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FOREWORD
by
Judge N. B. Johnson, President

It has been the policy of the National Congress of American Indians to explore the opinions of the various Tribes and individuals of the United States and Alaska with reference to their special problems, and to crystallize Indian thought in respect to such problems. It has been the purpose of the Indian Congress to develope a program for the readjustment of the Administration of the Administration of Indian Affairs in keeping with present day needs. We have collaborated with Indian Tribes and Individuals, Congressional Committees, and met with various denominational groups and non-Indian organizations interested in the general welfare of Indians, to get their views to aid us in the formulation of a constructive programs.

We advocate the assimilation of the Indians into the general citizenship wherever and whenever such course is feasible. We believe that the time is here for the establishment of a planned program for the progressive liquidation of the United States Indian Service. We do not propose the abolishment of the Indian Service in all areas over night -- nor do we advocate the extension of a paternalistic blanket over all Indians.  We believe that in some areas a program of co-operation between the States and the Federal Government can and should be established forthwith in the interest of efficiency, and an appropriate advancement of Indianhood.

At the same time we realize that in some areas there is a pressing need for the continuation, for the time being, of certain special services, such as education, health, and welfare -- on the part of the Federal Government for and on behalf of the Indians.

With the final settlement of all pending Indian claims through the instrumentality of the Claims Commission Act, as contemplated by such law, the goal we seek should be nearer realization - the day when the Indian will have passed out of our National life of a romantic hero of fiction and will have become a useful and self-supporting member of society, not only enjoying all the blessings, rights, and privileges of American Citizenship, but assuming and discharging its corresponding duties and obligations as well.