Usher Burdick Papers

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Mr. D. S. Myer Regarding Garrison Dam Flooding, July 30, 1951

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated July 30, 1951, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to US Commissioner of Indian Affairs D. S. Myer refers to a letter Burdick has received from Flora Dawson of Sanish, North Dakota, a non-Indian who owns land on the reservation through the will of her late husband, who was a member of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. Dawson needs to sell the land due to the construction of the Garrison Dam, and wants to sell this land to the Indian Bureau rather that to the Army Corps of Engineers, and Burdick wishes to know if this is possible, given her status as a non-Indian.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Mrs. H. T. Burns Sr. Regarding Reservoir Name, August 17, 1951

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated August 17, 1951, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Mrs. H. T. Burns, Sr., expresses appreciation for Burns's letter concerning the name of the Garrison Dam reservoir. Burdick notes that he agrees that the reservoir should be given an "Indian name," but notes there has also already been legislation introduced to name the reservoir "Lake Thompson" that has been endorsed by US Senator Milton Young and US House Representative Fred Aandahl. Burdick closes by affirming his interest in North Dakota history and by noting it will be difficult to stop the current legislation.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Oscar Burr Regarding Per Capita Payments, July 30, 1951

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated July 30, 1951, from United Stated (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes member Oscar Burr acknowledges receipt of Burr's petition regarding per capita payments and the Garrison Dam. Burdick writes that he will do his best to carry out Burr's wishes.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to D. S. Myer Regarding Oscar Burr's Petition, July 30, 1951

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Senator Iver Solberg Regarding Cost of Garrison Dam, January 9, 1951

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated January 9, 1951, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to US Senator Iver Solberg, addresses the cost of building the Garrison Dam. Burdick also briefly touches on the pool level of the Garrison Reservoir and the authority for raising the height. A handwritten annotation near the top of the document reads "Garrison."

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Thomas Curtis Responding to Curtis's Request for Burdick's Views on the Inundation of the Fort Berthold Reservation due to Construction of the Garrison Dam, June 25, 1951

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated June 25, 1951, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to US Representative Thomas B. Curtis responds to Curtis's inquiry regarding the inundation of a section of the Fort Berthold Reservation due to the construction of the Garrison Dam. Burdick explains that the US Army Corps of engineers did not follow the law in deciding the pool level of the dam reservoir and as such they flooded unnecessary bottom lands on the Fort Berthold Reservation. Burdick provides some information about why this decision was made, but also expresses some skepticism about the safety of the dam itself.

  See also:

  Letter from Thomas Curtis to Representative Burdick Enclosing an Article Regarding the Inundation of the Fort Berthold Reservation due to Construction of the Garrison Dam, Asking for Burdick's Views on the Matter, June 22, 1951

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to W. A. Pike Regarding Relocation of Sanish and Van Hook Cemeteries, April 20, 1951

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated April 20, 1951, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to W. A. Pike, acknowledges Pike's April 17, 1951 letter and informs Pike that Burdick does not know anything about the federal government's plan to relocate the cemeteries of Sanish and Van Hook, North Dakota. Burdick thanks Pike for informing him of Pike's experience in relocating cemeteries and tells him he will let Pike know if any information regarding a contract for that work comes to his attention.

  See Also:

  Letter from W. A. Pike to Representative Burdick Regarding Relocation of Sanish and Van Hook Cemeteries, April 17, 1951

  Letter from Representative Burdick to W. A. Pike Regarding Relocation of Sanish and Van Hook Cemeteries, May 2, 1951

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to W. A. Pike Regarding Relocation of Sanish and Van Hook Cemeteries, May 2, 1951

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated May 2, 1951, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to W. A. Pike, informs Pike that the United States Army Corps of Engineers will be taking bids for the job of relocating the Sanish and Van Hook, North Dakota cemeteries. Burdick gives Pike contact information for the Corps of Engineers and tells him if Pike's bid is the lowest, he will receive the contract. There is a handwritten note on the typed letter that says "Sanish." The letter mistakenly addresses a "W. E. Pike," rather than "W. A. Pike." Pike's initials are confirmed by Pike's earlier correspondence. The letter also mistakenly refers to Burdick's "April 30" letter to Pike, which was actually dated "April 20."

  See Also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to W. A. Pike Regarding Relocation of Sanish and Van Hook Cemeteries, April 20, 1951

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  Press Release by Representative Burdick Regarding Indian Coal, February 14, 1951

  Usher Burdick

  This press release dated February 14 (likely 1951, based on references in related documents) from the office of United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick announces his successful involvement in distributing coal from the stockpile at the Garrison Dam to Indian reservations.

