Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs

The text is a letter from Congressman James R. Jones to Mr. Sylvester Tinker, Principal Chief of the Osage Tribal Council. Tinker had expressed opposition to legislative proposals to reorganize the council. Jones informs Tinker that no such legislation has been introduced yet, but he will keep Tinker's letter and the council's resolution in case it does come up for consideration. Jones appreciates Tinker's letter and offers his assistance. The text also includes the resolution from the Osage Tribal Council expressing their objections to certain provisions of a proposed bill for a representative government for the Osage Tribe of Indians. They request that the bill not be introduced in Congress, or if it is, that its passage be resisted.

The text consists of a series of correspondences between Dr. Hal B. Merrell, Chairman of the Department of Communicative Disorders at the University of Tulsa, and James R. Jones, a Member of Congress. Dr. Merrell is seeking support and funding for a speech and language therapy project at the Seneca Indian School, and James R. Jones expresses his appreciation for the project and promises to look into the matter. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is also mentioned as being involved in the project.

The text consists of two letters. The first letter is from James R. Jones, a member of Congress, to Lee Motah, the president of the United Indian Tribes of Western Oklahoma. Jones enclosed a letter he received from Sid Carney, the director of the Anadarko Area Office for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, in response to an inquiry made by Jones on behalf of Motah and the tribes. Jones believes the information provided by Carney will be helpful and offers further assistance if needed. The second letter is from Carney to Jones. Carney informs Jones that they have had contracts with Motah's organization during fiscal year 1973 and provides details of those contracts. He explains that they are unable to renew some of the contracts due to reduced funds for fiscal year 1974, but may be able to renegotiate if additional funds are allocated. Motah also submitted contracts for fiscal year 1974, which Carney acknowledges and states will be considered.

The text discusses two issues. The first issue is the funding of tutors for Indian children who are unable or not allowed to attend school due to the length of their hair. The promise to provide funding was made a year ago, but no funds have been made available and it is unclear if the promise is still valid. The second issue is an audit of the use and misuse of Johnson-O'Malley funds in 23 school districts in Oklahoma. The audit found ineligible student participation, improper use of funds for basic items, budget variances, and erroneous reporting. The State Department of Education responded to the audit but did not mention retroactive action. Suggestions for follow-up actions include contacting relevant officials, exploring funding sources, and preparing legislation if necessary.

The text is a letter from James R. Jones, a member of Congress, to B. Bob Stoop, the president of the Inter-Tribal Council of the Five Civilized Tribes, thanking him for his letter and resolution expressing support for the appointment of Hersdahl Sahmaunt as the Deputy Commissioner of Indian Education. Jones appreciates Stoop's sentiments and asks to be kept informed of major issues. The text also includes the resolution adopted by the Inter-Tribal Council regarding funding for the Oklahomans for Indian Opportunity, stating that the Council does not believe they have fulfilled their mission and requesting the Office of Minority Business Enterprise to reject their funding applications.

The author is writing to Hon. Clem McSpadden to express their appreciation for his involvement in the problems of Cherokee County. They mention the help received from Charlie Cooper on the Skill Center and request information about a call made to the Assistant Secretary of Manpower. They also discuss the new executive branch policy on housing for the Indian Nation and request assistance in receiving housing units for the Cherokees. The author mentions that all available housing contracts have been spoken for and that a friend has applied for Mutual Help Housing. They also mention investigating a bank in Dewey and the difficulties of conducting business with environmentalists. The author discusses the Community Health Representative Program and Indian Action Team Program, which have been approved but funds have not been made available. They mention being at an impasse in Sallisaw and provide a list of names for the author to contact. The letter concludes with gratitude for the time spent with Hon. Clem McSpadden and an offer to provide local services.

The letter is from James R. Jones, a member of Congress, to Mayor Robert LaFortune of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Jones is writing to express concern about the Indian Neighborhood Center, which has been funded by Model Cities but will no longer receive funding. Jones encourages LaFortune to support a proposal for expanding the services and programs offered by the center, as there is no other project like it in Tulsa and the funding required is not large. Jones looks forward to hearing from LaFortune soon.

The text is a conversation between John and a congressman regarding Buddy Wall, a member of the Choctaw Tribe who is trying to obtain information about tribal funds and land holdings. John suggests having a secret ballot election for a new tribal chief, overseen by the Justice Department, and asks the congressman to check with the Department of the Interior for assistance. The congressman receives a letter from Marvin Franklin regarding the Choctaw tribe and explains that the tribe's records are kept by the principal chief in his home. The letter also discusses the requirements for petitioning for the removal of the principal chief and the procedures for selecting a new chief. The letter from Franklin provides information about the election process and the role of the Secretary of the Interior.

The text is a letter from Earl Boyd Pierce, General Counsel for the Cherokee Nation, to W.W. Keeler, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, regarding the status of a case and the need for an appropriation to pay a judgment. The letter explains that the Department of Justice has directed that no appeal be taken to the Supreme Court from a recent decision in favor of the Cherokee Nation. The letter discusses the process for finalizing the judgment and requesting an appropriation from Congress. It also expresses gratitude to Keeler for his support throughout the legal proceedings.

