Officials in Idaho are questioning whether the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes can assert jurisdiction over non-Indians on the Fort Hall Reservation.

The tribe enacted a new land-use ordinance that extends to Indian and non-Indian owned properties. It was developed after a church group tried to build a large home on the reservation.

“The new ordinance makes it clear that a special permit would need to be obtained if a development had the potential of overburdening existing septic systems, endangering the groundwater resource, and the health and welfare of reservation residents,” Mark EchoHawk, a tribal attorney, told Idaho State Journal.

But local officials say the ordinance goes too far. They aren't sure the tribe can regulate land owned by non-tribal members.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the ordinance.

Get the Story:
E. Idaho officials question jurisdiction of tribe (AP 5/2)
New land-use ordinance goes into effect at Fort Hall (The Idaho State Journal 5/1)

Related Stories:
Sho-Bans deny church group's housing permit (9/29)