Number: 1980-25
WHEREAS, questions as to the extent and existence of rights guaranteed under Indian treaties have been litigated for years in both federal and state courts with no permanent solution in the foreseeable future; and
WHEREAS, the Indian community, in some instances, has demonstrated inability to properly manage fish and wildlife resources; and
WHEREAS, treaty rights claims made by Indians have already had detrimental effects on some fish stocks in the Great Lakes and the Northwest and land in the Northeast; and
WHEREAS, the Indian community continues to grow more assertive in efforts to gain perceived treaty rights and threatens to involve other natural resources, including wildlife, water, and minerals; and
WHEREAS, control of major portions of these resources by Indian tribes could lead to national crises; and
WHEREAS, the continuation of this controversy can only lead to eroding the level of social acceptance that the Indians have gained over the years, while promoting a role of dual citizenship within the United States;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 20-23, 1980, in Miami Beach, Fla., hereby recognizes that the question of Indian treaty rights is an issue of national priority and a concentrated effort should be made toward developing a solution to this issue which best serves the interests of the natural resources and all citizens of this country.