SEMO PRESIDENT SAYS SCHOOL WOULD BACK INDIAN AFFAIRS PANEL

Southeast Missouri State University's president says the school would be willing to assist state Rep. David Schwab in his effort to establish a state commission on Indian affairs.

The president, Dr. Dale Nitzschke, who was in Jefferson City on university business Wednesday, hand delivered a letter to the Jackson lawmaker's capitol office that voiced support for the idea.

The commission would help secure state recognition for American Indian tribes and work with them to gain federal recognition. The commission also would promote recognition of Indian culture and review all legislation affecting Indians.

Recognized tribes could receive federal funding for various programs or projects, proponents of the bill have said.

An estimated 100,000 American Indians live in Missouri.

"My sense is that an initiative such as this can have a very positive effect in fostering substantial development (social, cultural, educational and economic) in literally thousands of otherwise talented but often neglected people," Nitzschke wrote.

He said the university wants to further the public's understanding of the "Native American culture" and provide opportunities for advanced education for American Indians.

Southeast has hosted annual powwows for the past two years in an effort to foster an appreciation of the American Indian culture.

Nitzschke said, "Let me close by simply saying that should you come to believe that Southeast Missouri State University might be helpful to you as you pursue this initiative, please don't hesitate to ask."

If the 11-member commission is established, Nitzschke suggested that consideration be given to including "an appropriate faculty person from Southeast."

Reached in Jefferson City Wednesday, Nitzschke said the university hadn't taken a formal position on Schwab's bill.

Nitzschke said his offer of assistance ties in with the school's recent efforts to educate people about American Indian culture. It also ties in with the university's efforts to promote racial and cultural diversity at the Cape Girardeau school, he said.

Nitzschke's comments came on the same day that a hearing was held at the state capitol on Schwab's bill. A House committee on governmental organization held the hearing.

American Indian groups are divided over the measure.

Schwab said about half a dozen people testified in support of his bill, including three Cape Girardeau County residents who are part Cherokee. Several other American Indians also voiced support.

But members of some other tribes voiced opposition to the measure.

"We did have quite a bit of opposition show up," Schwab said.

Opponents came from various tribes sanctioned by an organization called the National Indian Bureau.

"They felt they were recognized by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs, and they didn't really see the purpose of having to give state recognition to other Cherokee tribes in Missouri," Schwab said.

The opponents include a group of Oklahoma Indians who want to establish a casino in Missouri, Schwab said.

Supporters of Schwab's bill include the Western Cherokee Nation of Arkansas and Missouri. That group wants to keep Indian casino gambling out of Missouri.

Schwab and members of that group said establishment of a state commission might help keep Indian casinos out of the state.

"I was happy to get a hearing on the bill," the Republican lawmaker said.

This is the first time the issue has been raised in the Legislature, Schwab said. He said the bill is a starting point and may not even make it out of committee this session. Lawmakers first have to be educated on the issue, he said.