Usher Burdick Papers

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  Memorandum from the Solicitor of the Department of the Interior to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs Regarding Proposed Elections on the Fort Berthold Reservation, June 20, 1956

  J. Reuel Armstrong

  This letter, dated June 20, 1956, from the Solicitor of the Department of the Interior J. Reuel Armstrong to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs comments on the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council elections and absentee voting. Armstrong directs the Commissioner to the Solicitor's June 8 opinion on absentee voting in which he indicated support for it. Regarding the question of whether the Secretary of the Interior may call an election for tribal council, Armstrong indicates that the tribal constitution does not allow for the Secretary of the Interior to call for an election.

  See also:

  Memorandum from J. Reuel Armstrong, Solicitor, Regarding Voting Compliance in Amending Tribal Constitutions, June 8, 1956

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  Letter from Philip Atkins to Representative Burdick Regarding Unfulfilled Railroad Promise to Give Free Transportation to Three Affiliated Tribes, March 1, 1956

  Philip Atkins

  This handwritten letter, dated March 1, 1956, from Philip Atkins of Raub, North Dakota, to "whom it may concern" (filed with United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick's papers) indicates that a group from the Three Affiliated Tribes is sending an "outside delegation" to Washington, D.C. for the benefit of "everyone in the reservation." This delegation is being led by Frank Heart because the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council would not help with the matter. The problem relates to an unfulfilled promise made by the railroad to provide transportation to members of the Three Affiliated Tribes. A handwritten note on the letter reads, "Railroad."

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  Letter on Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council Letter Head Addressed to Otto Summarizing an April 11 Meeting of the General Council, April 12, 1956

  author unknown

  This report, dated April 12, 1956, printed on Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council letterhead, was presumably prepared by the council and sent to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick, though it is addressed to "Otto," provides a summary of a General Council meeting from April 11, 1956. The subject of the meeting was per capita payments, US Senate Bill 2151, and its accompanying US House Bill 10221. A three item petition was filed by a group opposing the bill. The meeting held deliberation and then a vote to establish support for the bill. All 8 districts were present for the vote and 121 people voted for and 9 voted against.

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  Report of Washington Trip, Statement Read and Approved by Laura Knudson, March 1956

  author unknown

  This statement, dated March 1956, presumably from members of the Three Affiliated Tribes, signed as read and approved by Laura Page Knudson, assistant to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick, provides a report of a trip to Washington, D.C.. The statement lists nine "items of interest and concern" to the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation on which the members were able to "obtain promising action."

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  Letter from James Black Dog to Representative Burdick Requesting Copies of Congressional March 7 Record, April 13, 1956

  James Black Dog

  This handwritten letter, dated April 13, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes member James Black Dog of Emmet, North Dakota to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick requests that Burdick send 100 copies of the Congressional Record from March 7, 1956, which contains "Fort Berthold Indians, Extension of Remarks of Hon. Usher Burdick of North Dakota."

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to James Black Dog Regarding Requested Copies of Congressional Record, April 18, 1956

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  Letter from Wilbur Brucker to Clair Engle Responding to Engle's Request for a Report from the Department of the Army with Respect to US House Resolution 9324, April 27, 1956

  Wilbur Brucker

  This letter, dated April 27, 1956, from Secretary of the United States (US) Army Wilbur Brucker to US Representative Clair Engle, chairperson of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, provides commentary from the Department of the US Army regarding US House Resolution 9324 (H. R. 9324), as requested. H. R. 9324 would allow for members of the Three Affiliated Tribes to graze livestock on reservation lands taken by the US Government for the construction of the Garrison Dam. The letter provides the opinion of the US Army on the matter.

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  Letter from Charles A. Buckley to Representative Burdick Containing a Copy of the US Deptartment of the Army's Report on US House Resolution 10990, July 2, 1956

  Charles A. Buckley

  This letter, dated July 2, 1956, from Charles A. Buckley, chairperson of the United States (US) House Committee on Public Works, to US Representative Usher L. Burdick contains a copy of a report from Secretary of the US Army Wilbur M. Brucker regarding US House Resolution 10990 (H. R. 10990). Buckley notes that the report is unfavorable in regards to H. R. 10990.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Charles A. Buckley regarding the US Department of the Army's report on US House Resolution 10990, July 6, 1956

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  Statement of L. W. Burdick Before the Flood Control Subcommittee of the Public Works Committee of the US House of Representatives June 7, 1956

  L. W. Burdick

  This statement dated June 7, 1956 from consulting engineer L. W. Burdick of Grand Forks, North Dakota, was given before the Flood Control Subcommittee of the Public Works Committee of the United States (US) House of Representatives in support of H. R. 10990.

