Usher Burdick Papers

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  Draft of Bill To Amend the Act Authorizing the Negotiation and Ratification of Certain Contracts with Certain Indians of the Sioux Tribe in Order to Extend the Time for Negotiation and Approval of Such Contracts, 1952

  Usher L. Burdick

  This document is a draft of a bill, not dated, by United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick, intended to increase the amount of time allowed for negotiation and ratification under the law entitled, "An Act to authorize the negotiation and ratification of separate settlement contracts with the Sioux Indians of Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota and of Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota and North Dakota for Indian lands and rights acquired by the United States for the Oahe Dam and Reservoir, Missouri River development, and for other related purposes," also known as Public Law 81-870. This amendment would increase the amount of time allowed for negotiation and ratification from twenty-eight months to forty months.

  This wording is identical to the wording of a bill proposed in the US Senate by US Senator William Langer, who wrote to Burdick on January 22, 1952 asking him to do the same in the US House of Representatives.

  See also:

  Letter from US Senator William Langer to Representative Burdick Regarding Bill to Extend Expiration Date of Act Authorizing the Negotiation and Ratification of Certain Contracts with Certain Indians of the Sioux Tribe in Order to Extend the Time for Negotiation and Approval of Such Contracts, January 22, 1952

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  Press Release Regarding Representative Burdick's Resolution Calling for an Investigation of Garrison Dam Project, August 25

  Usher L. Burdick

  This press release, dated for release on August 25 (no year indicated) tells of the introduction of United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick's resolution calling for an investigation of land requisitioning practices employed by the US Army Corps of Engineers for the Garrison Dam Project. The release states the Army Corp of Engineers are engaged in acquisitions “far in excess of that required for storage of the 17 million acre-feet and in excess of that 1,830 foot pool level operation agreed to,” which Burdick says violates Public Law 534 and Senate Document 247. The release also reports Burdick's claims that the higher pool level would destroy agricultural land, flood irrigation projects, destroy part of the Great Northern railroad bed, and flood part of Williston, North Dakota.

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  Press Statement from Representatives Burdick and Lemke Regarding Limitation on the Pool Level, October 5

  Usher L. Burdick

  This press statement dated October 5 (no year indicated), by United States (US) Representatives Usher L. Burdick and William Lemke states that “it was no surprise” that the United States Army Engineers have tried to create a larger pool area for the Garrison Dam than 17 million acre feet. The press statement states that this matter should be immediately placed before the federal courts in the form of an injunction to prevent the Army Engineers from breaking the law. No year is marked in this document.

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  List by Oscar Burr Entitled, "What My People Want," Undated

  Oscar Burr

  This undated list authored by Oscar Burr is entitled "What My People Want" and consists of a list of nine numbered items relating to what "Indian people" want. Items on the list include "Adequate standard of living" and "Termination of tax exemption for Indian lands." Oscar Burr served on the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council from 1952-1956; this is presumably the same Oscar Burr who has authored this list. This list was filed with United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick's papers in a file labeled "Fort Berthold Indians."

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  Letter from O. K. Chandler to Representative Burdick Regarding Harold Ickes and the US Bureau of Indian Affairs, undated

  O. K. Chandler

  This letter, undated, from O. K. Chandler, National Chairman on Organization for the American Indian Federation to United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick, appears to consist of a partial report on a recent conference of the American Indian Federation, with personal note from Chandler to Burdick regarding US Secretary of the Interior Harold Ickes and the US Bureau of Indian Affairs.

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  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding US Senate Bill 746, Likely 1955

  Martin Cross

  This telegram, likely from early 1955, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick requests that Burdick introduce a companion bill to US Senator Milton Young's Bill, US Senate Bill 746 (S. 746) which aims to restore the mineral rights lost in the taking of Three Affiliated Tribes' land for the Garrison Dam.

