Political Quotes

“on the 40th anniversary of the introduction of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act in 1973, I wish to honor a distinguished advocate for Indian Country and one of the key architects of the Act, Forrest J. Gerard, and recognize him for a lifetime committed to public service. Forrest, a member of the Blackfeet Tribe, was the first American Indian to draft and facilitate the passage of Indian legislation through Congress. During the 1970s, Forrest partnered with Senator Henry ``Scoop'' Jackson to dramatically change the United States' policy on Indian affairs. Together, they ended the policy of termination and assimilation, and launched the era of self-governance and self-determination, which continues to guide Federal Indian policy today. Forrest's service began with the U.S. Army Air Corps as a member of a bomber crew in World War II. After flying 35 combat missions over Nazi- occupied Europe, he became the first member of his family to attend college, receiving a bachelor's degree from the University of Montana in 1949. Over the next two decades, Forrest worked for the State of Montana, the newly formed Indian Health Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs as a legislative liaison officer, and as the Director of the Office for Indian Progress in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. His goal was to enable future generations of Indian leaders to build healthy and educated communities. Forrest arrived at the U.S.…”