BRADLEY H. PATTERSON, JR. PAPERS, (1960) 1974-76 (1988)

Bradley Patterson served in a number of positions during the Nixon and Ford administrations. These papers are from his work on the White House staff as an assistant for Native American Programs from 1969 to 1974, and again from August 1976 to January 1977. Patterson first worked in this area as an assistant to Leonard Garment during the Nixon administration, and then after serving in other roles in the Ford White House, he was appointed Special Assistant for Native American Programs by President Ford in August 1976.

While these papers are primarily from 1974-76, they also include earlier and post-Ford administration materials. The long date span reflects items accumulated for background and reference and Patterson’s continuing interest in issues affecting Native Americans.

Much of Patterson’s work in Native American programs concerned implementation of policy initiated by President Nixon in July 1970. President Nixon’s policy recognized tribal leadership when tribes were willing and able to manage their own affairs in a given area, but did not terminate the special trust relationship between the federal government and Indian people. The Ford administration continued the Nixon reform policy and in January 1975 President Ford signed the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. For helpful background information, researchers are referred to the folder “Indian Leaders” in Box 4 for an overview of Indian issues during this time and a partial chronology of Indian policy, 1775-1975.

The Patterson Papers are a combination of reports, summaries, correspondence, and legal documents, and printed materials including clippings, articles, and newsletters and newspapers published by Indian tribes and organizations. These materials relate to the delivery of federal domestic assistance to American Indians, legislation affecting Indians, relationships between tribal governments and state and local governments, and litigation over such issues as land claims, fishing rights, natural resources, and water rights. The papers show Patterson’s work as a liaison between the federal government and Native Americans and coordinator of services provided by many agencies to Indian people.

Related Materials (March 2001)
The most significant related collection is the segment of Bradley H. Patterson Files on Native American Programs. Related materials are also available in White House Central Files subject category IN (Indians), a series in the Norman Ross Files (Domestic Council) consisting for the most part of 1974 Patterson files inherited by Ross, the Theodore Marrs Files (Public Liaison Office), and the files of Bobbie Greene Kilberg (Counsel’s Office).