  See also:

  Telegram from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding US Senate Bill 746, February 11, 1955

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  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

  Martin Fox

  This handwritten letter, likely from 1952, from Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Fox to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick expresses concern about tribal members being uninformed of events occurring on the reservation and with the tribal council. The Tribal Council has gone to Washington, D.C. and Fox says that it's not clear why. Fox also references investigators who came to the reservation. Fox wanted to speak with them but was not allowed.

  See also:

  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

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  Telegram from Donnell Haugen to Representative Burdick Regarding Indian Delegation, June 27

  Donnell Haugen

  This telegram dated June 27 (no year indicated), from Donnell Haugen to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick, informs Burdick that the "Indian Delegation" wishes to meet with Burdick in Williston, North Dakota. Haugen asks when Burdick will be leaving Williston and requests Burdick to wire his plans.

  Handwritten annotations on the telegram read "Bismarck" and "Barry."

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  Notes on US Senate Bill 2151, Presumably Made by Representative Burdick, Likely 1956

  Likley Usher Burdick

  These undated notes, presumably written by United States (US) Usher Burdick and attached to a copy of US Senate Bill 2151 dated June 6, 1955, explain the need for per capita payments to aid the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, as they were forced to relocate their homes due to flooding by the completion of the Garrison Dam. The notes are annotated. At the top, a handwritten notation reads, "S. 2151, for record, March 7, 1956."

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  Memorandum from R. B. McKee to Area Director Regarding Grazing on the Fort Berthold Reservation, Likely 1956

  R. B. McKee and Wayne T. Emerson

  This memorandum, likely from 1956, from R. B. McKee, Superintendent of the Fort Berthold Agency to "Area Director" responds to a request for maps of the taking area of the Fort Berthold Reservation and a description of how that land is being used. The memorandum indicates that that the current area of 70,000 acres will reduce to 37,000 as the Garrison Reservoir pool level continues to rise to 1850 feet. At this time, a little more than half of the area is used for grazing by non-Indigenous people and about 90% of Indigenous-owned livestock is grazed in the area. Some tables are included. The Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council is copied on this memorandum. The memorandum is signed by Wayne T. Emerson, Acting Superintendent. A handwritten note at the top of the memorandum reads, "H. R. 9324" likely a reference to US House Resolution 9324.

  See also:

  Notes from Jack Taylor to Mrs. Knutson on Suggested Amendment to United States (US) House Resolution 9324, May 17, 1956

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  Summary of Action Taken Following Delegation Trip to Washington, D.C on Behalf of the Three Affiliated Tribes, May 9 (no year given)

  Leslie D. Polk

  This news release, dated May 9 (no year given), provides a summary of what was accomplished by a group of delegates from the Three Affiliated Tribes in Washington D.C. to attend hearings before the United States (US) House Interior Committee. Delegates included Martin Cross, William J. Deane, and O. R. Shulte. The list of accomplishments includes a bill to provide for the distribution of funds held in trust to be distributed by on a per capita basis, an amendment to a bill that authorizes members of the Three Affiliated tribes to acquire trust in tribal lands, and a bill to provide for fishing and grazing rights on land taken for the Garrison Dam project. The summary provides further commentary on these issues.

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  Statement by Rufus Poole on the Indian Claims Commission Bill, Undated

  Rufus G. Poole

  This undated statement by Rufus G. Poole, assistant solicitor of the US Department of the Interior concerns the Indian Claims Commission Bill, H.R. 7837. The conclusion of Poole's statement expresses his support for the bill, noting that it will be a relief to US Congress from the "onslaught of bills for jurisdictional acts."

  See also:

  An Act to Create an Indian Claims Commission, to Provide for the Powers, Duties, and Functions Thereof, and for Other Purposes

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  Racine Woolen Manufacturing Company Bead Sample Card

  Racine Woolen Manufacturing Company

  This undated card from Racine Woolen Manufacturing Company includes samples of different colors and sizes of small glass beads available for purchase.

