Usher Burdick Papers

Follow

• 

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding Children Denied Enrollment to Three Affiliated Tribes, May 5, 1955

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated May 5, 1955, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross inquires as to why some children have been denied enrollment into the Three Affiliated Tribes although they are eligible to be enrolled. Burdick asks Cross to look into the situation and provide assistance.

  See also:

  Letter from Ralph M. Shane to Representative Burdick Regarding Children Denied Enrollment to the Three Affiliated Tribes, April 29, 1955

• 

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Responding to Cross's July 7 Letter, July 12, 1955

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated July 12, 1955, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross acknowledges Cross's July 7 letter regarding the Three Affiliated Tribe Tribal Business Council's recommendation of Frank Gordon for the superintendent position. Burdick informs Cross that Cross failed to enclose said resolution.

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding the Resignation of Superintendent Shane, July 7, 1955

• 

  Statement by Representative Burdick Regarding the Fort Berthold Cattle Project, March 1, 1955

  Usher Burdick

  This statement dated March 1, 1955, by United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick praises the Fort Berthold Indian Agency for encouraging tribal members to get into the cattle business in order to become self-sufficient, but criticizes the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs for not understanding the cattle business, specifically that it takes time for such a venture to reach profitability. Burdick encourages the Bureau to extend additional loans to the tribal members of Fort Berthold to give them a chance to be successful and self-supporting, noting that the funds for the loans are tribal funds, not taxpayers' money. Burdick cites his own experience in the cattle business, noting that it took him several years to improve and built up a herd to the point of success.

  The date is handwritten at the top of the document, and an earlier draft of the speech is attached, which contains many handwritten notes and emendations.

• 

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

  Usher Burdick

  This telegram, dated February 11, 1955, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross informs Cross that Burdick is introducing a companion bill to US Senator Milton Young's US Senate Bill 746 (S. 746), as Cross requested. The bill aims to restore the mineral rights lost in the taking of Three Affiliated Tribes' land for the Garrison Dam.

  See also:

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

• 

  Telegram from Representative Burdick to Ralph M. Shane Regarding Children Denied Enrollment to the Three Affiliated Tribes, April 27, 1955

  Usher Burdick

  This telegram, dated April 27, 1955, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Ralph M. Shane, Superintendent of the Fort Berthold Indian Agency, requests a full report on why the children of Alyce Machado, Viola C. Schittler, Carol Bruger Redford, Marcella Aldinger, and Anne Carlson were denied Three Affiliated Tribes enrollment. Burdick urges that enrollment be completed before May 1 so these children are eligible for emergency per capita payments.

  See also:

  Letter from Mothers off Children Born of the Fort Berthold Reservation to Representative Burdick Appealing for Help Enrolling their Children, April 19, 1955

  Letter from Ralph M. Shane to Representative Burdick Regarding Children Denied Enrollment to the Three Affiliated Tribes, April 29, 1955

• 

  Letter from Representative Burdick to James Black Dog Regarding Owl Woman Estate, June 3, 1955

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated June 3, 1955, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to James Black Dog states that, in reference to Black Dog's letter about Martin Fox's claim on the estate, Burdick has received and enclosed a letter from Ralph M. Shane, Superintendent of the Fort Berthold Indian Agency, which Burdick hopes will clear up any misunderstandings.

  The letter from Shane mentioned as enclosed was not found with this letter in Burdick's papers.

  See also:

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

  Letter from George Shubert on behalf of Ralph Shane to Representative Burdick Regarding Owl Woman Estate, May 31, 1955

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

• 

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

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated May 27, 1955, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to James Black Dog states that in response to Black Dog's letter of May 21, Burdick is checking in regard to Martin Fox's right to all of the estate.

  See also:

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

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Ralph Shane Regarding Owl Woman Estate, May 26, 1955

• 

  Letter from Representative Burdick to James Martin Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, February 18, 1955

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated February 18, 1955, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to James F. Martin, secretary of the Buford-Trenton East Valley Land Owners, acknowledges Martin's recent letter stating his organization's opposition to the proposed high level pool of the Garrison Dam reservoir. Burdick writes that he does not have enough information to advise Martin regarding his proposition for land buybacks and leasing.

  See also: Letter from James Martin to Representative Burdick Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level and Proposed Land Sales, February 16, 1955

• 

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Ralph Shane Regarding Owl Woman Estate, May 26, 1955

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated May 26, 1955, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Superintendent of the Fort Berthold Indian Agency, Ralph M. Shane, concerns the estate of Owl Woman. The letter informs Shane that Burdick received a letter from James Black Dog which stated that Martin Fox of New Town should be entitled to all of the estate. Burdick's letter asks for more details from Shane on the situation.

