, Montana; Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kansas; and Morningside College, Sioux City, Iowa. He served in the Army Air Forces during World War II as an aerial engineer-gunner, flying 50 missions in the European and Mediterranean Theaters.

He entered civilian Government service with the Bureau of Indian Affairs at the Crow Agency as a clerk, later being assigned engineering duties in the Bureau's soil and moisture conservation program there. Transferred into real estate activity for the Bureau, he served as a realty officer at Fort Yates, North Dakota, and at Aberdeen and Rosebud, South Dakota.

Old Coyote was selected for the Bureau's management intern training program in 1958, and served as an administrative assistant at Aberdeen until his transfer to the Rosebud agency. He received a Bureau incentive award in 1957 for designing and instituting a new leasing procedure on Indian-owned trust lands.

Married to a Winnebago Indian from Nebraska, he is the father of six children. He is a member of the American Legion, veterans of Foreign Wars, Lions Club and Knights of Columbus; has been active in Boy Scout work; and has been much in demand as a public speaker, acting as master of ceremonies at many Indian celebrations, commencements and similar events. In his younger days he played baseball with the old amateur Midland Empire League in Montana, and participated in basketball, golf and boxing in high school.

Sidney L. Mills, Acting Deputy Commissioner, announced today the appointment of three new Assistant Area Directors for the Bureau of Indian Affairs' office in Aberdeen, S. Dak.

Richard D. Drapeaux, formerly Deputy Area Director in Aberdeen will be the Assistant Area Director for Human Resources. This office will supervise the office of Employment Assistance, Social Services, Tribal Government, Law Enforcement, Housing and Indian Business Development.

Drapeaux, 50, a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe, is a graduate of South Dakota State University and entered Federal service in 1952 as a teacher on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. He subsequently served at the Turtle Mountain, Fort Totten, Fort Berthold agencies in education, employment assistance and housing positions. In 1975, he was appointed Deputy Area Director, a position he held until the reorganization of the Aberdeen Area Office in May which established Assistant Area Directors for Administration, Education, Human Resources and Natural Resources in lieu of the Deputy and Division Chief's positions.

Dennis L. Petersen, 53, enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe will be the Assistant Area Director for Natural Resources. His office will supervise the overall responsibility for roads, rights protection, real estate services, forestry, range management, environmental quality and energy resources. Petersen is a graduate of South Dakota State University and did post graduate work at Colorado State and the University of Arizona. He served with the U. S. Infantry in WWII and again during the Korean conflict. He was with the South Dakota State University Extension Service for many years and then was a project officer, planning officer and assistant to the area director for the Economic Development Administration at Duluth, Minn. He was an Indian Community Action Program economic development specialist at the University of South Dakota before his 1971 appointment as Superintendent of the BIA agency at Pierre, S. Dak. Peterson was also Superintendent at Sisseton prior to his present assign­ment in 1976 as Chief of Tribal Government Services at the BIA Central Office in Washington, D.C.

Loren J. Farmer, 41, will be the Assistant Area Director for Administration and will supervise general areas of financial management, budget, personnel services, real property management, procurement and contracting, and safety and planning.

Farmer, an enrolled member of the Blackfeet feet of Montana, is a graduate of Haskell Institute and joined the BIA in 1959. He has served in administrative and management positions in Western Washington, Portland and the Cheyenne River office anal was Superintendent of the Yankton and Fort Belknap Agencies.

The Aberdeen Area Office administers programs arid services for 15 Indian tribes with a service population of 61,300 in the States of North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs will. Prepare a roll of Indians originally from the central states are entitled to share in the distribution of more than $2 million in judgment funds, the Department of Interior announced today.

Tribes to be included are the Confederated Tribes of Weas Piankashaws, Peorias, and Kaskaskias, who merged under an 1854 treaty that combined their interests, distribution of more than $2 million in judgment funds, the Department of the Interior announced today.

The land for which they are being compensated totals 1,417,758 acres in Kansas, Indiana and Illinois for which the Indian Claims Commission awarded the Confederation $2,365,760.21. Until the funds are divided the money is on deposit and continues to draw interest.

Indians entitled to be enrolled and share in the distribution of judgment funds must be born on or prior to July 31, 1970, and living; their names or the name of a lineal ancestor must appear on one of the following: the final roll of the Peoria Tribe of Oklahoma; the 1930 or 1937 census of the Peoria Tribe; Indian or Citizen Class lists; the schedule of persons or families made up of the various tribes which were parties to the Treaty of May 30, 1854.

Applications for enrollment may be obtained from the Area Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Federal Building, Muskogee, Okla., 74401. Completed applications must be returned to Director and must be post­ marked no later than April 30, 1971.