Usher Burdick Papers

Follow

• 

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

  Bigelow Neal

  This letter, dated May 14, 1956, from Bigelow Neal of Sanish, North Dakota, to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick reports on some calls that Neal made to follow up on the Three Affiliated Tribes' hunting, fishing, and grazing rights on the land taken from them for construction of the Garrison Dam. Herman Jahnke informed Neal that tribal members can hunt on their reservation any time they wish. The Indian Agency did not have any opinion or information to provide. Neal spoke with Martin Cross and Neal told Cross that he would write Burdick a letter. Neal indicates that he has enclosed a letter that he hopes will be useful. This letter is not enclosed with this document, but it is likely the letter included in this collection entitled, "Letter from Bigelow Neal to Representative Burdick Regarding the Terms of the Taking of Land for Construction of the Garrison Dam, May 14, 1956" which was filed next to this letter in Burdick's papers.

  See also:

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

• 

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

  Bigelow Neal

  This letter, dated May 14, 1956, from Bigelow Neal of Sanish, North Dakota, to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick responds to Burdick's letter of April 27 regarding US House Resolution 9423 (H. R. 9423). Bigelow shares his belief that the Three Affiliated Tribes gave up a portion of their land for the construction of the Garrison Dam out of patriotism, but that surrender of land was a violation of the existing treaties between the tribes and the US Government. Bigelow comments that this as an act of dishonor by the US Government. Bigelow notes that the original agreement between the tribes and the US Government made clear that any land not inundated by completion of the dam would be returned to the original owners and that hunting and fishing rights were always guaranteed.

  See also:

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

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

• 

  Photo Caption from Meeting between Representative Burdick and Frank Heart, John Wilkinson, Carl Whitman, Jr. and B. J. Youngbird, March 7, 1956

  Office of United States Representative Usher Burdick

  This text, dated March 7, 1956, describes a photo of United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick and Frank Heart, one the chiefs of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. The text mentions that Heart showed up in full regalia to discuss issues from the Reservation, and that Three Affiliated Tribes members John Wilkinson, Carl Whitman and B. J. Youngbird are also pictured. The text also states that most of the discussion was held in the "Sioux language" which Burdick is fluent in.

• 

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

  Myrtle Old Dog

  This handwritten letter, dated April 23, 1956, from Myrtle Old Dog of Elbowoods, 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. Old Dog says that she is in favor of the earliest possible passage of the bill as it will be most useful in early summer. About half a dozen similar letters were in Burdick's files.

• 

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

  Walter Plenty Chief Sr.

  This letter, dated January 17, 1956, from Walter Plenty Chief, Sr. to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick provides Burdick with Plenty Chief's perspective on per capita payments. Plenty Chief expresses sadness over the loss of the bottom lands that are now flooded by the Garrison Dam and says that the people of the tribes want their full share of the money in the form of $1200 per capita payments. Plenty Chief says that he and members of the tribes have the competency to spend their own money wisely. 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 January 23, 1956.

  See also:

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

• 

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

  Josephine Poetz

  This letter, dated April 24, 1956, from Josephine Poetz of Parshall, North Dakota on the Fort Berhold 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. Poetz writes,"We have been waiting for this money a long time," and will appreciate any help Burdick can offer in getting it to them. About half a dozen similar letters were in Burdick's files.

• 

  Statement of Harry E. Polk Before the Flood Control Subcommittee of the Public Works Committee of the US House of Representatives, June 8, 1956

  Harry E. Polk

  In this statement, dated June 8, 1956, given by Williston Daily Herald publisher Harry E. Polk before the Flood Control Subcommittee of the Public Works Committee of the United States (US) House of Representatives, Polk expresses support of US H. R. 10990 on behalf of the Williston City Commission, on whose behalf he is speaking.

  See also:

  Statement of Willis van Heuvelen Before the Flood Control Subcommittee of the Public Works Committee of the US House of Representatives, June 7, 1956

• 

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

  Percy Rappaport

  This letter, dated March 12, 1956, from Percy Rappaport, Assistant Director in the United States (US) Bureau of the Budget to US Representative and Chair of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs Clair Engle provides the requested perspective of the US Bureau of the Budget on US House Resolution 9324 (H. R. 9324). The bill would grant hunting, fishing, and grazing rights to the Three Affiliated Tribes on land taken by the US government for construction of the Garrison Dam. This bill is identical to US Senate Bill 1956 (S. 1956). An amendment is suggested for the bill and with the amendment, the US Bureau of the Budget approves of the bill.

