> Original Sender: alwitzel@amherst.edu (Amy Witzel)
> Mailing List: NATIVE-L (native-l@gnosys.svle.ma.us)
>
> My grandfather received a notice from the BIA (Lower Brule agency) asking for
> comments on a proposal to consolidate allotted land. We haven't received the
> "consultation package" which further decribes the proposal. From what we can
> tell, the proposal is for the Dept. of the Interior to buy back land from a
> landowner's estate after he or she dies.
The current proposed legislation is seriously flawed and most allottees
and Indian organizations across the country are opposed to the move. I
sat in on the "Land Issues Committee" at a major Indian organization
meeting the first three days of this week. We drafted a resolution
opposing Ada Deer's proposal. Currently, I know that several organizations
representing many Tribes - Intertribal Agriculture Council, Southwest
Indian Agricultural Association, Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indian,
Indian Land Working Group, Indian Allottees Association (and there may be
more) are very upset with the proposed legislation. Also, the
"consultation process" promised by the Bureau itself left a lot to be
desired. Many Indian land owners or allottees only received the notice
you mentioned. It's hard to decipher the meaning of the document AND even
more difficult to assess future implications.
The organizations I am associated with find the proposal very problematic
Although I am somewhat familiar with the discussion, I would
suggest a discussion with more knowledgeable people. Intertribal Ag.
Council (Billings Office) developed a position paper which may be available
upon request. I don't know for sure. I do know that hearings on this issues
will start next week and organizations mentioned will have Tribal Reps
on hand to oppose the proposal.
Hope this helps, Amy. If you want I can send you a copy of the ATNI
resolution and addresses of people who have worked long and hard on these
issues.
> - Oh yeah - another big question - what is the status of the land while its
> held by the Dept. of the Interior?
Exactly! Good question. One might ask, "Is a family given first priority
to consolidate fractionated heirship land themselves before the BIA steps in?
Rio Lara Bellon
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