  See also:

  Statement by Representative Usher L. Burdick Before the Subcommittee on Flood Control of the US House of Representatives Public Works Committee, June 7, 1956

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Ben (B. J.) Youngbird Regarding Per Capita Payments, May 16, 1956

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated May 16, 1956, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes member Ben (B. J.) Youngbird responds to Youngbird's letter regarding per capita payments. Burdick informs Youngbird that nobody at the US Bureau of Indian Affairs has any information about a commitment made regarding $200 per capita payments. Burdick says that he is sending a copy of the report on the bill (presumably US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151)). He says that he does not have any extra copies of the Congressional Record prior to May 17.

  See also:

  Letter from Ben (B. J.) Youngbird to Representative Burdick Regarding US Senate Bill 2151 and Requesting Hearing Records, May 10, 1956

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Bigelow Neal Regarding US House Resolution 9324, April 27, 1956

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated April 27, 1956, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Bigelow Neal of New Town, North Dakota, asks if Neal recalls any newspaper articles regarding the leasing of land on the Fort Berthold Reservation for the purposes of grazing livestock. Burdick says that any information on this matter or any relevant news clippings would be helpful. Burdick also requests any information regarding the retention of hunting, fishing, and grazing rights by members of the Three Affiliated Tribes. Burdick anticipates that he may have some trouble with his bill, US House Resolution 9324 (H. R. 9324).

  See also:

  Letter from Bigelow Neal to Representative Burdick Regarding Grazing, Hunting and Fishing Rights, May 14, 1956

  Letter from Bigelow Neal to Representative Burdick Regarding the Terms of the Taking of Land for Construction of the Garrison Dam, May 14, 1956

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Carl Whitman, Jr. in Response to Whitman's April 28 Letter, May 3, 1956

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated May 3, 1956, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes member Carl Whitman, Jr. responds to Whitman's April 28 letter which expressed concerns about the canceled tribal election. Burdick writes that he has written to the Solicitor for the US Bureau of Indian Affairs and is enclosing a copy of the letter that he sent to the Solicitor, and that that he will write again once he receives a reply from the Solicitor. He also writes that he will try to get copies of the Congressional Record for March 22 and 23. A copy of the letter sent to the Solicitor was not found with this document in Burdick's papers.

  See also:

  Letter from Carl Whitman, Jr. to Representative Burdick Reporting that Members of the Three Affiliated Tribes were Deprived of their Right to Vote in a Tribal Business Council Election, April 28, 1956

  Letter from Representative Burdick to J. Reuel Armstrong, Solicitor, Regarding Conflict within the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council, May 3, 1956

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Frank Heart Regarding a Vote by the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation to Redistrict the Reservation, February 28, 1956

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated February 28, 1956, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Frank Heart of Emmet, North Dakota, conveys a report from a February 20 meeting at the US Bureau of Indian Affairs regarding elections on the Fort Berthold Reservation. Burdick informs Heart that less than 30 percent of the members voted on a constitutional amendment to redefine the districts, and since members of the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council are elected based on districts, it has been impossible to hold elections. A handwritten note at the top of the letter reads, "Fort Berthold."

  See also:

  Letter from Frank Heart to Representative Burdick Regarding US Senate Bill 2151, January 26, 1956

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Frank Heart Regarding Bill on Per Capita Payments, January 20, 1956

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated January 20, 1956, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Frank Heart of Emmet, North Dakota responds to Heart's letter regarding per capita payments and thanks Heart for relaying the reasons why tribal members voted against supporting the bill. Burdick says that he is speaking with US Bureau of Indian Affairs Commissioner [Glenn] Emmons regarding per capita payments and will relay more information when it has it.

  See also:

  Letter from Frank Heart to Representative Burdick Regarding US Senate Bill 2151, January 16, 1956

  Letter from Frank Heart to Representative Burdick Regarding US Senate Bill 2151, January 26, 1956

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Glenn Emmons Regarding US Senate Bill 2151 and Internal Tribal Conflict Regarding the Bill, February 15, 1956

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated February 15, 1956, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Glenn Emmons, Commissioner at the US Bureau of Indian Affairs, relays that members of the Three Affiliated Tribes are opposed to the US Senate Bill 2151, and that there appears to be a conflict between what many tribal members want and what the Tribal Business Council is advocating for. The letter indicates that the US Bureau of Indian Affairs has recommended passage of the bill, but Burdick asks that Emmons look into the issue further. A handwritten note at the top of the letter mentions Walter Plenty Chief, Sr. and Frank Heart.

  See also:

  Letter from Frank Heart to Representative Burdick Regarding US Senate Bill 2151, January 16, 1956

  Letter from Walter Plenty Chief Sr. to Representative Burdick Regarding Per Capita Payments, January 17, 1956

  Letter from Glenn Emmons to Representative Burdick Regarding US Senate Bill 2151, March 14, 1956

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to James Black Dog Regarding Requested Copies of Congressional Record, April 18, 1956

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated April 18, 1956, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to James Black Dog responds to Black Dog's request for copies of the March 7 Congressional Record. Burdick says that he does not have any copies of the record and that copies would cost .18 per copy. Burdick apologizes that he could not fulfill the request.