  See also:

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

• 

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

  Thomas M. Reid

  This letter, dated September 26, 1956, from Acting Commissioner of the United States (US) Bureau of Indian Affairs, Thomas M. Reid to J. K. Murray replies to Murray's appeal for assistance in getting children enrolled into the Three Affiliated Tribes. Reid informs Murray that the tribes have established a cut off date for new enrollees due to the passage of US Public Law 533 which provides for per capita payments to enrolled members of the tribes. Reid advises Murray that the case of his clients should be taken up with tribal authorities.

  See also:

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

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

• 

  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

  Jackson Ripley

  This letter, dated March 27, 1956, from Jackson Ripley to Assistant Secretary of the United States (US) Department of the Interior Wesley D'Ewart (and copied to US Senator William Langer and US Representative Usher Burdick) describes the hardships that Ripley has experienced in ranching since he has been forced to relocate on the Fort Berthold Reservation due to the construction of the Garrison Dam. Ripley describes how he did very well before construction of the dam, and complains that the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council has not done their job to make sure that people could get re-adjusted following the relocation. Ripley says that he wants an immediate election for a new tribal council. A handwritten note at the top of the letter reads, "Fort Berthold."

  See also:

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

• 

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

  E. V. Schanandore

  This letter, dated October 15, 1956 from Three Affiliated Tribes member Mrs. E. V. Schanandore to United States (US) Representatives Usher Burdick and Otto Krueger asks for help in receiving the per capita payments authorized by US Public Law 533. Schanandore expresses frustration that the US Secretary of the Interior has not yet approved the release of funds. She says that tribal members are being treated like children. She asks Burdick and Krueger to help get the money this month and to let her know "the truth of what is really holding the money up."

  See also:

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

• 

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

  Ernest H. Smith

  This telegram, dated February 27, 1956, from Ernest H. Smith, Chairperson of the Devil's Lake Sioux Tribal Council to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick requests that Burdick oppose any amendment to US House Resolution 5566 (H. R. 5566) which proposed to extend the US Indian Claims Commission. There are some handwritten notes at the bottom of the telegram.

  The Devil's Lake Sioux Tribe is now known as Spirit Lake Tribe (North Dakota) or Mni Wakan Oyate.

  See also:

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

• 

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

  Jack Taylor

  This note by Jack Taylor to Laura Page Knudson dated May 17, 1956 advises Representative Burdick of the proposed amendments to his United States (US) House of Representatives Bill 9324.

  See also:

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

• 

  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

  Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council

  This resolution, passed on April 6, 1956 by the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council, addresses the tribal conflict surrounding United States (US) Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151) and urges US Representative Usher Burdick not to amend the bill. Copies of this resolution were sent to Burdick, US Representative Otto Krueger, and other authorities on the bill. The resolution is signed by Samuel Matthews, Martin Cross, and R. B. McKee.

  See also:

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

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

• 

  Letter from E. J. Utz to Chairperson of the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council, August 6, 1956

  E. J. Utz

  This letter, dated August 6, 1956, from Acting Commissioner of the United States (US) Bureau of Indian Affaris E. J. Utz to the chairperson of the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council indicates that two copies of membership rolls of the Three Affiliated Tribes have been presented for approval. These rolls are to be used in the distribution of funds authorized by US Public Law 533. Utz references the council's closing of membership date, noting that prospective applicants were not given enough notice. Utz notes as well that the list of rejected memberships has caused concern. and requests additional information for each person rejected for membership. This letter was copied to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick.

• 

  Statement of Willis van Heuvelen Before the Flood Control Subcommittee of the Public Works Committee of the US House of Representatives, June 7, 1956

  Willis van Heuvelen

  In this statement, dated June 7, 1956, made by Willis van Heuvelen, Director of the Division of Water Supply and Pollution Control of the North Dakota State Department of Health, before the Flood Control Subcommittee of the Public Works Committee of the United States (US) House of Representatives, van Heuvelen expresses the North Dakota State Department of Health's support for construction of a new water treatment plant versus maintaining protective dikes around the existing plant.

  See also:

  Statement of Harry E. Polk Before the Flood Control Subcommittee of the Public Works Committee of the US House of Representatives, June 8, 1956

• 

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

  Carl Whitman Jr.

  These excerpts from a letter dated April 28, 1956, were sent from a member of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation to United States (US) Senator Richard Neuberger regarding the cancellation of a Tribal Business Council election in September 1954. The handwritten letter in its entirety, written by Carl Whitman, Jr., was also filed with US Representative Usher Burdick's papers. The letter is an appeal for help with elections on the reservation. The reservation requires redistricting following inundation due to the construction of the Garrison Dam; however, the tribal constitution cannot be changed without at least a thirty percent vote by the tribe, which the tribe was unable to attain in part due to the fact that absentee voting is not permitted. Whitman writes that he has seen other tribes dealt with differently and would like help restoring the tribes' Constitutional right to vote.