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  Magazine Article by J.S. Seybold Regarding the Construction of the Garrison Dam, October, 1949

  J.S. Seybold

  This reprint of an article in Civil Engineering, The Magazine of Engineered Construction, dated October, 1949, by Colonel of the United States Corps of Engineers J.S. Seybold is a publication of the North Dakota State Water Conservation Commission. The six page article provides pictures and diagrams outlining the progress of the Garrison Dam project and is divided by the following subtopics: Seepage Control and Drainage, Driving Cutoff Piling, Eight Tunnels in Right Abutment, Test Tunnel on Site of Penstock No. 4, Measurements Provide Design Data, Intake Structure Contract Let, Spillway in Left Abutment, Permanent Town Built, Progress to Date. The article is marked with the handwritten annotation “Garrison Dam.” No day is given for the publication.

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  Letter from Chester Smith to Representative Burdick Regarding Garrison Dam, Undated

  Chester Smith

  This undated handwritten letter from Chester Smith of Van Hook, North Dakota to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick reminds Burdick that he had promised to help the tribes on the Fort Berthold Reservation in regard to the construction of the Garrison Dam and the taking of their land for the dam. Smith asks Burdick to assist Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross at the April 29 hearing in Washington, D. C.

  There is a small burn on the letter that obscures the date; however, there was a hearing on US House Joint Resolution 33 (H. J. 33) on April 29, 1949. H. J. 33 became US Public Law 437, or "The Taking Act" which authorized the taking of land from the Three Affiliated Tribes for construction of the Garrison Dam.

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  Statement by Williston Garrison Dam Committee on Garrison Dam, Undated

  Williston Garrison Dam Committee

  This undated statement by the Williston Garrison Dam Committee concerns issues related to the Garrison Dam, primarily issues related to the pool level and flood control. The statement discuses the origins of the Garrison Dam through various plans and bills. Included in this list are United States (US) House Document 475 and the Pick Plan, US Senate Document No. 191 and the Sloan Plan, US Senate Document 247, and US Public Law 534. The statement continues by discussing the debate over the 1,830 and 1,850 pool levels and notes that the US Army Engineers have no right to command residents living in the 1,850 pool level area to vacate. The statement concludes by stating that General Pick and the State Water Commission are to blame for the issues.

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  Letter from B. J. Youngbird and Carl Whitman, Jr. to Representative Burdick Informing that Conference was a Flop, Undated

  B. J. Youngbird and Carl Whitman Jr.

  This undated letter from B. J. Youngbird and Carl Whitman, Jr. to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick informs Burdick that their conference was a flop. Youngbird and Whitman inform Burdick that neither Alber Huber nor Dick Massey were able to help. There are several question marks at the bottom of the letter, below the signature line.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Carl Whitman, Jr. Regarding Request for Road Signs to Help Prevent Cars from Hitting Cattle, July 21, 1958

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated July 21, 1958, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Carl Whitman, Jr. informs Whitman that Burdick spoke to Robert Trier of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs and Trier said that the Fort Berthold Indian Agency has money for these road signs and that the people of the Fort Berthold Reservation have the right to spend this money for the purpose of installing needed road signs. The money needed for this project is in the Road Maintenance Fund. There is a handwritten note at the top of the letter.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Lynn W. Pine Regarding Road Sign Request from Carl Whitman, Jr., July 21, 1958

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Carl Whitman, Jr. Regarding Request for Road Signs to Help Prevent Cars from Hitting Cattle, July 21, 1958

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Carl Whitman, Jr. Regarding the Teacher Shortage on the Fort Berthold Reservation, May 12, 1958

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated May 12, 1958, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Carl Whitman, Jr. acknowledges Whitman's May 8 letter regarding the teacher shortage at schools on the reservation. Burdick says that he is in support of a salary increase for teachers and will support the "pay increase bills."

