The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1952-03-21

! IL IepOIIeQ OUT by Cne 1nSular COM
mittee. The new proposal would ex-
pressly state that Indians affected
would not be under supervision of
the bureau of Indian affairs.
Purpose of the program is to put
the Indians on social and economic
basis equal to other citizens. This
W u | d be accomplished partially
through purchase of land for agri-
cultural purposes, assistance in OBJ
tanning employment, and educational
advancement.
The bill would benefit Montana
Indians of one-half or more degree
of Indian blood who are not men,
bers of any tribe now under federal
jurisdiction.
Provisions include:
L. The RFC would advance S15.-
100000 to an Indian Rehabilitation
Credit Corp, in Montana, managed
by officers and agents appointed by
RFC. The IRCC would operate
through local cooperative associa-
tions. Forty-year loans would be
made for any purposes calculated to
carry out provisions of the act.
2. Loans could be made for pur-
chase of land. Title would be in the
name of the individual Indian pur-
chaser and would be subject to tax
alton by the state and it's political
subdivisions.
3. The IRCC would be authorized
to assist members in providing for
educational advancement of their
children and themselves.
DISPUTED ACRES
Rival claims of the Landless In
dians and the Rocky Boy tribe to
the $4,000 acres adjoining the Rocky
Boy resulted in the delegates vot-
ing to take legal action to clear title
to the disputed acreage. This disputed
land was originally set aside for set
tlement purposes for Landless In
dams, but the land was never set
tied. Spokesman at the meeting con-
tend that the Rocky Boys adopted
several Landless Indians, and on that
basis, lay claim to the $4,000 acres.
The quiet title action to restore the
original intent of the congressional
act, will be started in federal court
later this month.
OTHER CONVENTION ACTION
A resolution asking the federal
government to turn the health and
welfare program over to individual
states, and asking that the organi-
cation be given the right to help pick
recipients for university scholarships,
was given approval by the delegates.
Support of the Montana intertribal
policy boards position on the health
program was also voted.
K w. Bergan of Helena, state CO.
for Indian Affairs, spoke on
the program and explained proceed
Tres in introducing the bill. Jerry
J. O'Connell, local attorney for the
Montana Landless Indians, was prin-
,ipal speaker at the afternoon meet
ng. .r
OFFICERS CHOSEN
Tom Sangray, Augusta, was elect
I'd association president, succeeding
will also replace Al Gardipee on the
Montana Intertribal Policy board. Ed
Belgard, Helena, was elected vice
president, and member of Inter
.ribal Board. Alternates on Inter
,ribal Board are Robert and George
3remner, Browning. George Brem-
Ter was also elected second vice presi-
lent of the association
Secretary for the coming year is
Helen Thumm, Great Falls; and treas
lrer, Marjorie Good, Great Falls.
Executive board members are:
lucy Sharpe, Browning; Jerry
Thumm, Great Falls; Elizabeth Swan,
lewistown; Mrs. Josephine Meyers,
Iavre; William LaRoque, Glasgow;
George st. Claire, Chinook, and Dave
)oney, Hayes.