Commissioner of Indian Affairs Philleo Nash today announced the completion of an agreement between the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior, and a Pelham, N.Y., electronics company which will lead to the establishment of I a new branch plant providing jobs for at least 200 workers on the Laguna Indian Pueblo west of Albuquerque, N. Mex.
The firm involved is Burnell & Co., Inc., which manufactures electronic filters and related components.
As part of its program to promote greater economic development and fuller job opportunities in Indian communities, the Bureau of Indian Affairs has agreed, subject to the availability of funds, to enter into a contract with Burnell for on-the-job training of Indian workers in the new plant.
"We are delighted to be playing an active role in this most promising enterprise," Commissioner Nash commented, "but major credit for making these jobs available properly belongs to the Laguna Indians. They have taken the initiative in dealing with Burnell and Company and are investing a substantial amount of their own funds in the operation."
Under an agreement between Laguna and Burnell, the Pueblo will furnish a $440,000 building to house the new plant. Construction is expected to begin in 8arly spring.