The letter is from L.D. Stephens, the president of Cherokee Building Supplies, to Mr. Marvin Franklin of the Department of Interior. Stephens is expressing his support for the Indian Action Team Program and the positive impact it has had on his business. He mentions that the program has provided training for individuals who have shown improvement in their ability to meet the public, express their needs, and understand building materials. Stephens also mentions that the program has subcontracted work from his company and that all jobs have been done well. He concludes the letter by asking for support in getting the program refunded for the Cherokee Nation.

The letter is from James R. Jones, a member of Congress, to Mr. Marvin Franklin, the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior. Jones is concerned about a rumor that the American Indian Movement plans to hold a convention in Pawnee, Oklahoma in early May. He has received inquiries from citizens expressing concern about the possibility of violence and disruption at the convention. Jones asks for Franklin's cooperation in providing information on the proposed meeting and keeping him updated on any developments.

The executive director of the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission expresses disappointment in a recent presentation on New Federalism, stating that it seemed biased towards the current administration. The director emphasizes the importance of improving the delivery system of federal programs for Native American tribes in Oklahoma and suggests that specific details be provided regarding these improvements. The director also raises concerns about the potential increase in administrative costs for state and local governments. The letter is cc'd to various government officials.

The text consists of a series of letters regarding a payment to be made to descendants of certain Indian tribes. Congressman James R. Jones received a letter from Jack Steel, who had been unsuccessful in getting information from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Jones contacted the Bureau and was initially told that a financial settlement was forthcoming, but later learned that it was a judgment claim and not revenue sharing. Jones forwarded Steel's letter to the Tribal Operations division for action and requested to be informed of the result. Steel expressed his concerns about not receiving a response from the Bureau and the urgency of the payment for his education. Jones assured Steel that he would follow up on the matter and sent him a copy of the Bureau's response. There is also a note from Bill Savage, a legislative assistant, mentioning the conversation he had with Steel and providing his updated address. The Bureau of Indian Affairs explains in their letter to Jones that funds have been appropriated for certain Indian Claims Commission Dockets and a roll is being prepared to include eligible individuals

The text consists of three letters written by Overton James, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, to James R. Jones and John E. Moss, members of Congress. In the letters, James thanks Jones for his support of programs for American Indians and expresses his hope for continued help. He also shares a brochure on services for Oklahoma Indians sponsored by the Chickasaw Indian Nation. In the letters to Moss, James suggests that the enclosed brochure may be of interest to his constituents and expresses gratitude for his efforts in support of the Indian Housing Program. James also discusses the Atkinson Industries factory and its potential to address the shortage of qualified craftsmen and provide good, modern housing for rural areas. He proposes a partnership with Atkinson Industries to expedite the construction of homes for Indian communities and suggests that leaders from other tribes visit the factory to learn from their innovative, proven housing operation.

The sender, Peter A. Manhart, is writing to James R. Jones about a conversation they had regarding funds allocated by Congress under the Employment Assistance Act. Manhart urges Jones to attempt to override President Nixon's veto of these funds. Manhart also sends his regards to Olivia and expresses hope for the quick arrival of the new Jones heir.

The letter is a response from James R. Jones, a Member of Congress, to Norman H. Gregory. Jones thanks Gregory for his letter regarding the action at Wounded Knee and acknowledges the grievances of the American Indians. Jones expresses a willingness to work for their rights and requests further details of Gregory's views. Gregory's letter, which is included, commends the U.S. Wounded Knee action, emphasizes the importance of firmness with the American Indian Movement (AIM), and supports elected Indian leaders. Gregory also mentions his personal experience living and working with the Sioux.

The Carter County Chickasaw Tribal Council sent a letter to Governor Overton James requesting information about the financial status of the Chickasaw Tribal funds, specifically regarding the purchase of the Chickasaw Motor Inn and the location of the remaining funds. They emphasized the importance of being informed and involved in tribal affairs. The council invited Governor James to their upcoming meeting and requested the information be provided by April 12, 1973. The letter was also sent to other relevant parties.

The text is a letter from Lee Motah, President of the United Indian Tribes of Western Oklahoma and Kansas, to James R. Jones, a Member of Congress. Motah expresses concern about the lack of cooperation and response from high-ranking officials towards Marvin Franklin, the Under Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs. Motah requests Jones' support in confirming Franklin and removing any obstacles that may hinder the implementation of programs for the Indian people.

The text consists of several letters between Mrs. Juanita L. Learned and various individuals regarding her interest in the position of Commissioner of Indian Affairs. Mrs. Learned expresses her interest to Senator Henry Bellmon and provides him with copies of her correspondence with Mr. W.W. Keeler. Mr. Keeler informs Mrs. Learned that Mr. Marvin Franklin is not interested in the position and offers his support. Mrs. Learned requests Mr. Keeler's assistance in setting up an appointment with the selection committee. The letters express gratitude and hope for a positive outcome.

The letter is addressed to Mr. Richard Tucker and discusses his family's Creek Indian shares. The Bureau of Indian Affairs has received over 50,000 applications for these shares and has received over 3,500 appeals. The BIA will not accept late filings unless there is a valid reason. The process of reviewing appeals may take some time. The letter offers further assistance and mentions Mr. Tucker's children and their inclusion in the forms.