  See Also:

  Public Statement by Representative Burdick Regarding Indian Coal, February 8, 1951

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  Public Statement by Representative Burdick Regarding Indian Coal, February 8, 1951

  Usher Burdick

  This public statement dated February 8, 1951 from the office of United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick discusses the possibility of giving some of the stockpile of coal in the Garrison Dam area of North Dakota to the United States (US) Indian Bureau for distribution to reservations so that "Freezing Indians" can use it.

  See Also:

  Press Release by Representative Burdick Regarding Indian Coal, February 14, 1951

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  Testimony by Representative Burdick to US Congress Regarding Cuts to Bureau of Indian Affairs Appropriations, April 25, 1951

  Usher Burdick

  This extract, dated April 25, 1951 from the United States (US) Congressional Record of Debate, includes testimony given by US Representative Usher L. Burdick on the floor of the US House of Representatives in opposition to cuts to appropriation for the US Bureau of Indian Affairs while explaining Indians' negative view of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and mentions the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians of North Dakota's pending case in the Court of Claims regarding land seized by the United States government without a signed treaty.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Mrs. Albert N. Winge Regarding Non-Payment of Land Rentals to County, January 24, 1951

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter dated January 24, 1951 from United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick to Mrs. Albert N. Winge of Van Hook, North Dakota, responds to her letter of January 18, 1951, regarding rent money for land from the Garrison Dam project not being returned to the county and causing problems for school funding. Burdick gives Winge the address of the regional office of the US Bureau of Land Reclamation in Billings, Montana, who, he explains, has jurisdiction over the Garrison Dam area.

  Burdick also mentions his opposition to the drafting of essential farm workers, and expresses his hope that her son will be included in the group of Farmer's Union people Burdick will be meeting with the following Tuesday.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Mrs. A. N. Winge Regarding Inadequate Rental Payments, January 31, 1951

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Mrs. Albert Winge Regarding Garrison Dam, January 24, 1951

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated January 24, 1951, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Mrs. Albert N. Winge acknowledges her letter of January 18 and states that Burdick is looking into the "Garrison Dam problem" mentioned in that letter, which is not available in this collection. The letter goes on to state that Burdick looks forward to the arrival of Winge's son, Ralph, who will be arriving with the Farmers Union delegation. The letter concludes by stating that Burdick has not received the newspaper clippings mentioned by Winge.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Mrs. A. N. Winge Regarding Inadequate Rental Payments, January 31, 1951

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter dated January 31, 1951 from United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick to Mrs. A. N. Winge of Van Hook, North Dakota, makes reference to recent communication from Winge and asks for specific examples of the kind of misrepresentation or inadequate rental payments she is referring to.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Mrs. Albert N. Winge Regarding Non-Payment of Land Rentals to County, January 24, 1951

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Bringing a List of Items to Burdick's Attention, January 23, 1951

  Martin Cross

  This letter, dated January 23, 1951, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick provides a list of items for Burdick to consider. The items relate to the needs of the Three Affiliated Tribes that Cross wishes to address as chairperson.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Responding to Cross's January 23 Letter Bringing Items to Burdick's Attention, January 30, 1951

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding a Trip to Washington to Meet with Indian Bureau, May 17, 1951

  Martin Cross

  This letter, dated May 17, 1951, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Senator Usher Burdick informs Burdick that the Secretary of the Interior approved the tribal resolution of April 13, 1951 and Cross is headed to Washington, D.C. to work with the tribal lawyer on the legal interpretation the resolution. There are some handwritten notes on the letter.

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Forwarding a Resolution Passed by the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council, and Expressing Concern over Withdrawal of Government Assistance, April 25, 1951

  Telegram from Justin Spotted Bear to Representative Burdick Regarding Delegates Sent to Washington, D.C., May 14, 1951

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  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding US Public Law 843, December 29, 1951

  Martin Cross

  This telegram, dated December 29, 1951, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick requests Burdick's opinion on US Public Law 843 and also inquires about the reintroduction of US House Resolution 8411 (H.R. 8411).

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Responding to Cross's December 29 Telegram, December 31, 1951

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  Letter from James E. Curry to Representative Burdick Regarding US House Resolution 4635, July 8, 1951

  James E. Curry

  This letter, dated July 8, 1951, from James E. Curry, attorney for the Three Affiliated Tribes, to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick discusses a preliminary hearing for US House Resolution 4635 (H.R. 4635) the time of which Burdick was not notified of. Curry informs Burdick that another hearing will be held and that he hopes Burdick will attend and represent his constituents. Curry encloses a statement from Martin Cross which was delivered at the hearing that Burdick was unable to attend. The statement is enclosed with this document.

