Preserving Tribal Governments: The Importance of the American Indian Broadcast Corporation

Item — Box: 5, Folder: 9

Identifier: CAC_CC_109_5_5_9_0005

Staff Only

The Five Civilized Tribes Foundation in Muskogee, Oklahoma, prepared a narrative in February 1980 in support of the American Indian Broadcast Corporation. The primary goal of the broadcast facility is to preserve tribal governments and address important issues facing Indian people. Tribal governments are under attack from various groups, including radical and splinter Indian groups. These groups undermine the authority of elected tribal governments and misrepresent them as corrupt and undemocratic. The narrative argues that tribal self-determination depends on the attitudes of white Americans and the support of elected tribal leaders. The broadcast facility would provide a means of addressing these issues and informing both Indian and non-Indian Americans. Funding for the facility could come from the federal government, which already provides significant appropriations to Indian communities. The government could contract with the American Indian Broadcast Corporation to provide balanced information on the views of elected tribal leaders. The narrative emphasizes the importance of informing the American public and convincing them of the value of tribal governments for their survival.

Dates

1979-1980

Language of Materials

English

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