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takeovers 121“I never knew D.C. for Christ’s sake. I really was lost. But I’d findmy way back.”Bureau occupants had threatened to burn the entire buildingunless the Nixon administration met their demands that included,among other things, ousting Harrison Loesch, assistant Interior secretary.“I really believe there would have been up to hundreds ofpeople killed if they had tried to force us out,” Adams said.The takeover ended after a week when the Nixon administrationpromised to protect activists from prosecution and provided travelmoney home for those taking part. Damage was estimated at twomillion dollars.During their stay, Indians discovered “incriminating evidence”against the bureau. They packaged the documents in question atnight, and then transported them out of the building—straight underthe nose of authorities—during a forty-car Indian caravan escortedby police.Adams was later arrested while attempting to return documents tothe bia. His soft-spoken negotiations earned accolades from themedia and Native Americans who took exception to the backlashagainst him. “For nearly a month Hank Adams called, begged andpleaded with the scattered groups of Indians to return the recordsthat are of vital importance to the tribes. For his concern he wasvilified by the elected tribal officials and cursed by White Houseassistants,” wrote Vine Deloria Jr. “Arrest the man. But arrest him forthe crime of responsible citizenship of which he is surely guilty. Orfor the crime of humanity in which he has surely participated.”The case against Adams and seven other Indians was ultimatelytossed out. The U.S. Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Louis Bruce,resigned. The department ousted Assistant Secretary Harrison Loeschand Deputy Commissioner John O. Crowe. Native Americans stillcriticized the bia for failing to address their issues and for its paternalisticnature.While in Washington, D.C., Adams planned a meeting with a