1968: "We feel the Indian is intelligent enough to compete at all levels. But too often he doesn't get the chance because too many people, once they learn he is an Indian, immediately picture him as the type Indian they see on television or in the movies."

"The enhancement and perpetuation of stereotype motifs of the Indian as drunken, savage, treacherous, unreliable or child-like produces impeding effects on the employability of the Indian and his opportunities for education." - The National Congress of American Indians, 1968  (Source 1968 May 8. The Daily Telegram. )
1968 May 8. The Daily Telegram. 
"Indians are only allowed to adapt themselves to superficial things in the predominant society, like alcohol and cars and television sets," said a participant of the Indian Health Institute at Idaho State University, March 1968. "The security of a respected cultural background and a good job are denied the Indian."  (Source: 1968 March 11. Idaho State Journal. )
1968 March 11. Idaho State Journal. 

Indians Hit New Warpath 
To Polish Tarnished Image
1969 March 16. Florida Today. 
      "We feel the Indian is intelligent enough to compete at all levels," said Earl Old Person, head chief of the Blackfeet. "But too often he doesn't get the chance because too many people, once they learn he is an Indian, immediately picture him as the type Indian they see on television or in the movies."
      The National Congress of American Indians launched a campaign to prove the image of the American Indian. When the group finds something it considers derogatory - whether in television, movies, etc - it will send an official (non-violent) complaint. "Nothing violent, nothing pressure-group, just a polite mention of what we regard as offensive," said John Belindo, Kiowa, and executive director of the Indian congress.
      The newspaper reported that, at the conference, the members appeared in suits - ".. there wasn't a ceremonial head-dress in sight, nor a war whoop to be heard."  The slogan of the campaign - The American Indian -- A New Awareness and Readiness -- will be advertised on television and billboards in major U.S. cities.     
1969 March 16. Florida Today. 

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