Quapaw Nation chair urges US committee to address historical land exploitation
February 26, 2025 | Appropriations: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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In a poignant session of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations, the air was thick with the weight of history as Wina Supranaw, chairperson of the Quapaw Nation, stood before lawmakers to recount a painful chapter in her tribe's past. With a steady voice, she addressed the committee, urging them to help rectify the injustices that have long plagued her people.
Supranaw's testimony painted a stark picture of exploitation and neglect. She detailed how, from the establishment of their reservation until the 1960s, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) oversaw the systematic extraction of valuable natural resources from Quapaw lands. The figures were staggering: between 1917 and 1947, mining operations authorized by the BIA yielded over $20 billion worth of lead and zinc, yet the tribe saw little to no financial benefit from this wealth.
The consequences of these actions were dire. Supranaw revealed that the BIA's poor oversight led to severe environmental degradation, rendering much of the Quapaw reservation, particularly the town of Pitcher, Oklahoma, unsafe for habitation. The land, once a source of sustenance and pride, has been marred by toxic waste, with some piles reaching heights of 90 feet. This legacy of pollution has poisoned the land for generations, leaving a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the Quapaw people.
As she concluded her testimony, Supranaw's call to action resonated deeply. She implored the committee to acknowledge this dark history and take steps toward healing and restoration. Her words served as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by American Indian and Alaska Native communities, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and support from the federal government.
The session underscored the importance of addressing historical injustices, as lawmakers listened intently, aware that the path to reconciliation requires not only acknowledgment but also meaningful action. As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the discussions held that day would echo far beyond the walls of the committee room, shaping the future of tribal relations and resource management in the United States.
Supranaw's testimony painted a stark picture of exploitation and neglect. She detailed how, from the establishment of their reservation until the 1960s, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) oversaw the systematic extraction of valuable natural resources from Quapaw lands. The figures were staggering: between 1917 and 1947, mining operations authorized by the BIA yielded over $20 billion worth of lead and zinc, yet the tribe saw little to no financial benefit from this wealth.
The consequences of these actions were dire. Supranaw revealed that the BIA's poor oversight led to severe environmental degradation, rendering much of the Quapaw reservation, particularly the town of Pitcher, Oklahoma, unsafe for habitation. The land, once a source of sustenance and pride, has been marred by toxic waste, with some piles reaching heights of 90 feet. This legacy of pollution has poisoned the land for generations, leaving a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the Quapaw people.
As she concluded her testimony, Supranaw's call to action resonated deeply. She implored the committee to acknowledge this dark history and take steps toward healing and restoration. Her words served as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by American Indian and Alaska Native communities, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and support from the federal government.
The session underscored the importance of addressing historical injustices, as lawmakers listened intently, aware that the path to reconciliation requires not only acknowledgment but also meaningful action. As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the discussions held that day would echo far beyond the walls of the committee room, shaping the future of tribal relations and resource management in the United States.
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