[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 47 (Tuesday, April 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E520-E521]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             IN MEMORY OF CHIEF RONALD ``REDBONE'' VAN DUNK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 3, 2001

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to memorialize Chief Ronald 
``Redbone'' Van Dunk, grand chief of the Ramapough Mountain Tribe, from 
Hillburn, New York, in my congressional district.
  In his role as the grand chief of the 3,000 member Ramapough Mountain 
Tribe, Chief Redbone served his people with distinction and dignity, 
and honorably led his tribe in their long sought campaign for Federal 
recognition.
  Although the Ramapough Tribe has been recognized by both the states 
of New York and New Jersey, the Federal government, to date, has denied 
their request for recognition of their heritage.
  Chief Redbone was a dedicated champion of the tribe's efforts to 
acquire such native tribal recognition.
  Chief Redbone organized his tribal members to incorporate themselves, 
and in 1979, after he was elected chief, the Ramapough Tribe filed 
their petition for federal recognition, which is now pending before the 
U.S. Appellate Court.
  Chief Redbone wanted the best for his people, especially for their 
children, believing that recognition of their native American heritage 
would offer the tribe's children the opportunity to have an identity, a 
history, and a true pride in themselves as a people.

[[Page E521]]

  Moreover, the service of Chief Redbone was not limited to his people. 
He was a veteran, having served the United States in Germany from 1953 
to 1955.
  Grand Chief Ronald ``Redbone'' Van Dunk was a hero, a gentleman, a 
soldier, a distinguished leader, and a friend. His passing is not only 
a loss to his family, but to his tribe and to our Hudson Valley region. 
His legacy is his hope and dedication for the pride of a people, known 
as the Ramapoughs.
  Our prayers and condolences go out to his family and friends, during 
their time of mourning.

                          ____________________