Usher Burdick Papers

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  Letter from Representatives of the Three Affiliated Tribes to Glenn Emmons Summarizing Meeting on Legislation and Enclosing a Resolution of the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council, April 26, 1956

  Martin Cross, William Deane, Q. R. Schulte, and Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council

  This letter, dated April 26, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council Chairperson Martin Cross, William Deane of the tribal council, and tribal attorney Q. R. Schulte to Commissioner Glenn Emmons of the United States (US) Bureau of Indian Affairs provides a summary of a meeting regarding US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151) and corresponding US House Resolution 10221. The information provided outlines a plan for executing the per capita payment bill, once enacted. A handwritten note at the top of the letter reads, "Copy Martin Cross."

  The letter is accompanied by a resolution passed by the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council on May 4, 1956. The resolution rejects the amendment proposed to US Senate Bill 1523 (S. 1523). S. 1523 allows enrolled members to acquire trust interests in Tribal lands of the reservation. The resolution is signed by Samuel B. Matthews and Martin Cross.

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  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

  Matin Cross

  This letter, dated June 22, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick encloses a letter that Cross sent to the Secretary of the Interior regarding tribal elections.

  The enclosed letter, dated June 22, 1956, from Cross to Secretary of the US Interior, Fred Seaton, explains the reasons behind the delay of tribal elections. Cross requests that the Secretary set an election date for the proposed amendments to the tribal constitution so that an election of new Tribal Council members can be called. A handwritten note at the top of the letter reads, "Copy--To: Usher L. Burdick."

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Acknowledging Receipt of June 22 Letter, June 26, 1957

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

  Medicine Crow

  This handwritten letter, dated May 22, 1956, from Medicine Crow to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick asks Burdick to support US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151) when it comes through the House of Representatives. S. 2151 provides for per capita payments to Three Affiliated Tribes members. Medicine Crow says that this money is badly needed by tribal members, particularly the elderly.

  See also:

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

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  Letter from William Dean to Representative Burdick Regarding Per Capita Payments, April 9, 1956

  William Dean

  This letter, dated April 9, 1956, from William Dean, Treasurer of the Tribal Business Council of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold of North Dakota, to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick, requests that Burdick see that the per capita payment bill is advanced with no amendments. Dean writes that the tribes have over 50 delinquent accounts, and he is worried that an amendment to the bill will impact the tribe's ability to settle these debts.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to William Dean Regarding Per Capita Payments, April 17, 1956

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  Letter from Wesley D'Ewart to Clair Engle Regarding US House Resolution 9324, March 12, 1956

  Wesley D'Ewart

  This letter, dated March 12, 1956, from United States (US) Secretary of the Interior Wesley D'Ewart to US Representative and Chair of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs Clair Engle provides a report on US House Resolution 9324 (H. R. 9324), as requested. The bill grants grazing, fishing, and hunting rights to members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation in the taking area, land that was taken by the US government for use in construction of the Garrison Dam and its accompanying reservoir. A handwritten note on the letter reads, "Fort Berthold."

  See also:

  Letter from Percy Rappaport to Clair Engle Regarding US House Resolution 9324, March 12, 1956

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  Letter from Glenn Emmons to Representative Burdick Regarding Ranching Hardships Experienced by Ripley Family, May 17, 1956

  Glenn Emmons

  This letter, dated May 17, 1956, from Commissioner Glenn Emmons to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick provides additional information on cattle losses reported by the Ripley family. Emmons reports that the family's cattle holdings have been reduced from 200 head to 80 head. Emmons further reports on loans that the family has received as well as the conditions on the family's farm which are inadequate for their cattle. Emmons informs Burdick that a copy of Riley's letter was sent to the Fort Berthold Agency and that the Superintendent has been instructed to help in every way he can.