  See also:

  Letter from James Black Dog to Representative Burdick Requesting Copies of Congressional March 7 Record, April 13, 1956

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to J. Reuel Armstrong, Solicitor, Regarding Conflict within the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council, May 3, 1956

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated May 3, 1956, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to J. Reuel Armstrong, Solicitor of the US Department of Indian Affairs, informs Armstrong of friction within the Three Affiliated Tribes. The letter details the primary complaints from tribal members about the Tribal Business Council, which includes the complaint that tribal members were denied their right to vote for a new tribal council in September 1954.

  Burdick provides an overview of the reasons why the election has been delayed and encloses excerpts from Carl Whitman Jr.'s letter to US Senator Richard Neuberger. Burdick requests Armstrong's opinion on these matters. The excerpts from Whitman's letter were not found with this document in Burdick's papers.

  See also:

  Excerpts from Letter from a Member of the Three Affiliated Tribes to Representative Neuberger, April 28, 1956

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Lillie Wolf Regarding Friction Between Members of the Tribes and the Tribal Council, April 13, 1956

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated April 13, 1956, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes member Lillie Wolf thanks Wolf for her April 5 letter and for providing her opinion on per capita payments. Burdick says that he hopes the tribes can resolve their internal conflict.

  See also:

  Letter from Lillie Wolf to Representative Burdick Regarding Per Capita Payments and Other Matters, April 5, 1956

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Acknowledging Receipt of June 22 Letter, June 26, 1956

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated June 26, 1956, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross thanks Cross for his June 22 letter. Burdick says that he is glad to have this information.

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Enclosing Letter to the Secretary of the Interior Regarding Delay of Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Elections, June 22, 1956

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding $200 Per Capita Payments, March 22, 1956

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated March 22, 1956, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross explains why Burdick supports $200 per capita payments at this time. Burdick informs Cross that Burdick's bill, US House Resolution 9324 (H. R. 9324), will probably go through.

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding the Passing of US Senate Bills 2151 and 1528, March 20, 1956

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding the Group Opposed to US Senate Bill 2151 with Enclosures, March 26, 1956

  Letter from Samuel Matthews to Representative Burdick Regarding US Senate Bill 2151 and Census Roll, March 26, 1956

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding a Voting Request, January 13, 1956

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated January 13, 1956, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross says that Burdick will vote as Cross has requested. Burdick is likely referring to Cross's January 13, 1956 telegram in which he requests that Burdick vote favorably on US Senate Bill 51, amending US Public Law 280.

  See also:

  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding a Voting Request, January 12 1956

  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Correcting January 12 Telegram, January 17, 1956

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding Establishment of Loan Enterprise, April 18, 1956

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated April 18, 1956, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairman Martin Cross responds to Cross's telegram of April 17 informing Burdick that the Tribal Council has established a small loan enterprise for tribal members who cannot quality for loans elsewhere. Burdick thanks Cross for this information and requests the names of any individuals who receive loans under this new enterprise.

  See also:

  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding Establishment of Loan Enterprise, April 17, 1956

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding Per Capita Payment and the Current Tribal Conflict, April 17, 1956

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated April 17, 1956, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross thanks Cross for sending the tribal resolution. Burdick says that he does not want to quarrel with Cross or any members of the Three Affiliated Tribes. Burdick is concerned about getting money to tribal members in time for planting crops. Burdick says that he wants to see justice for everybody.

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Enclosing Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council April 6 Tribal Resolution, April 11, 1956

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding US Senate Bill 2151, March 28, 1956

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated March 28, 1956, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross responds to Cross's letter regarding the "unauthorized" group working against US Senate Bill 2151 which provides for per capita payments to members of the Three Affiliated Tribes. Burdick says that the individuals mentioned by Cross advocated for money enough to get crops planted and to ensure that tribal members who need the financial help get it. Burdick asks Cross when the membership roll for the tribes will be prepared.

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding the Group Opposed to US Senate Bill 2151 with Enclosures, March 26, 1956

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Medicine Crow Regarding US Senate Bill 2151, May 25, 1956

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated May 25, 1956, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Medicine Crow replies to Medicine Crow's appeal for Burdick to support US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151) which provides for per capita payments to members of the Three Affiliated Tribes. Burdick says that he will do all he can to support the tribes.

  See also:

  Letter from Medicine Crow to Representative Burdick Regarding US Senate Bill 2151, May 22, 1956

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Mrs. E. V. Schanandore Regarding Per Capita Payments, October 22, 1956

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated October 22, 1956, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Mrs. E. V. Schanandore informs Schanandore that Burdick has brought up the matter of per capita payments with the Commissioner of Indian Affairs and will report back to her once he has more information.

  See also:

  Letter from Mrs. E. V. Schanandore to Representatives Burdick and Krueger Regarding Per Capita Payments, October 15, 1956

  Letter from Barton Greenwood to Representative Burdick Regarding Per Capita Payments as Inquired by Mrs. E. V. Schanandore, October 29, 1956