Interior - Bureau of Indian Affairs - Data

The text consists of a series of letters congratulating the Department of the Interior on their publication "Indian and Eskimo Children" winning an award for excellence. The letters express pride and appreciation for the publication and highlight the importance of learning about and respecting the traditions and culture of American Indians and Eskimos. The publication aims to educate children about these indigenous communities.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has awarded a $98,750 contract to Twinco-Enki Corp. to review and evaluate projects undertaken under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. The evaluation will be directed from the Muskogee, Oklahoma branch office and will focus on various educational programs for Native American children. Approximately 65 projects will be monitored and six projects will be studied in depth. The contract includes a centralized testing program to determine the effectiveness of the projects in meeting education goals, with a final report due by June 30, 1967.

The text includes correspondence between the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Honorable Albert Huber regarding the Annual Credit Report for the year 1966. The report covers various aspects of financing Indian development, including operations, funding sources, loans, and investments. It also includes comparative financial statements, repayment records, interest rates, and information on tribal enterprises and educational loans. Additionally, feasibility studies on economic development are highlighted in the report.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is opening two new Indian employment assistance centers in Oklahoma City and Tulsa to help Native Americans find job opportunities in the area. The goal is to find employment for one Indian per day and provide services for both individuals and families seeking employment. The centers will also offer assistance with housing and relocation expenses for those who find jobs.

The text discusses the history of Native American involvement in American society and the mistreatment they have faced. It also questions whether money alone can solve the issues faced by Native Americans and calls for a reevaluation of government actions and policies towards Native Americans. The text highlights the contributions of Native Americans to American society and calls for a more equitable and respectful treatment of Native Americans by the government.

The text discusses the early history of the Native American tribes living in the Great Lakes region before the arrival of Europeans. It describes their way of life, language, and social organization. The impact of European contact on the tribes is also mentioned, including changes in technology, trade, and cultural practices. The text highlights the resilience of some tribes, such as the Chippewas, in maintaining their traditions despite European influence.

The Department of the Interior has recommended the enactment of Federal legislation to establish a special three-judge Federal District Court to settle a boundary dispute between the Navajo and Ute Mountain Indian Tribes in New Mexico. The disputed area is a strip of land near the Colorado border, and millions of dollars are at stake. The dispute arose from conflicting treaties and acts defining the boundaries of the tribes' territories. The disagreement became more prominent with the discovery of oil in the area. Both tribes entered into a joint leasing agreement, but a supplemental agreement in 1965 removed the disputed strip from the agreement. The legislation being considered would allow for a three-judge court to decide the case with the right of direct appeal to the United States Supreme Court. The Department of the Interior recommended an amendment to clarify that the United States is not a party in the litigation but consents to the settlement of the dispute between the two tribes.

The Department of the Interior is proposing changes to the regulations for obtaining rights-of-way over Indian lands. The main change would involve using recordable deeds instead of endorsing approval on a plat or map. The revisions would also reorganize the material in a more logical sequence, delete advisory material, and provide a more complete description of the applicable authorities. Suggestions and comments on the proposed changes should be submitted to the Bureau of Indian Affairs within thirty days.

The Department of the Interior has recommended extending the Indian Claims Commission Act of 1946 for five years to address unresolved tribal claims against the United States. The recommendations include allowing more time for trials, providing continuances for claims cases, and allowing for appellate review of Commission orders.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has approved nearly $200 million in new school construction and improvement projects for Native American students in 18 states from 1962-1967. Most of the schools are elementary schools on reservations, with some dormitories near public schools. The largest number of projects were in Arizona and New Mexico, with significant funding also allocated to Alaska. The total funding and number of classroom spaces added or replaced in each state are detailed in the report.

Ninety Indian students from Arizona and Oklahoma are visiting Washington, D.C. as part of a cultural enrichment program. The Navajo children from Arizona will perform traditional and modern choral music and dances, while the Oklahoma students, members of the Five Civilized Tribes, are part of a Youth Development Project aiming to help them make plans and decisions for themselves. The trip was funded through grants and fundraising efforts. The students will meet with officials, tour historic sites, and attend a baseball game during their visit.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is promoting industrial development in Indian communities to create job opportunities for American Indians and provide new perspectives for American business and industry. They offer abundant, trainable labor, on-the-job training, access to raw materials, plant financing, and technical aid. Indian reservations offer mineral, forest, and agricultural resources for development, and have potential as market sites. Financial assistance and technical services are available to aid in plant establishment. Testimonials from companies like Harry Winston, Inc. highlight the success and willingness of American Indians to work in industrial settings.

The Department of Interior, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, and Bureau of Indian Affairs have approved 64 project applications for special programs for educationally deprived Indian children in Department of Interior schools. A total of $4,724,625 in funds have been allocated for these projects. Activities and services include speech therapy, special education, cultural enrichment, English language instruction, and in-service training. Recipients have been notified, but general publicity will be released after Congressional notification. Contact information for further inquiries is provided.

The U.S. Office of Education has approved 49 projects under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 Title III, which may involve an expenditure of $8,426,091 in Federal grant funds. These projects aim to assist local schools in providing sufficient quantity or quality and in developing exemplary school programs. One of the approved projects is the Indian Personality Development Operational Project at the Seneca Indian School in Wyandotte, Oklahoma. The project involves developing a curriculum unit on Indian culture to help potential dropouts improve their self-image and English language skills. The project will serve children from 41 counties in Oklahoma.

Commissioner Robert L. Bennett spoke at a conference on Indian employment, highlighting the high rates of unemployment among reservation Indians and the need for new programs to address this issue. He emphasized the importance of job training and employment assistance, as well as the preservation of Indian culture and heritage. Despite some progress in vocational training programs, more needs to be done to reach and support unemployed Indians. Bennett called for a comprehensive and innovative approach to tackle the challenges faced by American Indians in finding meaningful employment opportunities.

Secretary of the Interior Stewart L. Udall announced a decision to change the asphalt import program to address potential shortages. The decision allows for increased imports of finished asphalt and was made after consultation with various federal agencies. The goal is to ensure ample asphalt supplies for road construction projects and address factors such as technological changes and price increases. The Office of Emergency Planning will investigate the national security implications of relaxing import restrictions on asphalt-bearing crude oils. The study is expected to be completed in two to three months.

Secretary of the Interior Stewart L. Udall highlighted the economic progress made by American Indians, including the approval of a forest product complex on the Warm Springs Reservation creating jobs and revenue. Other developments include industrial parks, electronic plants, fish processing facilities, and oil and gas leases, all aimed at improving economic opportunities for tribes. Udall emphasized the importance of tribal resources and abilities in achieving a better future.