  See also:

  Letter from Jackson Ripley to Wesley D'Ewart Regarding His Hardship in Ranching Since Construction of the Garrison Dam and a Complaint about the Tribal Council, March 27, 1956

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

  Glenn Emmons

  This letter, dated March 14, 1956, from United States (US) Bureau of Indian Affairs Commissioner Glenn Emmons to US Representative Usher Burdick responds to Burdick's February 15 letter informing Emmons that a group of Three Affiliated Tribes tribal members oppose US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151), which would provide for per capita payments to tribal members from funds held in trust for the tribe. Burdick inquired as to whether or not the reasons given in opposition to S. 2151 were valid. Emmons provides his views.

  See also:

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

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  Telegram from Patrick Gourneau to Representative Burdick Asking that Burdick Support Martin Cross, April 24, 1956

  Patrick Gourneau

  This telegram, dated April 24, 1956, from Patrick Gourneau of Rolla, North Dakota, on the Turtle Mountain Reservation, to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick asks that Burdick support Martin Cross on Cross's mission in Washington, D.C.

  See also:

  Telegram from Patrick Gourneau to Representative Langer Requesting that Langer Assist Martin Cross on His Present Mission in Washington, D.C., April 24, 1956

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  Telegram from Patrick Gourneau to Representative Burdick Regarding Extension of Indian Claims Commission, February 27, 1956

  Patrick Gourneau

  This telegram, dated February 27, 1956, from Turtle Mountain Advisory Committee Chairperson Patrick Gourneau to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick urges the extension of the US Indian Claims Commission and requests Burdick's support of the extension without amendment. A handwritten note on the telegram reads, "HR 5566" referring to US House Resolution 5566.

  See also:

  Telegram from Ernest Smith to Representative Burdick Regarding Extension of the Indian Claims Commission, February 27, 1956

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  Letter from Barton Greenwood to Representative Burdick Regarding Tribal Business Council Resolution and US Senate Bill 2151, May 2, 1956

  Barton Greenwood

  This letter, dated May 2, 1956, from United States (US) Bureau of Indian Affairs Commissioner Barton Greenwood to US Representative Usher Burdick informs Burdick that his office has received copies of a resolution adopted by the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council on April 6, 1956 concerning US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151). The letter indicates that a copy of the resolution is enclosed as requested in the resolution. The resolution was not found with this document in Burdick's papers.

  See also:

  Resolution Passed by the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council Regarding US Senate Bill 2151 and the Conflict Within the Tribe Regarding the Bill, April 6, 1956

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

  Barton Greenwood

  This letter from Acting Commissioner of the United States (US) Bureau of Indian Affairs Barton Greenwood to US Representative Usher Burdick provides information addressing an inquiry from Mrs. E. V. Schanandore regarding the delay of per capita payments authorized by US Public Law 533. Greenwood informs Burdick that the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council has reconsidered the enrollment of several applicants and that has delayed approval of the final tribal roll. Greenwood notes that since this distribution of funds will effectively comprise the last of the funds held in trust for the Three Affiliated Tribes, it's imperative that the rolls are accurate and that anybody who may have claim to a share of the money have a chance to appeal denial of their enrollment. There are some handwritten notes on the letter.

  See also:

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

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  Letter from Gloria Grinnell to Representative Burdick in Support of US Senate Bill 2151 and Per Capita Payments, April 23, 1956

  Gloria Grinnell

  This letter, dated April 23, 1956, from Gloria Grinnell of Raub, North Dakota to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick appears to be part of a letter-writing campaign in support of US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151) and per capita payments. Grinnell asks Burdick to rush the bill through. About half a dozen similar letters were in Burdick's files.

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  Letter from Maggie Grinnell to Representative Burdick in Support of US Senate Bill 2151 and Per Capita Payments, April 23, 1956

  Maggie Grinnell

  This letter, dated April 23, 1956, from Maggie Grinnell of Raub, North Dakota to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick appears to be part of a letter-writing campaign in support of US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151) and per capita payments. The letter says that tribal members need funds to repair homes and to put in gardens. About half a dozen similar letters were in Burdick's files.

