[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 12041]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO FORREST GERARD

  Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, on the 40th anniversary of the 
introduction of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance 
Act in 1973, I wish to honor a distinguished advocate for Indian 
Country and one of the key architects of the Act, Forrest J. Gerard, 
and recognize him for a lifetime committed to public service.
  Forrest, a member of the Blackfeet Tribe, was the first American 
Indian to draft and facilitate the passage of Indian legislation 
through Congress. During the 1970s, Forrest partnered with Senator 
Henry ``Scoop'' Jackson to dramatically change the United States' 
policy on Indian affairs. Together, they ended the policy of 
termination and assimilation, and launched the era of self-governance 
and self-determination, which continues to guide Federal Indian policy 
today.
  Forrest's service began with the U.S. Army Air Corps as a member of a 
bomber crew in World War II. After flying 35 combat missions over Nazi-
occupied Europe, he became the first member of his family to attend 
college, receiving a bachelor's degree from the University of Montana 
in 1949.
  Over the next two decades, Forrest worked for the State of Montana, 
the newly formed Indian Health Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs as 
a legislative liaison officer, and as the Director of the Office for 
Indian Progress in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. His 
goal was to enable future generations of Indian leaders to build 
healthy and educated communities.
  Forrest arrived at the U.S. Senate in 1971 to work with Senator 
Jackson, then chair of the Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs. 
Senator Jackson had become a strong supporter of self-determination, 
and believed Forrest Gerard, with his significant background with 
Federal agencies and his understanding of the American Indian 
experience, would bring an important perspective to the debate. Forrest 
was able to combine significant issue expertise with his solid 
relationships with tribes to enact meaningful legislation that would 
alter the course of Indian affairs.
  Forrest's unique skills and relationships played a critical role in 
producing the landmark Indian Self-Determination and Education 
Assistance Act. With the leadership of Senator Jackson and Forrest 
Gerard, this critical bill was signed by President Ford in 1975 and 
remains the basis for Federal dealings with tribal governments.
  Following the success of the Indian Self-Determination and Education 
Assistance Act, Forrest worked to strengthen tribal governance by 
helping to pass the Indian Health Care Improvement Act and the 
Submarginal Lands Act.
  As Native American journalist Mark Trahant put it:

       Gerard did great work--subtly, without fanfare, and too 
     often without recognition or even thanks. His approach was 
     honesty and directness in dealing with Indian Country, and he 
     never wavered in his loyalty to the Tribes.

  Today we recognize Forrest Gerard for his dedication, intelligence, 
and persistence, which paved the way for the political achievements 
that transformed the landscape of Indian affairs. Tribes now have 
greater autonomy in managing their resources, preserving their 
cultures, and utilizing their land base. And the government-to-
government relationship between the United States and tribes is now a 
mature relationship.
  Forrest Gerard was honored for his work by the National Congress of 
American Indians. In 1977 President Jimmy Carter appointed him to be 
the first Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. Forrest spent the 
last 30 years advising Indian people on how to effectively participate 
in developing policy with government leaders and be part of the 
political process. Forrest truly has devoted his life to empowering 
tribal communities.
  I think we are long overdue in commending Forrest for his pioneering, 
industrious career as a voice for Indian Country. Today we celebrate 
his leadership in charting a new path for American Indians--a path that 
won the support of Congress, tribal governments, and the Nation.
  Forrest Gerard is a hero among a new generation of great Indian 
leaders. And his contributions will be remembered forever.

                          ____________________