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  Report Concerning Tribal Delegation to Washington, December 16-22 from James E. Curry to Representative Burdick, December 23, 1951

  James E. Curry

  This report, dated December 23, 1951, sent from Three Affiliated Tribes attorney James E. Curry to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick, is a summary of conferences and other activities from a recent trip to Washington, D.C. by a delegation from the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Forth Berthold Reservation. The enclosed report is addressed to the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council. The delegation was in Washington, D.C. from December 16-22. The report is preceded by a memo from Curry to Burdick, dated December 24, 1951.

  The report is broken down into sections labeled: General; Oil Revenue Rights--General; Oil Rights in the Allotments Made Under the Act of 1920; Oil Revenue from School Lands; Oil Revenue from Lands Reserved for Agency, School, and Religious Purposes; Oil Revenues from 'Fourteen Townships'; Possible Additional Oil Leases; Personnel Matters; Claims; Technical Amendment to the Tribal Constitution; Delegation of Power to Acquire Land; General Constitutional Amendments; Enrollment; Land Acquisition; Relocation; National Congress of American Indians; Ford Foundation; Per Capita Payments; Voluntary Withdrawal; Timber, and Funds.

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  Letter from Thomas Curtis to Representative Burdick Enclosing an Article Regarding the Inundation of the Fort Berthold Reservation due to Construction of the Garrison Dam, Asking for Burdick's Views on the Matter, June 22, 1951

  Thomas B. Curtis

  This letter, dated June 22, 1951, from United States (US) Representative Thomas Curtis to US Representative Usher Burdick includes an enclosed article entitled "Inundation and the Indians: The present and future plans for the Fort Berthold Reservation Indian Mission are explained" which was sent to Curtis by one of Curtis's constituents. Curtis says that he respects Burdick's views and would like some information on the matter. The article is included with this document.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Thomas Curtis Responding to Curtis's Request for Burdick's Views on the Inundation of the Fort Berthold Reservation due to Construction of the Garrison Dam, June 25, 1951

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  Letter from Laura Page Knudson for Representative Burdick to Emma L. Jones Regarding Land Payment, December 3, 1951

  Laura Page Knudson

  This letter dated December 3, 1951 from Laura Page Knudson on behalf of United States (US) Usher Burdick to Emma L. Jones acknowledges receipt of her letter regarding land payments, and pledges to take up the matter with the proper agencies and report back to Jones when she has more information.

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  Letter from Bigelow Neal to Representative Burdick Regarding Land Acquisition, July 20, 1951

  Bigelow Neal

  This letter dated July 20, 1951 from Bigelow Neal to United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick discusses farmers' demands regarding the land acquisition project and other miscellaneous topics.

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  Letter from Al N. Nelson to Representative Burdick Regarding Land Value Estimations, May 12, 1951

  Al N. Nelson

  This letter dated May 12, 1951 from Secretary of the Sanish-Van Hook Elevator and Indian Lots Committee Al N. Nelson to United States (US) Representative Usher L, Burdick updates Burdick regarding the committee's estimated value for land situated on Indian Lots and Grain Elevators situated on leased Railway sites in the Villages of Sanish and Van Hook. There is a handwritten annotation reading "Rec 5/18/51 by DBC buildings all have to be flooded by Garrison Dam."

  See also:

  Letter from Sanish-Van Hook Elevator and Indian Lots Committee to Representative Burdick Regarding Land Values, May 10, 1951

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  Letter from Office of Representative Burdick to Ralph M. Shane Regarding Reservoir Name, October 23, 1951

  Office of Representative Burdick

  This letter dated October 23, 1951, from the Office of United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Ralph M. Shane, acknowledges receipt of Shane's letter objecting to naming the Garrison reservoir "Lake Thompson." Burdick's assistant notes that Burdick is traveling to North Dakota and that the bill that would name the reservoir Lake Thompson has been tabled due to Burdick's intervention. The letter closes with an affirmation of Burdick's support for giving the reservoir an "Indian name."

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  Letter from Office of Representative Burdick to W. E. Potter Regarding Relocation and Utilities, January 23, 1951

  Office of Representative Burdick

  This letter dated January 23, 1951, from the Office of United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to W. E. Potter, addresses the relocation of towns due to the building of Garrison Dam and resulting issues with public utilities. Burdick notes he is enclosing a copy of a letter sent to Colonel F. H. Albrecht that was also sent to five members of the United States Congress. The enclosed letter was not found with this letter in Burdick's papers.

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  Letter from W. A. Pike to Representative Burdick Regarding Relocation of Sanish and Van Hook Cemeteries, April 17, 1951

  W. A. Pike

  This letter dated April 17, 1951, from W. A. Pike to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick, details Pike's prior experience with relocating cemeteries and inquires about the relocation of the Sanish and Van Hook cemeteries. Pike expresses interest in taking on this relocation job.

  See Also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to W. A. Pike Regarding Relocation of Sanish and Van Hook Cemeteries, April 20, 1951