[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 64 (Thursday, April 19, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S2316]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIGNING OF THE 1868 TREATY OF FORT LARAMIE

  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the passage of 
time and a particularly significant event in this Nation's history. In 
a few short days, Tribal leadership, historians, community leaders, and 
the public will gather at the Fort Laramie National Historic Site in 
Wyoming to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the signing of the 1868 
Treaty of Fort Laramie. As it did in the years preceding the signing of 
the treaty, the area around Fort Laramie, WY, will again serve as a 
place where cultures, minds, and governments meet.
  Over its history, the Fort Laramie area was home to Tribes of the 
Great Plains, represented a waypoint for emigrants as they traveled 
West, and became an economic center as trade routes were established. 
As conflict among Indian and non-Indian groups grew, Fort Laramie 
became a military post to quell disputes.
  History is marred by the years-long conflicts with Tribal 
communities. The 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie and others like it were 
intended to bring peace to whole regions of peoples. It took nearly 7 
months to negotiate the contents of the treaty and gather signatories. 
Among the more than 200 signatories were Tribal leaders, U.S. 
Government officials, and military leaders. It is important to 
recognize and remember those who signed in the hope that the treaty 
would bring resolution to ongoing conflicts. Equally, we should reflect 
on those who did not sign, as that omission is an important part of 
this history.
  Despite the signing of the treaty, conflict persisted. Today we must 
continue to work to address the inequities that remain across Indian 
Country. As those signatories of the treaty knew in 1868, treaties and 
the trust responsibilities to which the U.S. Government committed 
continue to shape modern relationships with the sovereign Tribes. True 
government-to-government relationships and respect for Tribal 
sovereignty are at the heart of Congress's responsibilities in helping 
to ensure a brighter future for Tribal communities.
  As they gather at Fort Laramie at the end of April, Tribes will share 
their histories and cultures. Among the exchange of traditional 
prayers, songs, and dances, Tribes will also lead discussions about the 
future of Tribal sovereignty and treaty rights.
  In the joint resolution passed during this year's session, the 
Wyoming State Legislature appropriately recognized that `` . . . the 
legacy of the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie has had an impact in numerous 
ways on the lives of Tribal members of Tribes party to the Treaty from 
generation to generation since the signing. . . .''
  Recognizing the 150th anniversary of the signing of the treaty 
requires reflection and introspection, but should also inspire hope for 
the future. The upcoming events at Fort Laramie National Historic Site 
offer a unique educational opportunity to highlight the vibrant Tribal 
cultures that have also endured for generations.
  I am proud to recognize this important anniversary and reflect on the 
150 years since the signing of the Treaty of Fort Laramie. Historic 
places and the documents inspired by a confluence of values and ideas 
should not be forgotten. We must remember the events that led to the 
signing of the treaty, and those that followed, and continue the 
important work to develop strong relationships and be good partners 
with sovereign Tribal nations.

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