The Kickapoo Tribe will assert its treaty rights in hopes of resolving a long-running water dispute in Kansas.

The tribe has been subject to continuous droughts for nearly two decades. A reservoir could provide relief but a local water district refuses to budge.

After losing a state court decision last month, tribal leaders approached Gov. Sam Brownback (R) for help. They weren't able to secure a commitment so they are planning on taking their concerns to the federal level.

"Our Indian treaties are the supreme law of the land and we ask for protection from the State of Kansas taking our water," the tribe said in a letter to Brownback, The Topeka Capital-Journal reported.

Get the Story:
Kickapoo to invoke federal treaty rights in water dispute (The Topeka Capital-Journal 2/3)
Kickapoo leadership vows to continue fight for reservoir (The Topeka Capital-Journal 12/28)