  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 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

  Carl Whitman Jr.

  This handwritten letter, dated April 28, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes member Carl Whitman Jr. to United States (US) Senator Richard Neuberger is an appeal for help with elections on the reservation. The reservation requires redistricting following inundation due to the construction of the Garrison Dam; however, the tribal constitution cannot be changed without at least a thirty percent vote by the tribe, which the tribe was unable to attain in part due to the fact that absentee voting is not permitted. Whitman writes that he has seen other tribes dealt with differently and would like help restoring the tribes' Constitutional right to vote.

  See also:

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

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

• 

  Letter from Carl Whitman, Jr. to Representative Burdick Requesting March 22 and 23 Congressional Record, April 30 1956

  Carl Whitman Jr.

  This handwritten letter, dated April 30, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes member Carl Whitman Jr. to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick requests back issues of the Congressional Record from March 22 and 23. Whitman requests that Burdick put his name on the list for Congressional Records. Whitman encloses a copy of a letter that he sent to US Senator Richard Neuberger and requests an update on US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151). Whitman expresses concern about the US primary election in the fall. The copy of the letter sent to Sen. Neuberger is not enclosed with this document.

  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 Carl Whitman, Jr. and James Hall, Sr. to Representative Burdick Expressing a Desire for a Tribal Council Election, April 16, 1956

  Carl Whitman Jr. and James Hall Sr.

  This handwritten letter, dated April 16, 1956, from Carl Whitman, Jr. and James Hall, Sr. to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick conveys frustration with the tribal council and the election problems the tribes have faced. Whitman and Hall note that the current council is not a representative body. They ask Burdick for his help is fixing this mess.

• 

  Williston Herald Article Regarding US Representative Burdick's Resolution to Build New Water Treatment Plan in Williston, ND, May 8, 1956

  Williston Herald

  This Williston Herald article dated May 8, 1956 describes United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick's proposed legislation before congress, designated as HR10990, to modify the 1944 Flood Control Act so that Williston, ND can replace their municipal water supply and water treatment facilities which will be "damaged, impaired, and rendered inoperative by construction of and operation of the Garrison dam and reservoir". The article mentions that United States (US) Senator William Langer has said he expects to introduce similar legislated in the US Senate. Annotations on the top of the document denote the publication's name and the date of the article, the two columns of which have been cut out and pasted side by side.

• 

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

  Lillie Wolf

  This handwritten letter, dated April 5, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes member Lillie Wolf to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick expresses happiness at the approval of a $200 per capita payment to tribal members. Wolf provides some commentary on things she likes and does not like about US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151) which provides for per capita payments. Wolf talks about the need for an election for new council members. She expresses displeasure at how some tribal members have been treated for dissenting from the tribal council.

  See also:

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

• 

  Letter from Lillie Wolf to Representative Burdick Regarding Garrison Dam Relocations. February 17, 1956

  Lillie Eaton Wolf

  This letter, dated February 17, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes member Lille Eaton Wolf to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick, expresses Wolf's dissatisfaction with actions of the Tribal Council and her opposition to US Senate Bill 2151, and describes conditions on the reservation and her sadness at losing the tribes' homelands to the Garrison Dam. She asks Burdick for help in resolving the problems facing the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Lillie Wolf Regarding Garrison Dam Relocations, March 23, 1956

• 

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

  Ben (B. J.) Youngbird

  This handwritten letter, dated May 10, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes member Ben (B. J.) Youngbird to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick summarizes a report given by Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross and the Tribal Business Council of their May 7 trip to Washington, D.C. to discuss US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151). Youngbird requests the records from this meeting and advocates for a small per capita payment as soon as possible to provide relief for members of the Three Affiliated Tribes. Youngbird asks that Burdick redouble his effort to ensure this payment. Youngbird asks to be kept informed on the progress of this bill and for a copy of the Congressional Record of May 17.

  See also:

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

• 

  Letter from James Black Dog to Representative Burdick Regarding Owl Woman Estate, May 21, 1955

  James Black Dog

  This letter, dated May 21, 1955, from James Black Dog to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick concerns the estate of Owl Woman of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. Black Dog writes that he is sending Burdick a copy of the hearing on the topic and that Martin Fox should be the inheritor of Owl Woman's estate. Black Dog asks Burdick to investigate the matter.

  See also:

  Probate of Owl Woman Estate filed by Laura Cottonwood, May 13, 1955

  Letter from Representative Burdick to James Black Dog Regarding Owl Woman Estate, May 27, 1955