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Show REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OR INDIAN AFWAIRS 15 REI~BW~AB~uL~En s.-Theu se of reimbursable funds continues to be one of the principal means of enabling the Indians to utilize their land and become self-supporting. The appropriation of $158,000 for 1926 was supplemented by $30,000 from tribal funds used under the reimbursable regulations. As the funds of some tribes are diminish-ing it becomes necessary to substitute the reimbursable fund therefor. ; For instance, the Uintah and Ouray Agency, Utah, received for the first time material assistance from this fund to the extent of an assignment of $10,000 authorized for the purchase of seed and farm implements. Unusual interest showu by the Indians in increasing their culti-vated acreage, improving the grade of their liyestock, and in develop-ing better conditions generally, is due in considerable measure to the assistance derived from the use of t h ~ sfu nd. This aid 1s to.the Indians what farm and bank loans are to the whites. Most Indians are not qualified to borrow from those sources, and the Government acts as their banker. Not only does this plan equip the Indians to carry on their work, but it aids them in obtaining necessary supplies and equipment at much lower prices than if bought locally. At the Navajo Agency, Ariz., wa ons purchased for the Indians were deliv-ered to them at a cost of $145.61, while the local price was $184. Each purchaser had a $50 cash payment ready, which left a balance of less than $100 on a first-class wa on suitable for general utility work around the home and farm, an$ I,n many cases serving to sup-plement their income by hauling freight, etc. That the Indians appreciate this plan and are sincere in their promise to pay, is showu by the following instances : (1) At Pine Ridge Agency, S. Dak., in the spring of 1925 $2,483 was expended for potatoes, $3,200 for corn, and $1,042.63 for oats. On December 31, 1925, the Indians had repaid $2,331.73 on potatoes. $1,623.49 on corn, and $644.52 on oats. (2) At the San Juan Agency, N. Mex., $8,900 waa expended for rams in the wring of 1925. The report for December 31, l a 5 , shows collections of $5,WO. If reimbursable funds had not been available, these Indians could iiot have had the seed to plant or the rams with which to improve the breed of their flocks. During the fiscal year 1926, 3,243 agreements were made for sales to Indians on the reimbursable plan. &&3 CLUB WORK.-The year 1926 brought unusual progress in boys' and girls' club work, as shown by comparison of the figures for three years. At the end of 1924 there were 400 club members within 17 reservations; in 1925 the enrollment had increased to 1,800 within, 40 reservations; this year we have over 3,000 Indian boys and girls engaged in the work within 63 reservations not including the Five Civilized Tribes with more than 2,500 members. The work involves dairy calf, pig, poultry, corn, potato, gafden, canning, bread making, clothing, food selection and preparation, and home-improvement projects. The children finance their own projects. The work has advanced to a pointwhere the Indian boys and girls are taking a prominent parbin locali Statei and, National club events. There were many outstanding activities, foremost among which may be mentioned- A Kiowa Indian boy won a free trip to the National Club Congress. He was county health winner; also the best all-around club member of his county. |