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  Letter from Perpetua Grinnell to Representative Burdick in Support of US Senate Bill 2151 and Per Capita Payments, April 24, 1956

  Perpetua Grinnell

  This letter, dated April 24, 1956, from Perpetua Grinnell, of Raub, North Dakota, on the Fort Berthold Reservation, to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick, appears to be part of a letter-writing campaign in support of US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151) and per capita payments. Grinnell indicates that Cross has a meeting with Burdick on April 25, and he speaks for the majority of the tribal members on the Fort Berthold Reservation. About half a dozen similar letters were in Burdick's files.

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  Letter from Richard Grinnell to Representative Burdick in Support of US Senate Bill 2151 and Per Capita Payments, April 24, 1956

  Richard Grinnell

  This handwritten letter, dated April 24, 1956, from Richard Grinnell of Raub, North Dakota on the Fort Berthold Reservation, to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick, appears to be part of a letter-writing campaign in support of US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151) and per capita payments. Grinnell says that he needs the money right away. About half a dozen similar letters were in Burdick's files.

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  Letter from Pocahontas Hagy to Editor of Bismarck Tribune, Submitted to the Congressional Record by Representative Burdick, May 7, 1956

  Pocahontas Hagy

  This letter to the editor published in the Bismarck (North Dakota) Tribune was written by Pocahontas Hagy of Abingdon, Virginia, and submitted by United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick into the Congressional Record on May 7, 1956. The letter asks: if segregation is unconstitutional, why are Indigenous people segregated onto reservations with few resources? The letter admonishes the way white men have treated Indigenous people in the United States. The letter calls for a righting of wrongs perpetrated.

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

  Frank Heart

  This handwritten letter, dated January 16, 1956, from Frank Heart of Emmet, North Dakota to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick provides an account of a general council meeting held on January 9, 1956 on the Fort Berthold Reservation during which the tribes discussed the proposed US Senate Bill 2151. Heart says that the members present voted against supporting the bill by a vote of 37 to 0. Heart provides five reasons why it was voted against, including that the bill is designed to disorganize the Three Affiliated Tribes and that the bill is supported by the Tribal Council but it does not have the approval of the people.

  See also:

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

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

  Frank Heart

  This handwritten letter, dated January 26, 1956, from Frank Heart to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick follows up on a conversation between Heart and Burdick in which Burdick requested detailed information regarding the per capita payment bill, US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151). Heart says that the current Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council has been saying that this bill is the only way that tribal members will get a per capita payment. Heart expresses concern over the Three Affiliated Tribes' ability to get their payment. Heart provides additional insights into the bill and the tensions between tribal members about the bill and says that the Tribal Council has been dishonest with tribal members. Heart says that the Tribal Council took away tribal members' right to vote in the election of Tribal Business Council members. Heart asks for Burdick's help in sorting out the mess. A stamp at the top of this letter reads, "Please return to Congressman Burdick" and another indicates that it was received by the US Bureau of Indian Affairs on February 6, 1956.

  See also:

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

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

  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

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Frank Heart Regarding Letter from Wesley D'Ewart Which Answers Inquiries Made by Heart, March 1, 1956

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  Letter Forwararding Telegram from Martin Cross to the Members of the Indian Affairs Subcommittee, May 16, 1956

  Hilda Henderson and Martin Cross

  This letter, dated May 16, 1956, from Hilda Henderson, Office Manager of the National Congress of American Indians, to the members of the United States (US) Indian Affairs Subcommittee and the US House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs forwards a telegram sent to them that morning from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross. The telegram, sent from Cross to Helen Peterson, urges Peterson to attend a May 17 hearing in support of US House Resolution 9423 (H. R. 9423) and US Senate Bill 1528 (S. 1528) or US House Resolution 10222 (H. R. 10222). Cross indicates that he is unable to attend the meeting.

