Usher Burdick Papers

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  Letter from Eugene Burdick to Representative Burdick Regarding Letter from Martin Cross and a Missed Appointment, December 15, 1952

  Eugene Burdick

  This letter, dated December 15, 1952, from Eugene Burdick to his father United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick makes reference to an enclosed letter that Eugene received from Martin Cross regarding a missed appointment with Usher. Cross wanted to meet with Usher to discuss a petition that Cross then mailed to Usher. Eugene advises Usher to follow up with Cross. The letter from Cross referred to as being enclosed was not found with this document in Usher Burdick's papers.

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Enclosing Petition Calling for the Investigation of Jefferson B. Smith, December 13, 1952

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding a Missed Appointment, December 19, 1952

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  Draft of Statement: "Fort Berthold Indians on the War Path," by Representative Burdick, January 25, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This statement draft dated January 25, 1952, by United States House Representative Usher Burdick, addresses dissent among tribal members at the Fort Berthold Reservation about how the payments for the lands taken for the construction of Garrison Dam are being handled. Burdick notes that the plan was not voted on in a regular election and that many of the people who initially supported the resolution withdrew their support once they understood what it actually entailed. Burdick writes that a majority of tribal members have organized under their own leaders in opposition to the Tribal Business Council. Burdick cites the failure to retain mineral rights as one of the primary points of contention by those who object to the payment resolution. The objectors set up their own legal counsel, as regular counsel for Fort Berthold is working in support of the Tribal Business Council. In closing, Burdick acknowledges that the opposition has not received much support in Washington D.C. or from the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs and that the legal action they are taking is in the interest of protecting the rights of the majority of tribal members.

  There are many handwritten annotations and corrections on this draft.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Emma Jones Regarding Per Capita Payments, January 31, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated January 31, 1952 from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Emma L. Jones thanks Jones for her January 28 letter regarding per capita payments. Burdick informs Jones that he is in favor of per capita payments and that he will do what he can to help the tribes get a "square deal."

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Hal Davies Regarding History of the Garrison Dam, January 14, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated January 14, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Hal Davies of Minot, North Dakota, recounts a condensed history of the building of Garrison Dam. Topics Burdick addresses include: pool level, flood control, water navigation, power development, and irrigation. Burdick makes it clear he thinks all desired outcomes from the dam can be achieved at the lower pool level of the Garrison Reservoir.

  Burdick also mentions enclosing a copy of a brief he presented to a committee in the US Congress. The brief was not found with this letter in the Burdick papers.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to H. F. Gierke, Jr. Informing of an April 4 Hearing That Will Address Complaints Made by Members of the Three Affiliated Tribes and Others Including Those Made by Gierke, March 24, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated March 24, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to H. F. Gierke Jr. of Watford City, North Dakota informing Gierke of a hearing on April 4 before the sub-committee on Interior and Insular Affairs to deal with some complaints, including those made by Gierke.

  See also:

  Letter from H. F. Gierke, Jr. to Representative Burdick Regarding Money Paid to the Three Affiliated Tribes and the Relocation of the Agency, March 15, 1952

  Letter from H.F. Gierke, Jr. to Representative Burdick Regarding Questions He Wishes to See Addressed at April 4 Hearing, March 28, 1952

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Howard McGrath Regarding Tribal Business Council, January 21, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated January 21, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to US Attorney General Howard McGrath concerns the Tribal Business Council of the Three Affiliated Tribe of the Fort Berthold Reservation. Burdick writes that Fort Berthold tribal members are unsettled due to events related to the sale of lands for the Garrison Dam, explaining that the Tribal Business Council, under the supervision of the Indian Bureau, proposes to allot each member $1000 and then use the remainder of the money from the sale as they see fit for communal benefit.

  There is a rumor, he writes, that the Tribal Business Council is using some of the funds in unauthorized ways, which has turned 80% of the members against the actions of the Tribal Business Council, and some members are calling for the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to investigate the Tribal Business Council. Burdick writes that he believes that, unless the Council is charged with some crime, the FBI will not act, and asks McGrath, in the event that Burdick is wrong about this and an investigation is indeed possible, to do so and determine whether the tribes' funds are intact or are being unlawfully dissipated.

  See also: Letter from Representative Burdick to Oscar Berg et al. Regarding Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council, January 14, 1952

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding a Missed Appointment, December 19, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated December 19, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross acknowledges that Burdick and Cross had an appointment, but explains that Burdick was pulled away to Washington, D.C. to tend to a matter that concerned both himself and Cross, and that is the reason he missed their meeting. Burdick asks Cross to send the pertinent materials and Burdick will do what he can.

