Usher Burdick Papers

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  Letter from Laura Knudson For Representative Burdick to Selma Stenerson Regarding Garrison Dam Flood Land Maps, October 2, 1952

  Selma H. Stenerson

  This letter, dated October 2, 1952, from Laura Page Knudson on behalf of United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Selma H. Stenerson of the Hunt Oil Company in Dallas, Texas, refers to a request dated September 26 received from Stenerson. Knudsen writes that she is sending a copy of Burdick's brief, "Concerning the Legal Authority for the Building of the Garrison Dam at Garrison, North Dakota," but that Burdick's office has no maps of the area to be flooded, and recommends Stenerson request a July, 1950 booklet titled "The Corps of Engineers in North Dakota," which has maps and pictures of the Garrison Dam project, from the US Army Corps of Engineers.

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  Letter from Sam Stern to Representative Burdick Regarding George Stephenson, November 4, 1952

  Sam Stern

  This letter dated November 4, 1952, from Sam Stern to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick, notes that he has enclosed a letter he has received that, he writes, Burdick is better able to address than he himself. Stern is the Grand Exalted Ruler of the Fargo chapter of the Grand Lodge of the Order of the Elks. There is a handwritten note from Stern at the bottom of the letter.

  The enclosed letter dated July 18, 1952, from George S. Stephenson of Los Angeles, California and formerly of Fargo, North Dakota, to Stern, expresses Stephenson's concerns about the living conditions of American Indians, particularly their children. Stephenson opens the letter by briefly recounting his early life, running away from his home on a ranch in "Western Canada" to Argusville, North Dakota, then to Fargo, North Dakota, where he lived for many years. Stephenson notes that he joined the Order of the Elks as an adult, and that he is a "member of the Sioux tribe of Indians" and has been involved in trying to improve living conditions for indigenous people for more than fifty years. Stephenson explains that he has written to Stern because he heard on the radio that Stern had been made Grand Exalted Ruler, and he would like Stern to use his "prestige" to influence "our congressman" to vote for appropriations which would improve indigenous health. Stephenson notes he has included a report from the "Indian Health Service Department," but this report was not present with this letter in Burdick's papers.

  See Also:

  Letter from Laura Page Knudson for Representative Burdick to Sam Stern Regarding George Stephenson, November 10, 1952

  Letter from Laura Page Knudson for Representative Burdick to George Stephenson Regarding Health of American Indians, November 12, 1952

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  Letter from J. B. Sullivan to Representative Burdick Regarding Investigation of the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council, March 31, 1952

  J. B. Sullivan

  This letter, dated March 31, 1952, from Dr. J.B. Sullivan of Sweet Grass, Montana to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick congratulates Burdick on arranging the planned April 4 investigation into the activities of the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council. Sullivan goes on to give his opinions on the matter of reservation governance, including two remedies that, in his opinion, would help the situation.

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

  S. W. Thompson

  This letter dated March 14, 1952, from North Dakota State Highway Commissioner S. W. Thompson to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick, addresses the issue of building new roads within the Fort Berthold Reservation. Specifically, Thompson writes about the need for new roads on account of the Garrison Reservoir, namely a proposed extension of State Highway 22 to connect to Lost Bridge Road. Thompson notes that the funds needed for this project go beyond the state budget and that tribal members are unwilling to relocate because of the dam without assurance there will be adequate road access in their new location. Thompson mentions that Director John Hart of the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission is requesting additional appropriations for building roads connected to the relocation of tribal members. Thompson closes the letter by asking Burdick to consider these needs and to keep Thompson apprised of the situation.

  See Also:

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

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  Letter from Jerome Has Tricks to U.S. Reprsentative Usher L. Burdick Regarding a Follow-up on the Discharge Time of Leo Running Bear, September 19, 1952.

  Jerome Has Tricks

  This letter, dated September 19, 1952, from Jerome Has Tricks to U.S. Representative Usher L. Burdick, is regarding how soon Has Trick's grandson. Leo Running Bear, will be discharged from the Army.

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  Bill Now in Congress to ‘Shoot Indians’, February 2, 1952

  Unknown

  This newspaper clipping, published in the Sioux County Pioneer-Arrow on February 2, 1952, discusses the controversy surrounding Senate Bill 2543, a proposed piece of federal legislation that would expand the authority of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and its law enforcement officers. The article provides the text of the bill and warns that its broad language could allow federal authorities to enter Native American homes, confiscate property, and make arrests without due process, essentially placing tribal members under martial-law-like conditions.

