The Confederated Indian Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation in Oregon were warmly commended today by the Bureau of Indian Affairs of the Department of the Interior for the "progressive step" they have taken in entering into a $100,000 contract with Oregon State College for a study of the human and natural resources on the reservation.
In a letter to the chairman of the tribal organization, Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs H. Rex Lee called particular attention to lithe outstanding job performed by the tribes in keeping the members so well informed on the basic intent of the survey and the manner in which the agreement negotiations were conducted."
The agreement with the College was entered into July 28 and will be financed by funds which the Warm Springs Tribes received from the Federal Government in compensation for the loss of their fishing rights at Celilo Falls resulting from construction of The Dalles Dam.
The survey to be undertaken by the College will consist of two major parts: A study of the human resources and social conditions, and an evaluation of the physical resources. Under the first heading the College will study the wants and needs of the tribal members, housing conditions, health and welfare problems, educational facilities, household economic status, and the adequacy of commercial and business services. The second phase will cover agricultural, water, recreational, mineral, forest and soils resources of the reservation and will appraise their present and potential value to the reservation economy.
The ultimate objective being sought by the tribal organization is "a long-range plan for the development and use of the resources of the reservation which will include opportunities for the Tribal members to improve their personal and financial status."
Acting Commissioner Lee called this "an excellent and highly constructive use” of the Dalles settlement money and pointed out that the survey is wholly in line with Commissioner Glenn L. Emmons' emphasis on Indian planning for economic and social development.