  See also:

  Letter from Eugene Burdick to Representative Burdick Regarding Letter from Martin Cross and a Missed Appointment, December 15, 1952

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding the Petition Calling for the Investigation of Jefferson B. Smith, December 31, 1952

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Thanking Cross for Forwarding Resolution Adopted on December 7 by the Fort Berthold Inter-Agency Committee, February 4, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated February 4, 1952 from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross acknowledges Cross's January 29 letter which enclosed the December 7 resolution passed by the Fort Berthold Inter-Agency committee. Burdick thanks him for this information.

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Forwarding a Resolution from the Fort Berthold Inter-Agency Committee Adopted on December 7, January 29, 1952

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

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Fox Informing of a Hearing on April 4 Regarding the Conflict Within the Three Affiliated Tribes, March 24, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated March 24, 1952, from United States (US) Senator Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Fox informs Fox of a hearing before the sub-committee on Interior and Insular Affairs on April 4 to address concerns regarding the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation.

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Fox to Representative Burdick Expressing Concern that the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council has not been Transparent with Tribal Members, Likely 1952

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Fox Regarding Attitude of Investigators on Fort Berthold Reservation, March 24, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated March 24, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Martin Fox acknowledges receipt of Fox's letter regarding the attitude of investigators on the Reservation. Burdick also informs Fox that there will be a hearing on April 4 before the sub-committee on Interior and Insular Affairs.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Mr. A. E. Keller Regarding Per Capita Payments, March 31, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated March 31, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to A. E. Keller of Stanton, North Dakota refers to Keller's recent letter regarding per capita payments to the two indigenous girls he has adopted. Burdick informs Keller that this matter and others will be discussed at hearings that start on April 4.

  See also:

  Letter from Laura Page Knudson for Representative Burdick to A. E. Keller Regarding Per Capita Payments, June 5 1922

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Mrs. S. L. Krag Regarding Garrison Dam, February 13, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated February 13, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Mrs. S. L. Krag of Minot, North Dakota is a reply to Mrs. Krag's letter of January 28 concerning the effects of the Garrison Dam on the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation.

  Burdick writes that he called the Indian Bureau immediately after receiving her letter and asked for the information she requested, including booklets and pamphlets, and was told they would be sent promptly. After not receiving them, Burdick contacted the department again and was told that the department handling such requests was being taken over by a new chief, which had resulted in many delays.

  He writes in closing that he hopes Krag receives the relevant documents in time to prepare her paper for her club on February 28.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Oscar Berg et al. Regarding Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council, January 14, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated January 14, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Oscar Berg, Percy Rush, Rufus Stevenson, and Jim Blackdog (also known as James Black Dog) of Elbowoods, North Dakota on the Fort Berthold Reservation, concerns the Tribal Business Council of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. Burdick writes that if the recipients feel the Tribal Council is violating its constitution or bylaws, they could file a petition with the Secretary of the Interior. Burdick adds that they have a right to choose an attorney separate from the Tribal Council attorney, and that he believes the US Secretary of the Interior would provide reasonable compensation for such an attorney.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Oscar L. Chapman Regarding Tribal Council, January 14, 1952

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Oscar L. Chapman Enclosing a Letter to Members of the Three Affiliated Tribes Which Burdick Hopes Will Help Resolve Current Tribal Conflict, January 14, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated January 14, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to US Secretary of the Interior Oscar Chapman encloses a letter that Burdick drafted to the "discontented" tribal members on the Fort Berthold Reservation. Burdick is looking for a way to solve the "continual turmoil" on the reservation. The letter Burdick has enclosed is addressed to Oscar Berg, Percy Rush, Rufus Stevenson, and Jim Blackdog (also known as James Black Dog). The letter states that if the recipients feel that the Tribal Council has violated their constitution and by-laws, then they should petition the Secretary of the Interior to hold a hearing.

  See also:

  Letter from Dale E. Doty Regarding Response from Members of the Three Affiliated Tribes to Burdick's Letter Attempting to Resolve Current Tribal Conflict, January 24, 1952

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Oscar L. Chapman Regarding Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council, January 14, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated January 14, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Oscar L. Chapman concerns the Tribal Business Council of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. Burdick writes that he has responded to a group of discontented tribal members and believes a hearing to air grievances will help settle the turmoil.

