Friday March 3, 2006
By: John Diehm
Daily News Staff Writer
Yreka – Shasta Indian, Karol Purcell from the Scott
Valley asked the Siskiyou County Supervisors on Feb. 21, to request a
congressional investigation concerning the Karuk (Karok) Tribe’s federal
recognition, claiming that the Karoks “fraudulently” received its
federal recognition in 1978 by the use of the Shasta’s treaty.
After listening to the claims of Purcell and several speakers and receiving
documentation, the supervisors, without taking a position, approved a motion
made by Marcia Armstrong with a 5-0 vote to forward the information to
congress and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, along with the request of the
Shasta Tribe for a congressional review with copies sent to the Karok Tribe
and congressmen and senators.
Purcell said that the Karok Tribe made historical references to Treaty
“R” in order to receive federal recognition. She said historically the
Karoks are associated with Treaty “Q” and Shasta with Treaty “R.”
“The Shasta people are outraged by this revisionist history and
encroachment by the Karok Tribe,” she said. “This is a federal matter
that needs to be addressed immediately; the future of our people and the
well being of all the citizens of Siskiyou County is at stake.”
James Foley with the National Land Rights League spoke in favor of such an
inquiry. He said the county should be concerned about tribal federal
recognition. ”The direction of the Karok Tribe is having an adverse affect
on the community and it is alarming,” Foley said. They have aligned
themselves with radical environmental groups that are detrimental to
society.”
Foley said that federal recognition is for the purpose of tribes improving
themselves. “Aggressive behavior and terrorizing their neighbors should
not be tolerated,” he said.
Michael Higbee spoke, saying he also wants the inquiry supported. Higbee
said the Karok constitution proposes to enlarge its jurisdiction.
“As a gold miner on the Klamath, the Karok constitution concerns me,” he
said. “They said they would be good neighbors, having a minimal affect on
miners, but they intend to use the proceeds from a casino to further
eliminate mining on the river.”
County counsel Frank DeMarco said the appropriate entity for tribal
recognition is the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). “We should send it to
the BIA and the people adversely affected should receive a copy,” he said.
Supervisor Jim Cook said that courtesy copies should also be sent to the
federal and state legislature.
“It is uncomfortable being in the middle of three tribes fighting,”
Supervisor Bill Hoy said.