Murray ~ Indian Land Transactions

Senator James E. Murray's 1958 statement to the Senate Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs highlights the alarming loss of over 2 million acres of Indian trust land from 1948 to 1957, primarily due to individual land sales and fee patent conversions. He expresses concern over inconsistent Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) practices, insufficient data, and lack of coordination with tribal authorities.

Murray called for a moratorium on land sales (which was temporarily granted), initiated a comprehensive questionnaire to gather data, and urged stronger tribal involvement and clearer federal policies to preserve tribal land bases. His statement is supported by personal testimonies, tribal leadership feedback, and national organizations advocating for reform.