In line with a recommendation recently made by his task Force on Indian Affairs, Secretary of the Interior Stewart L, Udall has proposed to Congress the enactment of legislation to establish an Advisory Board on Indian Affairs.
The Board would consist of not more than 15 members and would include both Indian and non-Indian leaders in such fields as tribal government, State and local government, national civic organizations, religious organizations, industry, labor, education, forestry, mining, grazing, wildlife and recreation. Its function would be to advise the Department on existing and contemplated programs and policies in the field of Indian affairs.
Such a Board, Secretary Udall said, would serve much the same purpose as the Advisory Board on National Parks, Historic Sites, Buildings and Monuments, established under a law enacted in 1935. The Parks Board, he added, has proved "of great value and service to the Department and the country.”
Under the proposed bill members of the Indian Advisory Board would serve without salary but would be reimbursed for travel and expenses when on official duty. Annual cost to the Government is estimated at not more than $20,000.
