Today in 1953: Representative William Henry Harrison, a descendant of an Indian fighter, introduces House Concurrent Resolution 108. The resolution calls for terminating federal supervision of Indian reservations at the “earliest possible time.”

Enacted into law, it allows the government to cut off services to the reservations. The policy has a particularly tragic effect on Menominees in Wisconsin. In 1954, Congress pressures the tribe to relinquish its reservation status. Without the status, the Menominee hospital closes, other health programs crumble, and housing deteriorates. As a result, the Menominee infant-death rate soar.s.

In 1970, on the brink of extinction, Menominees found the grassroots Organization DRUMS. In 1973, the group pressures Congress to restore reservation status.

It’s today’s Action Calendar!

On Saturday June 21st, the Sierra Club is sponsoring a free bus to the Midwest Renewable Energy Fair, the largest clean energy gathering in the U.S.. The bus will have several pick-up points from Middleton through East Madison, leaving 7 to 7:45 am, and returning from the Fair in Custer, Wisconsin at 6 pm. The bus is free, but admission to the fair is separate. Get details and sign up for the bus at the Sierra Club website 4lakes.org.

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