Usher Burdick Papers

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  Report of the Second Meeting of the Fort Berthold Inter-Agency Committee, December 7, 1951

  R. W. Quinn

  This report of the of the second meeting of the Fort Berthold Inter-Agency committee, dated December 7, 1951, was recorded by Secretary of the Committee R. W. Quinn. The focus of the meeting was discussion of the Fort Berthold Medical Program. The report includes some question and answer sections as well as some statements and discussion by meeting attendees. The last page of the report is a list of names, presumably of those who attended the meeting.

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

  Sanish Van Hook Elevator and Indian Lots Committee

  This letter dated May 10, 1951 from the Sanish Van Hook Elevator Committee to United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick details the committee's estimation of land values and costs associated with moving buildings to a new location due to the impending inundation of the current sites by the Garrison Dam reservoir.

  See also:

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

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

  Justin Spotted Bear

  This telegram, dated May 14, 1951, from Three Affiliate Tribes member Justin Spotted Bear to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick informs Burdick that Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross is going to Washington, D.C. and Spotted Bear is not sure why. He and his group are sending Oscar Burr and Martin Fox to represent the Mandan tribe. Spotted Bear asks that Burdick hold the council until these delegates arrive.

  See also:

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

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  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

  Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council and Martin Cross

  This letter dated April 25, 1951 from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council Chairman Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick refers to an enclosed copy of a Tribal Business Council Resolution.

  The enclosed resolution, adopted on April 13, 1951 deals with the manner of distribution of funds awarded to the tribes by Public Law 437, which authorized the taking of land on the Fort Berthold Reservation for construction of the Garrison Dam.

  The resolution is signed by council secretary George Gillette.

  In his cover letter, Cross also informs Burdick that some tribal members are concerned that the US government will stop providing assistance through the US Bureau of Indian Affairs if they receive per capita payments via US Public Law 437.

  There are some handwritten notes on the letter.

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Enclosing Resolution Adopted by Three Affiliated Tribes Regarding Allocation of Funds from the Taking of their Land, April 25, 1951

  Three Affiliated Tribes Resolution Regarding Allocation of Funds to the Credit of the Tribe for the Taking of their Land, Adopted April 13, 1951

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

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  Letter from F. M. Albrecht to Representative Burdick Regarding Sanish and Van Hook Garrison Dam Relocations, July 18, 1950

  F. M. Albrecht

  This letter, dated July 18, 1950, from Colonel F. M. Albrecht of the United States (US) Army Corps of Engineers to US Representative Usher Burdick concerns the relocation of the towns of Sanish and Van Hook to make way for Garrison Dam. Albrecht refers to Burdick's July 10 inquiry regarding the status of the Sanish and Van Hook acquisition program. Albrecht explains that there is a question of legal authority regarding permission for the US government to pay for improvements of tenants located on railroad property. Albrecht writes that he is forwarding Burdick's letter to the Chief of Engineers, as he does not have enough of the facts to answer fully. As for the rest of the program, he writes that appraisals are underway and that funds should be appropriated by 1951; he then details the sequence in which these appraisals will occur. He explains that the two towns are planning on combining at the southwest site, and concludes by noting that there have been some issues with a minority of Sanish residents who prefer to remain a separate town.

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  Letter from C. H. Beitzel to Commissioner Province Regarding Food Commodities, January 10, 1950

  C. H. Beitzel

  This letter dated January 10, 1950, from C. H. Beitzel to Commissioner Province of the United States Bureau of Indians Affairs, asks for surplus food commodities to be distributed to tribal members. Beitzel notes the Fort Berthold Tribal Council has made a resolution to this effect, too.

  A handwritten annotation at the top reads "File Beitzel."

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  Letter from Gordon W. Bell to Representative Burdick Regarding Religious Education, January 18, 1950

  Gordon W. Bell

  This letter dated January 18, 1950, from Gordon W. Bell to United States (US) House Representative Usher Burdick, addresses concerns about the continued ability to operate religious schools. Specifically, Bell asks Burdick to maintain the separation of church and state to allow churches to operate their own school, apart from government control.

  See Also:

  Letter from Office of Representative Burdick to Gordon W. Bell Regarding Religious Education, January 25, 1950

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  Letter from Oscar N. Berg to Representative Burdick Regarding W. G. Sloan, December 11, 1950

  Oscar N. Berg

  This letter dated December 11, 1950, from Oscar N. Berg to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick, requests a testimonial praising W. G. Sloan from Burdick. Berg is the Executive Secretary for the Missouri-Souris Projects Association. Berg explains there will be a dinner in Montana honoring Sloan and they are collecting testimonials to put in a commemorative scrapbook to be given to him ahead of his retirement. Berg notes Sloan's contributions to the Missouri-Souris Projects.

