[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 153 (Thursday, September 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1916]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRAIL OF TEARS DOCUMENTATION ACT

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                               speech of

                             HON. TOM COLE

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 22, 2008

  Mr. COLE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I come here in support of H.R. 
5335, which would amend the National Trails System Act to provide for 
the inclusion of new trail segments, land components, and campgrounds 
associated with the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. First, I 
would like to thank my colleague from Tennessee, Congressman Wamp, for 
sponsoring this important legislation. As an Oklahoman, this 
legislation is significant to my district, where many of my 
constituents are descendants of those who survived the Trail of Tears. 
However, as the only Native American currently serving in Congress this 
bill is also personally important to me, as my ancestors were forcibly 
relocated from Mississippi to Oklahoma through the Trail of Tears, 
though not one of the routes originally documented in the original 
Historic Trail. Of the dozens of tribes that call Oklahoma home today, 
very few are originally from the area. Virtually all of the tribes in 
Oklahoma experienced the tragedy of the forced relocation process.
  Mr. Chairman, when the Trail of Tears Historic Trail was created by 
Congress in 1987, it designated two main routes taken by the Cherokee 
during the removal process. Historically, many routes used during 
removal were not well documented at the time and were not included in 
the designation. Since that time, researchers have identified other 
routes taken by Native Americans during the relocation process. A 
feasibility study, ordered by Congress and released in September 2007, 
did find additional trail segments. This bill, pursuant to the 
feasibility study, adds additional land components, round up routes and 
water routes to the Trail of Tears Historic Trail. I am happy to be an 
original co-sponsor of this legislation.
  Not only will these additional designations help to raise awareness 
about this tragic chapter of our Nation's history, but will provide 
many across Indian country with better access to their past and 
collective history. The Trail of Tears crystallized the idea of race as 
a determining factor in American public policy and documents the first 
federally legislated forced removal of Native people from traditional 
homelands. The physical route of the Trail of Tears National Historic 
Trail and historic sites associated with the Trail and removal reflect 
the lifestyles of Native people at the time of removal, the harshness 
of the journey West and their remarkable adaptation to new 
surroundings. Thousands of Native Americans in Oklahoma and elsewhere 
will be able to visit these sites and identify with their ancestors' 
desperate journey westward.
  Madam Speaker, though this bill calls awareness to one of the most 
tragic events in our Nation's history, it also is ultimately a story of 
survival. The tribes that were relocated have once again established 
themselves and remain strong. This achievement only helps exemplify the 
astonishing fortitude of American Indians.
  Again, I thank Congressman Wamp for introducing this crucial 
legislation. As the only Native American currently serving in Congress, 
I am proud to support the intention of this bill and I urge Members to 
vote for its passage.

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