  See also:

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

  Letter from George Shubert on behalf of Ralph Shane to Representative Burdick Regarding Owl Woman Estate, May 31, 1955

• 

  Resolution by Bismarck Chamber of Commerce sent by A. J. Shriner to Representative Burdick Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, April 29, 1955

  City of Bismarck Chamber of Commerce and AJ Shriner

  This document includes a letter dated April 29, 1955 from A. J. Shriner to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick and an attached resolution adopted by the City of Bismarck North Dakota's Chamber of Commerce regarding the operating pool level of Garrison Dam. The resolution states that the Bismarck Chamber of Commerce met and approved this resolution in support an operating pool level of 1,850 feet on March 9, 1955. The language in this resolution closely resembles the language used in several resolutions regarding Garrison Dam's pool level sent to Burdick in 1955. These other resolutions can also be found in this collection.

• 

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding a Resolution Passed by the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council, March 16, 1955

  Martin Cross

  This letter, dated March 16, 1955, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick mentions an enclosed resolution passed by the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council along with a statement of support and comment on the resolution written by Cross. Cross says that he will be in Washington, D.C. the week of March 21 and would like to see Burdick to discuss this resolution.

  The resolution and statement of support mentioned in the letter were not found with this document in Burdick's papers.

• 

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding the Resignation of Superintendent Shane, July 7, 1955

  Martin Cross

  This letter, dated July 7, 1955, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick makes reference to an enclosed resolution from the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council. This is likely the resolution endorsing Frank Gordon for the Superintendent position, following Ralph M. Shane's resignation from the post. Cross says that he thinks Gordon will make a good superintendent and that he supports him.

  A copy of the resolution is not enclosed with this document.

  See also:

  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding the Resignation of Superintendent Shane, June 27, 1955

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Responding to Cross's July 7 Letter, July 12, 1955

• 

  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding the Resignation of Superintendent Shane, June 27, 1955

  Martin Cross

  This telegram, dated June 27, 1955, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick informs Burdick that Ralph M. Shane, Superintendent of the Fort Berthold Indian Agency has resigned due to "critical conditions." Cross requests Burdick's assistance to the tribal council in selecting an endorsement for a new superintendent.

  See also:

  Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Resignation of Superintendent Shane, June 27, 1955

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding the Resignation of Superintendent Shane, July 7, 1955

• 

  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding Unauthorized Delegation to Washington, D.C., February 16, 1955

  Martin Cross

  This telegram, dated February 16, 1955, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick informs Burdick that an unauthorized group of delegates is headed to Washington, D.C. and they do not represent the Tribal Council nor are they authorized to conduct Tribal Business. This group consists of Carl Whitman, Jr. and Ben Young Bird.

  See also:

  Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Informing that the Delegation Headed to Washington, D.C. Do Not Represent the Tribal Council, February 16, 1955

• 

  Resolution by Fargo Industrial Development Corportation sent by Robert Huey to Representative Burdick Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, May 13, 1955

  Fargo Industrial Development Corporation and Robert N. Huey

  This document includes a letter dated May 13, 1955 from Robert N. Huey, secretary of the Fargo Industrial Development Corporation, to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick and an attached resolution, dated May 10, 1955, adopted by the Fargo Industrial Development Corporation of Fargo, North Dakota, supporting an operating pool level of 1,850 in the Garrison Dam reservoir. The language in the resolution closely resembles the language used in several resolutions regarding Garrison Dam's pool level sent to Burdick in 1955. These other resolutions can also be found in this collection.

• 

  Letter from Joseph Funke to Representative Burdick Regarding Unpaid Hospital Bill for Fort Berthold Resident, July 19, 1955

  Joseph J. Funke

  This letter, dated July 19, 1955, from Minot attorney Joseph J. Funke to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick explains that the St. Joseph Hospital in Minot has a contract with the US Bureau of Indian Affairs to provide care to residents of the Fort Berthold Reservation of North Dakota. Funke details the case of Three Affiliated Tribes member Janet Gohl, noting that she was approved to receive care for 14 days but instead spent 203 days in the hospital. He adds that the Bureau later approved the last 35 days of her stay, but that charges for the middle days remain unpaid. The hospital has asked Funke to facilitate payment, and Funke is now reaching out to Burdick for advice.

• 

  Letter from Ralph M. Galt to Representative Burdick Urging Burdick to Help the Three Affiliated Tribes Buy Their Land Recently Put up for Sale, September 29, 1955

  Ralph M. Galt

  This letter, dated September 29, 1955, from Pastor Ralph M. Galt to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick explains that the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council can no longer purchase tribal lands to hold in a land pool for its members and as a result, land on the Fort Berthold Reservation is being sold to non-tribal members. Galt writes that it is "undesirable to break up this ancestral community." He adds that this is especially cruel considering that the Three Affiliated Tribes are still recovering from their relocation following construction of the Garrison Dam. Galt asks Burdick to help in any way that he can. This letter was also sent to US Senator Milton Young, Fred Aandahl of the US Department of the Interior, and Glenn Emmons of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs.

