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"RETURN SURPLUS LANDS TO INDIAN PEOPLE"

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF PLACING INDIAN TRIBES AND INDIAN ORGANIZATIONS IN THE TOP PRIORITY CATEGORY FOR RECEIVING FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SURPLUS LAND.

WHEREAS: PRESIDENT NIXON HAS PUBLICLY ACKNOWLEDGED THE FACT THAT AMERICAN INDIANS ARE ECONOMICALLY AND CULTURALLY THE MOST DEPRIVED MINORITY GROUP IN THE UNITED STATES TODAY. THEY HAVE THE LOWEST LEVEL OF LIFE EXPECTANCY, EDUCATION, AND INCOME IN THIS SOCIETY. (NEW YORK TIMES, JULY 8, 1970.)

WHEREAS: THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ON MARCH 31, 1971, INITIATED A PROGRAM TO TRANSFER SURPLUS LAND:

"MARCH 31--PRESIDENT NIXON TODAY ASKED THE SENATE AND HOUSE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEES TO APPROVE THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF NATIONWIDE MOVE TO TRANSFER BILLIONS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF FEDERALLY OWNED LAND TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR RECREATIONAL AND OTHER PUBLIC USES. STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS WOULD BE GIVEN THE FIRST CHANCE TO ACQUIRE THE LANDS. THOSE NOT TAKEN WOULD THEN BE OFFERED FOR SALE TO COMMERCIAL OR INDUSTRIAL BIDDER".

WHEREAS: HISTORICALLY, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN INDIAN LAND STATING THEY REQUIRED IT FOR: MILITARY FORTS AND INSTALLATIONS, ROADS, RAILROADS, HOMESTEADS, AND NATURAL RESOURCE SITES.

WHEREAS: THE GOVERNMENT IS PRESENTLY STATING THAT THESE LANDS ARE FEDERAL SURPLUS. WHY NOT RETURN THESE LAND TO THE ORIGINAL OWNDERS?--THE INDIANS. 

NOW BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

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IS IN COMPLETE ACCORD WITH THE GOALS OF RETURNING SURPLUS LAND TO INDIANS.