  See Also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Oscar N. Berg Regarding W. G. Sloan, December 18, 1950

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to C. H. Beitzel Regarding Food Commodities, January 11, 1950

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated January 11, 1950, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Turtle Mountain Consolidated Agency Superintendent C. H. Beitzel, acknowledges the receipt of Beitzel's letter and copy of a resolution regarding the need for surplus food commodities. Burdick states he has forwarded the request to the Director of Food Distributions in the US Department of Agriculture, along with a "personal letter urging that they do all within their power" to alleviate the suffering on the reservation.

  See Also:

  Letter from C. H. Beitzel to Representative Burdick Regarding Food Commodities, December 29, 1949

  Letter from Representative Burdick to C. H. Beitzel Regarding Food Commodities, January 20, 1950

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to C. H. Beitzel Regarding Food Commodities, January 20, 1950

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated January 20, 1950, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Turtle Mountain Consolidated Agency Superintendent C. H. Beitzel, follows up on their previous correspondence about the need for surplus food at the Turtle Mountain Reservation. Burdick notes that he has included a copy of the response he received from the United States Department of Agriculture. The original resolution from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa is also attached.

  The letter from the Department of Agriculture is written by Assistant Administrator John I. Thompson and lets Burdick know that his office has taken steps to address the needs stated in Burdick and Beitzel's letters. Thompson also notes that some of the commodities asked for in the resolution are not food products that the Department of Agriculture collects as surplus.

  See Also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to C. H. Beitzel Regarding Food Commodities, January 11, 1950

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to H. A. Rustad Regarding Troubles with Reservation Horses, January 18, 1950

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated January 18, 1950, from the United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to H. A. Rustad acknowledges the receipt of Rustad’s letter regarding “difficulties with the reservation horses.” Burdick informs Rustad that he is contacting the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs in order to take steps to “either dispose of their horses or keep them within the boundaries of the reservation.” He asks Rustad to convey this information to Mr. Hatten and Mr. Giffey, who signed Rustad’s letter to Burdick

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to the US Bureau of Indian Affairs Regarding Troubles with Reservation Horses, January 18, 1950

  Letter from William E. Warne to Senator Langer Regarding Depredation by Horses from the Fort Berthold Reservation, Undated (in the William Langer Collection)

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Leonard Trainer Regarding Food Commodities, January 11, 1950

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated January 11, 1950, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Leonard R. Trainer, Director of Food Distribution Programs for the US Department of Agriculture, refers to an enclosed resolution from the Advisory Committee of Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa asking for additional quantities of food commodities. Burdick notes that it appears North Dakota will have a hard winter and asks Trainer to provide food for the tribes of North Dakota so they will not have the same hardship as previous winters.

  The resolution Burdick refers to was not found with this letter in the Burdick papers.

  A handwritten note precedes the letter that has Trainer's department and title.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Acknowledging January 6 Letter, January 12, 1950

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated January 12, 1950, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross thanks Cross for his letter of January 6. Burdick informs Cross that he will advise Cross of any hearings that affect the Three Affiliated Tribes.

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding US Public Law 437 and US Senate Bill 1133, January 6, 1950

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding Public Law 437, January 17, 1950

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Enclosing a Copy of the Bill that Burdick has Introduced, May 9, 1950

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated May 9, 1950 from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross makes reference to an enclosed copy of a bill providing for per capita payments that Cross had requested. Burdick informs Cross that the bill has been introduced in the US Senate. The copy of the bill referred to by Burdick was not found with this letter in Burdick's papers.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding a Bill that Cross Would Like to See Introduced, May 5, 1950

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding the Bill that Burdick Introduced at Cross's Request, May 9, 1950

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Informing Cross that Burdick Will be Leaving Washington, D.C., March 16, 1950

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated May 16, 1950, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes tribal member Martin Cross informs Cross that Burdick will be leaving Washington, D.C. and hopes to see Cross soon.

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding the Bill that Burdick Introduced at Cross's Request, May 9, 1950

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding a Bill that Cross Would Like to See Introduced, May 5, 1950

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated May 5, 1950, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross informs Cross that the per capita payment bill is being prepared and should be ready in a day or two. Burdick mentions some flood damage in the state that he has been attending to.

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding a Bill that Cross Would Like to See Introduced, April 25, 1950

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Enclosing a Copy of the Bill that Burdick has Introduced, May 9, 1950

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding Floyd Montclair's Visit to Washington, D.C., February 9, 1950

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated February 9, 1950 from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross states that Burdick's understanding of the situation is that Floyd Montclair's visit to Washington, D.C. was supported by the same group of tribal members who are in support of Martin Cross. Burdick informs Cross that he is willing to give any tribal member a hearing who is willing to come to Washington to state their mind on the land matter. Burdick says that the same goes for Oscar Burr [Burdick refers to Burr as "Oscar Bear" in this letter]. Burdick says that he will keep Cross informed.

