The Chemawa American, January 20, 1939, Image 1

VOL.
— X X X IX
CHEMAWA, OREGON, JANUARY 20, 1939
"The New Day For The
Indians" Collier's Aim
MR; John Collier, Commissioner of Indian af­
fairs, has done a number of things for the
Indians of this country, but one of the greatest
projects he has undertaken is the Indian Reor­
ganization Act which has already been accepted
by a majority of the tribes.
This Act provides: ( l) The allotment system
is ended and remaining Indian lands are pro­
tected from further loss; (2) Surplus lands here­
tofore thrown open to white homesteaders which
has not been entered may be restored and fur­
ther land may be bought for the Indians; (3)
Tribes may organize themselves for their mut­
ual benefit, and when organized enjoy self-gov-
eminent \ nd^r<-.federal gu/ydiansh', >-(4). Tribes,
may incorporate for business purposes; (5) A
fund is established for scholarship loans to en­
able gifted Indians to receive advanced educa­
tion; (6) The Secretary of Interior may estab­
lish special Civil Service rules to make it easier
for Indians to enter Indian service; and, (7) A
revolving fund is made available for incorporated
communities to enable them to get started sup­
porting themselves.
This new law does not apply to any tribe or
band which votes against accepting the Act.
Among the 266 eligible bands and tribes, 189
have accepted the Act and 77 have rejected it.
Although Mr. Collier has accomplished a great
deal since he has been commissioner, there is
still much to be done. In his work he is attempt­
ing to erase the blot of broken agreements with
the Indians in the past. This is work being done
by the friend of the Indian people, John Collier.
Mr. Collier believes that the Indians should be
allowed to wear their original dress if they desire,
speak their native language, enjoy their customs,
and develop their crafts, and so on, but, he al­
so believes that the Indians should not live in
NUMBER 5
starvation and in hovels vermin invested. He
thinks the Indians should have their own lands
on which to survive and his aim in the Reorgan­
ization Act is to make the Indians self-supporting
and self-reliant citizens.—I ris H ogsed
S o c ie ty N e w s
^ ^ N Sunday night, January 8, the student body
and the faculty were called together at the
Auditorium to be entertained by “ Spec” Keene
and Mr. Leslie Sparks. Due to some difficulty,
Mr. Keene was not able to be present. Mr. Sparks
took over the program and spoke on the problem
of health for athletes.
Mr. Sparks is the Professor of Physical Edu­
cation at the Willamette University. His speech
was of much interest to the listeners. Shortly after,
h« showed football pictures, iff th e V Tillarnette
University team and of the larger college teams
from the east.
After chapel, the Senior girls gave a reception
at Winona hall and invited the Senior boys, some
of the employees, and Mr. Sparks. A short pro­
gram was given and light refreshments were ser­
ved. The whole evening was enjoyed by everyone
who attended chapel and the reception.
ON Jan. 11, the Reliance met with
their sister
society, the Winonas, in the high school
building to discuss business and entertainment
for the student body, and to select members for
different committees.
The meeting was well conducted by Miss
Barbara Whitelaw, newly elected president of the
Winonas.
( 2 ) ^ Sunday night January 15, the Chemawa Hi-
Y-Club was initiated into the National Hi -Y
organization. The Portland boys performed the
ceremony, and a short speech of welcome was
given by our Supt. Jackson. Also a short speech
of “ Thanks” was given by Gus Moore, the Y.
M. C. A. director from Salem. The induction
ceremony was a success.