April 14, 1927: Indians prepare to defend claims

-Oppose granting additional homesteads of Colville Reserve

Strong opposition to granting additional homestead rights to white settlers and to reimburse those already having homestead claims on the Colville Indian reservation is to be made by the Indians of the Colville, according to developments at a meeting held here yesterday by a few Indian leaders from Nespelem and Inchelium.

As a result of the meeting held here this morning the Indians agreed to call a meeting of all the tribal leaders of the Colville Indian reservation for May 25, 26 and 27 to be held at Keller, Washington.

WILL GATHER EVIDENCE

In addition to uniting all of the tribal leaders in the matter of opposing the granting of additional homestead rights to settlers and reimbursing the settlers already having land claims on the reservation, the Indians also propose to gather testimony to be used as evidence in their $7,000,000 suit which has been filed in the court of claims.

According to Tad Moore, one of the Indian leaders from Jerome, who attended the meeting held here this morning, the white settlers on the reservation have banded themselves together under a homesteaders' association for the purpose of seeking congressional aid in securing additional homestead rights on the reservation. The specific object sought, according to Mr. Moore is to increase the homesteads from quarter sections to section homesteads, on the grounds that the reservation is grazing land rather than agricultural acreage. 

The homesteaders' association is also seeking, it was said, congressional aid to reimburse white settlers who suffered losses as a result of the extreme drought on the reservation during the last few years.

SETTLERS PERFECT CASE

At a meeting to be held at Keller on May 28, the white settlers plan to present their cause to Senator C.C. Dill, Congressman Sam B. Hill and A. Scott Bullitt. According to Mr. Moore those three men are plated to speak to the gathering of white settlers. The Indians propose to present their objections to the plans of the white settlers at this meeting, and may also have a speaker on the program.

According to Paul G. Wapato, president of the Northwest Indian Congress, the Colville Indians also propose to seek legislation to obtain allotments for 500 children now unalotted. Steps to  curtail sheep grazing on the mountain ranges of the reservation will also be taken by the Colville Indians, Mr. Wapato said. It was pointed out at the meeting here this morning that the Indian women realize as high as $150 each from huckleberries, whereas only $2 is realized from sheep grazing permits.

The proposed meeting for May 25 will be held preceding Salmon Day Celebration at Keller, and the conclave of tribal leaders is expected to be the largest ever held in the history of the Colville Indian Reservation.