  See also: Letter from Representative Burdick to Oscar Berg et al. Regarding Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council, January 14, 1952

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Representative John Taber Regarding Appropriations for Garrison Dam, December 22, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated December 22, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to US Representative John Taber, expresses Burdick's objections to spending by the US Army Corps of Engineers in order to built the Garrison Dam to a higher pool level than originally authorized. Burdick details the unauthorized measures and resulting expenditures being made in order to built to the higher the pool level, and argues that the US Army Corps of Engineers be held responsible for the excess money that they spent on the Garrison Dam project. Burdick asks Taber, as chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, to make inquiries into the Corp of Engineers' spending and actions before appropriating further funds for the project.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Rose Drags Wolf Regarding Her Possible Relation to Sakakawea, February 25, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated February 25, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Rose Drags Wolf refers to a visit by member of the Three Affiliate Tribes of Fort Berthold who mentioned to Burdick that Drags Wolf claims to be related to Sakakawea. In this letter, Burdick asks Drags Wolf to inform Burdick of any evidence related to this claim.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Rose Drags Wolf Regarding Per Capita Payments, January 22, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated January 22, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Rose Drags Wolf, of Van Hook, North Dakota, concerns per capita payments for members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. Burdick writes that the present arrangement "just increases their dependency, whereas per capita payments would give them a greater degree of independence than they have ever known before."

  He closes with a pledge to "support any move that gives the Indian independence and enable (sic) him to 'pull himself up by his own bootstraps.'"

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Russell O. Saxvik Regarding Indian Bureau Hospitals, February 13, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, from United States (UIS) Representative Usher Burdick to North Dakota Public Health Officer Russel O. Saxvik refers to Saxvik's letter of February 5 enclosing a resolution by the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission regarding the transfer of the Indian Bureau hospitals to the US Public Health Service.

  Burdick explains that he is "in favor of any program that will serve the best interest of the Indians and which will work toward their assimilation into the community life of the Whites," and that will "improve conditions for them, be it their health, income or freedom from supervision of the Indian Bureau and make them self-sustaining, self-respecting and respected members of the communities in which they live."

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Russell O. Saxvik Regarding Medical Care, January 29, 1952

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Russell O. Saxvik Regarding Medical Care, January 29, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated January 29, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Russell O. Saxvik concerns medical care for the indigenous population of North Dakota. The letter states that Burdick wishes to continue receiving information from the State Health Council.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Russell O. Saxvik Regarding Indian Bureau Hospitals, February 13, 1952

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to S. W. Thompson Regarding Lost Bridge Road, March 21, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated March 21, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to North Dakota State Highway Commissioner S. W. Thompson, replies to Thompson's earlier letter concerning Lost Bridge Road. Burdick says he has met with John Hart to discuss the issue and that funding for the road will be addressed at a later time. Burdick indicates he supports building the road, provided it does not cost too much, because the Fort Berthold tribal members deserve a road in the area they are being forced to relocate to.

  See Also:

  Letter from S. W. Thompson to Representative Burdick Regarding Lost Bridge Road, March 14, 1952

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Walter Ferguson Regarding Garrison Dam Lands, February 28, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated February 28, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Walter Ferguson (spelled "Fergusen" in an earlier letter from Burdick; the more common "Ferguson" was chosen for both entries) of White Earth, North Dakota (ND) concerns the size of Garrison Dam and how many acres of land it will require. In it, Burdick reminds Ferguson of his opposition the US Army Engineers buying up enough land for a 23 million acre-feet pool of water under the dam and repeats the recommendation he made in his last letter to Ferguson, that the latter should contact Bigelow Neal of Sanish, ND who is working on the issue.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Walter Ferguson Regarding Garrison Dam Lands, January 2, 1952

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Walter Ferguson Regarding Garrison Dam Lands, January 2, 1952

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated January 2, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Walter Ferguson (spelled "Fergusen" in this letter and "Ferguson" in a subsequent letter from Burdick; the more common "Ferguson" was chosen as the spelling for both entries) of White Earth, North Dakota concerns the size of Garrison Dam and how many acres of land it will require. The letter states that Burdick is doing all he can to prevent the US Army Engineers from building a pool of more than 17 million acre-feet and that he suggests Ferguson not yet make a deal to sell his land. The letter concludes that Ferguson should contact Bigelow Neal who is working on the issue. See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Walter Ferguson Regarding Garrison Dam Lands, February 28, 1952

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to A. M. Winge Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, January 2, 1952

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated January 2, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Mrs. A. M. Winge concerns the pool level of Garrison Dam. In it, Burdick explains that, when Wenge's previously letter arrived, he was in the hospital at Williston. He assures Winge that he is doing all he can to prevent the US Army Engineers from taking land above the 1,830 foot level, at which the pool would not affect Van Hook, and concludes by stating that he does not believe the US Army Engineers will win in court.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to A. O. Wang Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, February 15, 1952

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated February 15, 1952, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Mr. A. O. Wang, County Auditor of Williams County, North Dakota, concerns the Garrison Dam pool level. Burdick thanks Wang for sending a copy of a board resolution from February 8 regarding the pool level, writing that he is glad to see the board has not changed its stance and that he will continue to fight for the 1,830 foot level.