A recent investigation uncovers the extensive state ownership of land within tribal reservations, raising significant sovereignty and jurisdictional concerns.
Anna V. Smith and Maria Parazo Rose report for Grist and High Country News.
In short:
- States control 1.6 million acres within 83 tribal reservations, generating revenue for public institutions without tribal consent or control.
- The land, acquired during the Allotment Era and through various policies, compromises tribal sovereignty and complicates environmental and public safety efforts.
- Efforts to reclaim tribal lands face challenges due to states' financial interests, although some innovative solutions offer hope for returning land to tribal ownership.
Key quote:
“When there’s clarity about jurisdiction over Indian lands, it is easier for tribes to work with others to protect public safety, public health, and the natural environment.”
— Bryan Newland, assistant secretary for Indian Affairs at the Department of Interior
Why this matters:
The control of tribal lands by states not only affects tribal sovereignty but also impacts health outcomes, as it hampers tribal nations' ability to manage their environments and address public health concerns effectively. Read EHN's Sacred Water series for more on the ongoing struggle for environmental justice in Indian Country.
