Title: Support the Continued Existence of the Alabama/Quassarte Tribal Town and Its Federally Recognized Membership

 

WHEREAS, we, the members of the National Congress of American Indians of the United States, invoking the divine blessing of the Creator upon our efforts and purposes, in order to preserve for ourselves and our descendants the inherent sovereign rights of our Indian nations, rights secured under Indian treaties and agreements with the United States, and all other rights and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and Constitution of the United States to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise promote the welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution; and

WHEREAS, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is the oldest and largest national organization established in 1944 and comprised of representatives of and advocates for national, regional, and local Tribal concerns; and

WHEREAS, the health, safety, welfare, education, economic and employment opportunity, and preservation of cultural and natural resources are primary goals and objectives of NCAI; and,

WHEREAS, the improper interference with the Alabama/Quassarte Tribe is directly contrary to the Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act; and,

WHEREAS, the Bureau of Indian Affairs determination of tribal membership will terminate two-thirds of the membership; and

WHEREAS, this illegal act and pattern of acts is causing- and will cause- irreparable harm to the Tribe and its people.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that NCAI demands that the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, recuse themselves from any action that is based on de-recognition of the existing Tribal Town membership.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Office of Inspector General investigate and present a report of the findings of such investigation to the NCAI within ninety (90) days of this date.

The foregoing resolution was adopted at the 2000 Mid-Year Session of the National Congress of American Indians, held at the Centennial Hall in Juneau, Alaska on June 25-28, 2000 with a quorum present.

_____________________________

Susan Masten, President

Juana Majel, Recording Secretary

Adopted by the General Assembly during the 2000 Mid-Year Session of the National Congress of American Indians, held at the Centennial Hall in Juneau, Alaska on June 25-28, 2000.