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  It Costs Too Much to Liquidate Bureaus, February 15, 1952.

  Unknown

  This editorial, published in the Fargo (N.D.) Morning Forum on February 15, 1952, critiques the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and its proposed plan for “self-liquidation.” While the Bureau presented a plan to wind down its operations, the House Appropriations Committee discovered that the process would require 90% more funding in the upcoming year than ever before and extend for at least another 15 years.

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  Newspaper Clipping Regarding US bureau of Land Management, Legal Segragation, and the Three Affilitated Tribes' Rejection of Plan to Disburse Tribal Damage Money, 1951

  author unknown

  These newspaper clippings dated 1951 refer to three separate topics. The first clipping reports on Marion Clawson's challenge to his dismissal as Director of the United States Bureau of Land Management. A second bulletin on the same clipping notes a ruling by United States District Judge Alexander Holtzoff that "Negroes may legally be barred from a Federal-aided housing project where equal facilities are available elsewhere."

  The second clipping reports on the rejection of a program to disburse funds awarded to the Fort Berthold Reservation as damages. It reports that Tribal Council Chairman Martin Cross, who opposed the program, believes there will be a path forward to a program that is acceptable to a majority of tribal members. The article reports that G. Warren Spalding from the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs will be meeting with the Tribal Council on June 16, 1951.

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  Letter from C. J. Barry to John B. Hart Regarding Medical Care, October 15, 1951

  CJ Barry

  This letter, dated October 15, 1951, from C. J. Barry to John B, Hart, executive director of the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission, makes reference to Hart's letter of October 1. Barry thanks Hart for the letter, and for information about Dr. Van Sandt, who Barry hopes will be a valuable source of information regarding the health and medical care of Indians. Barry adds that United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick will be in Williston, North Dakota until January 1, 1952.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Blair and Jo Ann Smallwood Regarding Reservoir Name, August 17, 1951

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated August 17, 1951, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Blair and Jo Ann Smallwood, expresses Burdick's appreciation for their 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 United States Senator Milton Young and United States 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.

  This appears to be a form letter that Burdick sent to people who initially wrote to him about naming the Garrison Dam reservoir.

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

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated July 30, 1951, from United Stated (US) Representative Usher Burdick to US Bureau of Indian Affairs Commissioner D. S. Myer (which Burdick misspells as "Meyer") makes reference to a petition Burdick received from Three Affiliated Tribes member Oscar Burr regarding per capita payments related to the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation and the Garrison Dam. Burdick writes that he has received complains from the Reservation and that he is confident Myer will handle the issue. The letter states that Burdick is sending Burr's petition. There is a handwritten note at the top of the document which reads "Oscar Burr; Ft. Berthold Reservation; Elbowoods, ND."

  See also:

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

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to L. R. Nostdal Regarding Indian Definition, October 1, 1951

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated October 1, 1951, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Rugby, North Dakota attorney L.R. Nostdal makes reference to Nostdal's letter of September 27 regarding a court case identified as "#555-B Stat v. Jerome" for which Nostdal is looking for a legal definition of "Indian."

  In this reply, Burdick cites United States Statues at Large, 73rd Congress, 1933-34, Volume 48, Part 1, Public Law, page 988, Sec 19, which provides parameters on the subject. The Burdick adds that believes anyone who is a ward of the government under the Indian Bureau would also qualify as an "Indian."

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

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated December 31, 1951, from United States (US) Senator Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross acknowledges Cross's communication (presumably the telegram of December 29 inquiring about US Public Law 843 and US House Resolution 8411). Burdick says that he will provide an opinion in a couple of days.

  See also:

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

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Responding to Cross's Inquiry About Government Assistance Withdrawal, May 3, 1951

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated May 3, 1951, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross says that Burdick has carefully read the resolution that Cross sent regarding the division of funds paid to the Three Affiliated Tribes from US Public Law 437. Burdick informs Cross that he was told that there would be "no lessening or restriction" of assistance following per capita payments. Burdick says that the Commissioner is working on a statement about the issue and Burdick will forward it to Cross once it is ready. There's a handwritten note at the top of 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

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Zimmerman Regarding Reservoir Name, August 17, 1951

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated August 17, 1951, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Zimmerman, expresses Burdick's appreciation for their 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 United States Senator Milton Young and United States 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.

  This appears to be a form letter that Burdick sent to people who initially wrote to him about naming the Garrison Dam reservoir.

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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.