[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 76 (Thursday, June 16, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO MERLE REEVES LUCAS (LOOKING EAGLE)

  Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, it is with great sadness that I note the 
death of a friend and crusader for Indian causes, Merle Reeves Lucas or 
``Looking Eagle.''
  Merle died on June 9 in Arlington VA while he was at an American 
Indian business conference. He was striving after his lifelong goal of 
bringing greater economic well being to the Indians of his reservation 
and his country.
  A graduate of Wolf Point High School, Merle worked for many years as 
the Montana Coordinator for Indian Affairs. In this position he worked 
tirelessly to promote State and Federal legislation beneficial to 
American Indians.
  After leaving this position, Merle then worked as the Executive 
Director of the Montana Inter-Tribal Policy Board and then as Chairman 
of the Fort Peck Tribal Finance Committee. Here he was a key leader in 
improving the economic conditions on Indian reservations.
  One of Merle's greatest goals was in educating others about the 
economic opportunities that exist on Indian reservations. He sought to 
show the world the quality of Indian workers and to attract businesses 
to Indian communities.
  An illustration of this was Merle's work as Chairman of the Montana 
Indian Manufacturers Network. This network was established to help 
Indian owned businesses both individually and collectively. Drawing on 
their collective strength and experience, Montana's Indian 
Manufacturing firms are helping each other become stronger and more 
competitive.
  Another example of Merle's love for his fellow Indians and America 
was his outstanding service during the Vietnam war. During his 18 
months in Southeast Asia he was wounded five times and was decorated 
with the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and the Army Commendation Medal. As 
his brother simply stated, ``he really dedicated his whole life to 
helping his people.''
  In 1977 Merle was honored at the Kennedy Center by the organization, 
``No Greater Love.'' Perhaps this says it all. Merle had no greater 
love, than for his family, his tribe, his State and his country. He 
demonstrated this with a life of service. May he rest in peace; we will 
miss him.

                          ____________________