  See also:

  Letter from Carl Whitman, Jr. to Representative Burdick Regarding a Shortage of Teachers on the Fort Berthold Reservation, May 8, 1958

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Lynn W. Pine Regarding Road Sign Request from Carl Whitman, Jr., July 21, 1958

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated July 21, 1958, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Colonel Lynn W. Pine of the US Army Corps of Engineers requests, on behalf of Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Carl Whitman Jr., the installation of road signs to help with the loss of cattle and calves on reservation roads. Burdick informs Pine that he has also brought this issue up to the US Bureau of Indian Affairs. A handwritten note at the top of the letter reads, "Carl Whitman."

  See also:

  Letter from Carl Whitman, Jr. to Representative Burdick Requesting Road Signs to Help Prevent Cars from Hitting Cattle, July 18, 1958

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Carl Whitman, Jr. Regarding Request for Road Signs to Help Prevent Cars from Hitting Cattle, July 21, 1958

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  Letter from Harold W. Case to Representative Burdick Regarding Reservoir Name, March 12, 1958

  Harold W. Case

  This letter dated March 12, 1958, from the Reverend Harold W. Case to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick, advocates for naming the Garrison Dam reservoir "Lake Sakakawea." Case acknowledges there is opposition to this proposal, but argues that since the woman by this name was raised among the Hidatsa of Forth Berthold, and since the members of the Fort Berthold Reservation have suffered the heaviest economic loss of the those affected by the Missouri River Development Program, it would be meaningful and right to name the lake after Sakakawea. Case adds that naming the reservoir "Lake Sakakawea" would help towards the goal of increasing tourism to North Dakota. In a handwritten note after his signature, Case reveals he spent "35 years on Ft. Berthold."

  At the time of writing, Case served as the director of the Community Relations Ministry of North Dakota, which was part of The Board of Home Missions of the Congregational and Christian Churches, based in New York.

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  News Bulletin by Loren A. Dillon Regarding Families Feeling Pressured to Return to Reservations, July 28, 1958

  Loren A. Dillon

  This Fort Berthold Agency News Bulletin, dated July 28, 1958, written by social worker Loren A. Dillon conveys that the right of the individual to move freely in society and in this country is a guaranteed right. Dillon notes that some families were recently coerced into returning to reservation when they needed to apply for assistance. Dillion reminds that this is not a legal action.

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  Letter from Donald C. Gackle to Representative Burdick Regarding Reservoir Name, April 4, 1958

  Donald C. Gackle

  This letter dated April 4, 1958, from Greater North Dakota Association Publicity Director Donald C. Gackle to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick, expresses the Greater North Dakota Association's support for naming the Garrison Dam reservoir "Lake Sakakawea." Gackle notes that Homer Ludwick has already written Burdick to thank him for supporting the name, and acknowledges that some of the general public object to this proposal, but he reaffirms the support of the Greater North Dakota Association, closing by complimenting Burdick's knowledge and appreciation of North Dakota history.

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  Letter from Royce A. Hardy to Representative Engle Regarding Reservoir Name, June 5, 1958

  Royce A. Hardy

  This letter dated June 5, 1958, from United States (US) Assistant Secretary of the Interior Royce A. Hardy to US Representative Clair Engle, refers to H.R. 10445 and H.R. 10485, which would name the Garrison Dam reservoir "Lake Sakakawea." Writing in his official capacity, Hardy opposes renaming the reservoir because it is already commonly known as the Garrison Reservoir and because the Board on Geographic Names had already approved the use of another spelling of the name Sakakawea as the name for features elsewhere.

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  Letter from Lynn W. Pine to Representative Burdick Regarding Acquisition of Land by Army Corpse of Engineers, July 16, 1958

  Lynn W. Pine

  This letter, dated July 16, 1958, from Colonel Lynn W. Pine of the United States (US) Army Corps of Engineers to US Representative Usher Burdick provides information about the acquisition of land on the Fort Berthold Reservation over the last 12 years. Pine reports that the land acquisition phase of the project is virtually complete.