  See also:

  Correspondences Between Laura Knudson and C.J. Barry Regarding Sale of Land on the Fort Berthold Reservation, September 1, 1955

• 

  Letter from H. J. Goddard to Representative Burdick Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, June 9, 1955

  H. J. Goddard Mr

  This letter, dated June 9, 1955, from H. J. Goddard, publisher of the Dickey County Leader of Ellendale, North Dakota to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick thanks Burdick for his recent letter and kind words regarding the Leader's handling of the Garrison Reservoir pool level issue. Goddard notes that credit should go to Goddard's son, Malcolm, a recent journalism graduate from the University of North Dakota. Goddard writes that he believes Burdick is correct about the dam's pool level and adds that he does not approve of asking officials to weigh in on the topic when they do not know enough about it.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Mr. H. J. Goddard Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, May 9, 1955

• 

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Mr. H. J. Goddard Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, May 9, 1955

  HJ Goddard Mr.

  This letter, dated May 9, 1955 from United States Representative Usher Burdick to Mr. H. J. Goddard, publisher of the Dickey County Leader, of Ellendale, North Dakota, thanks Goddard for the professional way the Garrison Dam reservoir poll level issue was handled in the May 5 issue of the Leader.

  See also:

  Letter from H. J. Goddard to Representative Burdick Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, June 9, 1955

• 

  Letter from H. L. Hille to Representative Burdick Announcing Invitation of Bids for Lawn Construction on Fort Berthold Reservation, January 31, 1955

  H. L. Hille

  This letter dated January 31, 1955, from Colonel H. L. Hille to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick, informs Burdick that the US Army Corps of Engineers proposes to issue an invitation for bids for lawn construction on the Fort Berthold Reservation. Hille details what the work will entail and where it will take place. Hille notes he has included a copy of the invitation for project bids with this letter.

  The included invitation for project bids gives specifics needed for a firm to submit an accurate bid and lists the required components for a submission.

• 

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Alyce Machado Regarding her Children Being Denied Enrollment to the Three Affiliated Tribes, May 5, 1955

  Alyce Machado

  This letter, dated May 5, 1955, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Alyce Machado provides an update on her inquiry about the enrollment of her children into the Three Affiliated Tribes. Burdick relays the information sent to him by Superintendent of the Fort Berthold Indian Agency, Ralph M. Shane, which indicated that enrollment is at the discretion of the tribal council. Burdick said that he would keep working to help her enroll her children.

  See also:

  Letter from Ralph M. Shane to Representative Burdick Regarding Children Denied Enrollment to the Three Affiliated Tribes, April 29, 1955

• 

  Letter from Mothers of Children Born off the Fort Berthold Reservation to Representative Burdick Appealing for Help Enrolling their Children, April 19, 1955

  Alyce Machado, Viola C. Schittler, Carol Bruger Redford, Marcella Aldinger, and Anne Carlson

  This letter, dated April 19, 1955, from "Mothers of children born off this reservation" to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick appeals for help in getting their children enrolled in the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. The authors states that some of them have tried for as long as 5 years to get their children enrolled, to no avail. They complain that there is prejudice against them. The letter is signed by Alyce Machado, Viola C. Schittler, Carol Bruger Redford, Marcella Aldinger, and Anne Carlson.

  See also:

  Telegram from Representative Burdick to Ralph M. Shane Regarding Children Denied Enrollment to the Three Affiliated Tribes, April 27, 1955

• 

  Letter from James Martin to Representative Burdick Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level and Proposed Land Sales, February 16, 1955

  James F. Martin

  This letter, dated February 16, 1955, from James F. Martin of the Buford Trenton East Valley Land Owners to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick opens by stating that the land owners of the East Valley of the Buford-Trenton Irrigation Project are opposed to the proposed higher pool level for the Garrison Dam reservoir and dikes that would go with it.

  Martin then proposes that Congress buy the lands that the dikes would protect, as they could be had for the one third the cost of constructing dikes to protect them, and are not worth the expense of the dike system that is planned to protect them.

  There is a handwritten note on the back of the letter.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to James Martin Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, February 18, 1955

• 

  Resolution by Nodak Rural Electric Cooperative sent by Ralph Diehl to Representative Burdick Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, March 23, 1955

  Nodak Rural Electric Cooperative Board of Directors and Ralph Diehl

  This document includes a letter dated March 23, 1955 from Ralph Diehl to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick and an attached resolution adopted by the Board of Directors of Nodak Rural Electric Cooperative regarding the operating pool level of Garrison Dam. The resolution states that Nodak Rural supports an operating pool level of 1,850 feet. The resolution is signed by J. J. Whelan, acting secretary for Nodak Rural and states that the board met and approved this resolution on March 14, 1955.

  The language in this resolution closely resembles the language used in several resolutions regarding Garrison Dam's pool level sent to Burdick in 1955. These other resolutions can also be found in this collection.

• 

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

  North Dakota Office of the Examiner of Inheritance

  This document, dated May 13, 1955, and filed by Laura Cottonwood is a "petition for rehearing" in the case of the probate of the estate of Owl Woman, a deceased member of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Forth Berthold Reservation and allottee number 358. The document summarizes the decision executed by the North Dakota Examiner of Inheritance. The document states that Cottonwood filed for rehearing with the Superintendent of the Forth Berthold Agency claiming to be an heir on September 10, 1954. The document denies Cottonwood's claim, noting that none of the estate descends collaterally through Owl Woman's sister, who Cottonwood has claimed relation to.

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