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Natives approve jederalplan to alter role of governmentTwo dozen Alaskan Natives gave a mutual nod of approval yesterday to seven pieces of proposed federal legislation, which if passed, would drastically change the U.S. government’s role in relations with Natives. The bills were Introduced to the gathered Natives at a publiciI3a.taseiafis?I5!%rtshearing held yesterday by the National Council on Indian Opportunity*Bight Native Americans from all parts of the United States serve on the council with representatives from seven federal departments. The council, formed in 1968, is chaired by Vice President Spiro T. Agnew and has an administrative staff of seven.Mrs. Laura Bergt, who chaired yesterday's hearing, was chosen as one of the eight Native representatives fur the council a month ago.Bob Robertson, executive director of the council, outlined the new bills for the Natives, calling the legislation representative of a new federal “policy of self-determination rather than termination.”Most important among the seven bills is one which calls for the formation of “an Indian Trust Counsel Authority” which wouid allow Natives to sue the U.S. government when Native affairs and interests are jeopardized by government action. This unprecedented bilk was written in hopes of avoiding conflicts of interest within the Department of Interior which is responsible for the Indian's welfare and his been known to turn Indian territory into a national park or forest.Another bill sets guidelines for the formation of an 'Indian Financing Act,” making loans available to Indians when funds aren't available from other sources. The sixth piece of legislation would allow Natives toassume the control and operation of certain federal programs which affect the lives of the Natives. Prime targets for Native takeover would be school operation, health program administration and other services.■Robertson and other federal officials were present at yesterday's hearing to describe the bills to the Natives who appeared from around the state. They will hold another meeting in Anchorage in November to present testimony gathered from Natives around the country and to listen to any further comments or suggestions from the Alaskan Natives.FAIRBANKS Candidate questionnaires start today on Pages 9, 10 and 12 and will continue on Monday. Candidates for borough and city offices were surveyed about current issues. Their answers appear with the questions.ALASKAGov. Keith Miller continued his push for quick construction of a trans Alaska pipeline ftiday in a talk before the state Chamber of Commerce meeting in Anchorage. Page 2.
Newspaper Details
Fairbanks Daily News Miner
Fairbanks, Alaska, US
Sat, Oct 03, 1970
Page 15
Full Page
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Anonymous
USA 03 Oct 2022
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