"Senator Conrad Burns has recently come under some unjustified criticism of his legislative efforts on behalf of Native Americans. As Chairman of the Montana Wyoming Tribal Leaders Council, it is important to set the record straight.

We know that Conrad Burns has been a positive and aggressive advocate for Indian Country in general and especially so for the tribes in Montana. Senator Burns has been the single most active champion for tribal colleges across the country since he became the chairman for the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee. Just last year, he singlehandedly saved all tribal colleges from a significant reduction proposed by the administration and agreed to by the House of Representatives. Few people know that about 25 percent of all tribal colleges in this country are in Montana."

Get the Story:
D. Fred Matt: Burns champion of Indian health, education (The Billings Gazette 3/18)

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