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Chapter V
Organization of the Federal Indian Work
Three fundamental recommendations must be made for strengthening the organization of the Indian Service. Briefly summarized, they are:
- The creation, in connection with the Washington office, of a professional and scientific Division of Planning and Development.
- A material strengthening of the school and reservation forces that are in direct contact with the Indians and are responsible for developing and improving their economic and social condition through education in the broadest sense of the word.
- The maximum practical decentralization of authority so that to the fullest possible extent initiative and responsibility may be vested in the local officers in direct contact with the Indians.
Each of the recommendations requires elaboration and each will be taken up in turn.
A Professional and Scientific “Division of Planning and Development”
The functions of the recommended “Division of Planning and Development” may be outlined briefly as follows:
- To advise the Commissioner in matters requiring technical or scientific knowledge of particular problems.
- At the request of the Commissioner and subject to his approval to formulate programs and develop policies to be carried out by administrative officers or to assist in planning and arranging cooperative programs with state and local authorities.
- To visit schools and agencies and to report to the Commissioner upon the effectiveness of the administration in those fields of work that are professional, technical, or scientific in character.
- To visit schools and agencies and to advise and counsel with superintendents and other employees regarding the development and improvement of these specialized activities.
- Upon direction of the Commissioner to investigate and hold hearings upon matters of special complaint that involve technical or scientific subjects.
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