There is much to be done in the field of Indian
affairs and I intend to work vigorously at the job. Our Democratic platform,
in which I strongly believe, recognizes the unique legal and moral responsibility
of the Federal Government for Indians in restitution for the injustice
that has sometimes been done them. Our platform pledges prompt adoption
of a program to assist Indian tribes in the full development of their human
and natural resources and to advance the health, education, and economic
well-being of Indian citizens while preserving their cultural heritage.
A new Democratic administration will bring
competent, sympathetic, and dedicated leadership to the administration
of Indian affairs which will end practices that have eroded Indian rights
and resources, reduced the Indians' land base and repudiated Federal responsibility.
Indian claims against the United States can
and will be settled promptly.
JOHN F. KENNEDY.