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« . • - • f .• t ■ • I • • • ^ * •Agnew, Native Leaders..(Continued from page 1)to the American Indian.“ it’s time to stop the rhetoric and to start acting,' the Vice President said.“The Vice President then turned the meeting over to AFN President Don Wright who gave a 15 minute presentation. They were very, very moved with Don’s opening speech. He started from the very beginning-wher the Natives of Alaska were there and the Russians came-and went up to the present moment when we're really fighting for our native land claims.“He, clearly explained why we’re aksing for 60 million acres, 500 million dollars compensation, 2 per cent in perpetuity and the 12 regional concept. He did such a beautiful job that he visibly moved everyone in that room including the three Natives who were there-who already understood our side of the story.I really have to take my hat off to him; he did such a good job.“No absolute promises were made but it was obvious that the administration’s position was not acceptable by everyone presentat the meeting. Because of the meeting, there- was a dramatic shift in their position. .“Secretary Morton said that in the; last few days he has personally researched and re-evi*kiat-ed his whole way of thinkW on the native land claims legislaN. tion. This weekend, the ad- ^i f • • . * • %ministration is drafting their bill Iand agreed to have AFN counsel 1present during the entire drafting ;of the bill. , •• . j • - * • .,“The meeting was above-board 1and it was very, very open on both sides. A lot of questions 1were asked Vice President Agnew land Secretary Morton and the lt;others. i‘They didn't know what we 1were talking about before. They lt;heard a lot of figures thrown around about what the natives iwere asking for. After this meet- £ing, they understand why we're tasking for what we're demanding. \“It was a great meeting and 2I think represents a dramatic cshift in their way of. thinkingso far as the native land claims t» * * . *situation is concerned,” Mrs. sBergt concluded. F
Newspaper Details
Fairbanks Tundra Times
Fairbanks, Alaska, US
Wed, Mar 17, 1971
Page 6
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
USA 04 Oct 2022
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