A Message from the Speaker:
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HE(N)SCI !!!

The May monthly session of the National Council consisted of thirty three agenda items. All were addressed and all received a consensus unanimous vote with the exception of one which received one abstention, otherwise it would have been a historic vote for a session.

I’ve often wondered about the most prominent and historic Indian policies and the thought process of how they became a reality. I am amazed to see the last three letters of important Indian policies ending in the letters I-O-N. Sometimes, I think the federal officials elected or otherwise, often asked the question “do we want Indians or not?

First, the initial effort of an Indian policy was TERMINAT ION. Historically, tribal nations were astute viable working governments before any Anglo or other forms of governments ever existed in this country. It is well known, the form or concept of government with this country of Executive, Legislative and Judicial came from existing Tribal governments. Yet, because of the need of land and resources offered by “the new country” it was decided something must be done with the Indians. Congress by legislation dictated Indian people and its governments must no longer exist. Our way of life, government and most important our dignity was challenged by removal away from our homelands to unfamiliar new territories. The Trail of Tears was to have been the trail to Termination as well.

Next, early INDIAN EDUCAT ION! In order for Indians to assimilate into the major society it was decided to establish Indian boarding schools. The goal was teach them to exist in society, more importantly, to get the Indian out of them. These schools were in far away locations with the first priority being to make them “white” by cutting hair and putting them in “civilized” clothing. Students weren’t allowed to practice their traditions, culture and talk their language. Cultural termination through early Indian education.

INDIAN RELOCAT ION in the 1950’s was to allow Indian people to go to large urban locations and work. The Bureau of Indian Affairs recruited many to go to Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Wichita, and etc; Many went, many stayed and many came back. To take someone from a comfortable cultural setting into a large urban setting was a shock. The enticement was jobs were plentiful and BIA provided funds to help get “you on your feet”. In some cases, promises of the jobs weren’t fulfilled and a shortage of funds to help was a major disappointment. Families “pitched in” after their first paycheck to return home. Those that stayed in some locations were instrumental in establishing Indian communities within the urban setting. Indian churches, clinics and centers were the results of those who saw the need to stay and make a difference in those large cities.

INDIAN SELF DETERMINAT ION in the 1970’s is and continues to be the landmark policy for Indian people. With the Self Determination Act, Indian policies came full circle. Once again we could determine our own destiny. Through Congress the federal government recognized the importance for tribal governments to exist. In the mid 70’s the American Indian Policy Review Commission reported on the importance of tribes and their policies. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation was a strong contributor in the Commissions final report to Congress. Indian leaders were raising their voices to anyone and everyone about needs in health care, housing, education and economic development. Congress began listening and funds were being appropriated to address those needs in Indian country.

Indian Self Determination brought new challenges. Whatever the challenge tribal governments have learned to accept and address accordingly.

Today, I see the ION at the end of these policies standing for Impact on Nations. From Termination, early Indian Education, Relocation and Self determination, we continue and are still a proud race of people. We survived termination. We learned in boarding schools. We worked and contributed in urban America . We are survivors. We are Muscogee!

Thank you for your words of encouragement and until next month MVTO!