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Enclosing a February 6 Resolution Passed by the Joseph Young Hawk Post #253, February 7, 1950

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding Hearings and Delegates in Washington, February 14, 1950

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding Hearings and Delegates in Washington, February 21, 1950

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated February 21, 1950, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross informs Cross that Oscar Burr did not show up in Washington D.C. for the hearing. Burdick says that he will be waiting to see Cross when Cross comes to Washington D.C..

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding Hearings and Delegates in Washington, February 14, 1950

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding Public Law 437, March 7, 1950

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding Hearings for US House Resolution 8411, June 8, 1950

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated June 8, 1950, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross informs Cross that a hearing for US House Resolution 8411 (H. R. 8411) will have to wait until US Representative Toby Morris's return [Burdick misspells Morris's name "Tobey" in this letter]. Burdick says that he will inform Cross well in advance once the hearing is scheduled so Cross has time to make arrangements to come to the hearing.

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding Hearings for US House Resolution 8411, June 3, 1950

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding Hearings for US House Resolution 8411, June 13 1950

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

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated January 30, 1951 from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross acknowledges a letter Cross has sent containing a list of items he wants to see addressed, and recommends that Cross wait to come to Washington D.C. to try to resolve these matters at least until April 1. Burdick writes that he will help Cross with these items.

  See also:

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

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Oscar N. Berg Regarding W. G. Sloan, December 18, 1950

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated December 18, 1950, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Oscar N. Berg, Executive Secretary for the Missouri-Souris Projects Association, responds to Berg's request for a testimonial about W. G. Sloan. Burdick writes that people in the Williston area have nothing but praise for Sloan, and that Sloan's plan for the Missouri-Souris portion of the Upper Missouri Valley development should have been the plan for the entire development, as it would have hurt no one, would have supplied sufficient power for the needs of the Northwest, and would have provided irrigation without destroying more farmland than it served. Burdick goes on to lament that the Pick-Sloan plan represented a compromise that was subsequently worsened by high-handed and unauthorized actions by the US Army Corp of Engineers, including significantly increasing the pool height and capacity of the reservoir in conflict with the plan originally authorized by Congress.

  See Also:

  Letter from Oscar N. Berg to Representative Burdick Regarding W. G. Sloan, December 11, 1950

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Ralph Hoyt Case Regarding Report Given to Fort Berthold Tribal Business Council, January 9, 1950

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated January 9, 1950, from United States House Representative Usher Burdick to Ralph Hoyt Case, thanks Case for sending Burdick a copy of the report Case sent to the Fort Berthold Tribal Business Council on January 4, 1950. Burdick states he "shall study it carefully."

  See also:

  Letter from Ralph Hoyt Case to Representative Burdick Regarding Report Given to Fort Berthold Tribal Business Council, January 6, 1950

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Robert Vogel Regarding Martin Cross and Per Capita Payments, May 5, 1950

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated May 5, 1950, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to attorney Robert Vogel informs Vogel that the bill he inquired about on behalf of Three Affiliated Tribes Member Martin Cross is being prepared.

  See also:

  Letter from Robert Vogel to Representative Burdick Regarding Martin Cross and Per Capita Payments, May 1, 1950

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs Regarding Troubles with Reservation Horses, January 18, 1950

  Usher Burdick

  This letter dated January 18, 1950, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to the US Bureau of Indian Affairs refers to an enclosed letter “showing the troubles that farmers outside of the Fort Berthold Reservation are having with horses owned by Indians of the reservation.” Burdick writes that he believes the matter can be “solved satisfactorily” by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The letter referred to as enclosed was not found with this letter in Burdick's papers.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to H.A. Rustad Regarding Troubles with Reservation Horses, January 18, 1950

  Letter from William E. Warne to Senator Langer Regarding Depredation by Horses from the Fort Berthold Reservation, Undated (in the William Langer Collection)

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Bigelow Neal Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, August 18, 1950

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated August 18, 1950, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Bigelow Neal concerns the operating pool level of the Garrison Dam. The letter states that Robert G. Lassiter has shown Burdick Bigelow's previous letter. The letter tells Neal that he can trust that Lassiter. The letter goes on to state that the US Army Engineers are trying to "push upon the people of South Dakota the same thing they pushed onto us in North Dakota." The letter concludes by stating that the law only authorizes a 17 million acre pool and that if the Army Engineers try to flood the land above that amount or above 1,830 feet, they will be faced with legal action.