Trail of Tears Documentation Act

TRAIL OF TEARS DOCUMENTATION ACT -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 25, 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.

Source