The Taos Indians and the Battle for Blue LakeIt is extremely rare that a book addresses the positive side of the struggle between Native Americans and the United States Government. This book tells a fascinating story that involves not only Indians devoted to a decades-long struggle to reclaim their sacred Blue Lake and preserve their culture but also includes a host of prominent non-native figures who allied themselves with the Indians' quest. The list includes Fred Harris, Ted and Robert Kennedy, Stuart Udall, Barry Goldwater, George McGovern, Spiro Agnew, Richard Nixon, John Collier, Oliver La Farge, and Eliot Porter. The Taos Indians' persistent attempts to reclaim their sacred lands repeatedly met with failure until 1970 when President Richard Nixon took a personal interest in the matter. Nixon oversaw the formation of a bipartisan campaign that eventually brought the Blue Lake issue to a successful roll call vote in the Senate. This book shows how the battle for Blue Lake became the focus of national debate and the centerpiece for the Indian "new deal" commenced under Nixon's leadership. It is a paean to individual courage and initiative and focuses on one of the few bright spots in the conduct of established governments toward the native people of North America. |
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AAIA acres action agreed Agriculture American Anderson asked attorneys Author became began Bernal bill Blue Lake Blue Lake area called cause ceremony claim clear Collier committee concerned Congress continued Council culture decision Department developed efforts entire exclusive explained fact Farge favor felt finally Forest Service freedom further gave give given governor Harris hearings Ibid important Indian Affairs interest Interior interview introduced issue John land legislation letter Locker Martinez matter meeting Mexico nature Nixon opposed opposition passed permit political position practice precedent present President problems proposed protect quest question reasons religion religious reserve sacred saying Schaab Schifter Senate sent signed statement Subcommittee Taos Indians Taos Pueblo testimony timber tion told took tribal Tribe trust title United vote wanted Washington watershed White House wilderness