[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 78 (Thursday, May 11, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S6508]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    JENA BAND OF THE CHOCTAW INDIANS

  Mr. JOHNSTON. Mr. President, over 90 years ago, a small poverty 
ridden community of Choctaw Indians who lived in the area around Jena, 
LA, walked for 9 months from their homes to Muskogee, OK, to testify 
before the Dawes Commission. Although that commission determined that 
the Jena Band were full-blooded native American Indians, entitled to 
land and services, lands were not yet ready for allotment. 
Consequently, the Jena Band returned to Louisiana empty-handed. Soon 
thereafter they were told by letter that they could claim such lands 
and benefits--but only if they returned to Oklahoma within 4\1/2\ 
months. This was impossible for them, they did not return, and 
therefore received no land or benefits to which they were rightfully 
entitled.
  This story of promised benefits, land, and services has been repeated 
throughout the last 90 years. Each time the Jena Band has come close to 
receiving the recognition they deserve, some additional obstacle has 
been thrown in their way. Yet, despite this long history of broken 
promises and neglect the Jena have maintained their identity, their 
dignity, and their hope that the Federal Government will at long last 
live up to the commitments made to them so long ago in Muskogee.
  On May 18, 1995, the Jena Band will finally celebrate the arrival of 
justice as the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the Department 
of the Interior, Ada Deer, signs the documents establishing a 
government-to-government relationship between the United States of 
America and the Jena Band of the Choctaw.
  Mr. President, I have known the Jena through their chief, Jerry 
Jackson, as we have struggled together for many years to gain their 
rightful recognition. The Jena are proud of there heritage and of their 
community. I look forward to seeing the strengthening of their tribe 
and their cooperation with the surrounding communities in the years to 
come, and I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating this long-
awaited event.


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