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I may add here, that in my opinion, one great thing happened as a result of the settlement of the Land Claims. It made Indians out of all of us.

Believe me, it was tough being an Indian in those days. One had to be very brave. Nowadays, it has become popular to be an Indian. Quite often in the past, I have been very disappointed in the attitude taken by some of our people who became interested in becoming a member of the ANB or ANS. Too often, I have seen people join and immediately aspire to high office within the organizations. I see nothing wrong with this, however, some of these who have aspired to high office dropped out of the organization entirely when they were unsuccessful in attaining a high position. I think it is appropriate at this time to quote our beloved President John F. Kennedy's remark in his Inaugural Address wherein President Kennedy stated... "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." This should be our attitude in becoming members of these great organizations. 

The ANB and ANS were instrumental in admitting Indians to the Pioneer Home. It also succeeded in having aid to dependent children (which is commonly referred to as Widow's Pension) extended to cover our Indian people. The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 and amended to include Alaska in 1936, was fought for by the ANB and ANS. The organization was also successful in equalizing the amounts given to recipients of Old-Age Pensions. During this period of time I was working in the Territorial Treasurer's Office and, of course, assisted in running tapes on redeemed warrants. Without looking at the names as I went along, I would immediately know I was in the Indian section

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