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  Memo from Glen J. Hopkins to the Chief of the United States (US) Division of Sanitary Engineering Services, Bureau of State Services, Public Health Services Regarding Garrison Dam Water Pollution in Williston, ND, April 20, 1956

  Glen J. Hopkins

  This office memo dated April 20, 1956 from Sanitary Engineer Director Glen J. Hopkins of the United States (US) Water Supply and Water Pollution Control program to the Chief of the United States (US) Division of Sanitary Engineering Services, Bureau of State Services, Public Health Services, references his report to the United States (US) Corps of Engineers, dated January 10, 1956, which is enclosed. In the memo, he revises a sentence on page two of the report, and provides a summary of his findings and their importance as relates to the quality of water in Williston, North Dakota as it will be impacted by pollution from the Garrison Reservoir.

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  Letter from Laura Page Knudsen for Representative Burdick to Floyd Montclair Regarding Per Capita Payments, August 27, 1956

  Laura Page Knudson

  This letter, dated August 27, 1956, from Laura Page Knudson on behalf of United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes member Floyd Montclair responds to the letter that Montclair sent to US Senator William Langer. Knudson explains that the money that will be distributed to the tribes is not "per capita" but allows for payments based on a prepared membership roll. She also mentions that an election order was sent out on August 18 and that redistricting still needs to be settled.

  See also:

  Letter from Floyd Montclair to Representative Langer Regarding Per Capita Payments, July 27, 1956

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  Letter from Laura Page Knudsen for Representative Burdick to J. K. Murray Regarding Three Affiliated Tribes Enrollment of Children, September 14, 1956

  Laura Page Knudson

  This letter, dated September 14, 1956, from Laura Page Knudson on behalf of United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to J. K. Murray responds to Murray's appeal for assistance in getting children enrolled with the Three Affiliated Tribes as the Tribal Business Council has been rejecting all applicants submitting after July 1, 1956. Knudson informs Murray that they are taking the issue up with Commissioner Glenn Emmons and will get back to him.

  See also:

  Letter from J. K. Murray to the Bureau of Indian Affairs Regarding Three Affiliated Tribes Enrollment of Children, September 11, 1956

  Letter from Thomas Reid to J. K. Murray Regarding Enrollment of Children in the Three Affiliated Tribes, September 26, 1956

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  Copy of Letter From Mrs. E.V. Schanandore to U.S. Representative Otto Krueger Sent to U.S. Representative Usher L. Burdick Regarding Her Per Capita Payment, October 18, 1956

  Otto Krueger

  This copy of a letter from Mrs. E.V. Schanandore dated October 15, 1956 was sent by U.S. Representative Otto Krueger to U.S. Representative Usher L. Burdick on October 18, 1956. Krueger notifies Burdick that Mrs. Schanandore's letter arrived at his office and was addressed to both of them, but he is sending Burdick a copy of the letter as he assumed it was not sent in duplicate.

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  Letter from Rex Lee to Representative Burdick Regarding Enrollment of Children in the Three Affiliated Tribes, October 2, 1956

  Rex Lee

  This letter, dated October 2, 1956, from Acting Commissioner of the United States (US) Bureau of Indian Affairs Rex Lee to US Representative Usher Burdick responds to the appeal sent from J. K. Murray regarding the enrollment of children into the Three Affiliated Tribes. Lee notes that he has enclosed a copy of the reply that he sent to Murray. That reply is not included with this document.

  See also:

  Letter from Thomas Reid to J. K. Murray Regarding Enrollment of Children in the Three Affiliated Tribes, September 26, 1956

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  Letter from Mark Mahto to Representative Burdick Alleging Unauthorized Spending by Martin Cross and Requesting Audit of Tribal Council, April 20, 1956

  Mark Mahto

  This handwritten letter, dated April 20, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes member and former Tribal Business Council member Mark Mahto to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick alleges misconduct by Martin Cross, chairperson of the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council. Mahto says that Cross has been drawing a stipend of $200 per month although the bylaws don't allow for salaries for council members. Mahto says that he would like an audit of all money accrued from the Garrison Dam agreement.