The flag of the Northern Arapaho Tribe. Photo from Facebook

The Northern Arapaho Tribe withdrew from the joint business council on the Wind River Reservation, citing a need to preserve its sovereignty.

The federal government created the council to do business with the Northern Arapaho Tribe and the Eastern Shoshone Tribe. Arapaho leaders say the system no longer works for them.

"This is a proud and historic moment for our tribe," Arapaho leaders said in a letter to their members. "Eliminating the JBC is a big step toward greater self-government and independence, something the NAT has been working toward for many years."

The Eastern Shoshone Tribe didn't react kindly to the announcement, however. The tribe, whose leaders signed the treaty that created the reservation, said it won't recognize Arapaho authority over jointly managed programs.

The Northern Arapaho Tribe's decision "jeopardizes all joint programs and funding," the Eastern Shoshones said in a statement. The Shoshones might ask the Bureau of Indian Affairs to step in for the Arapahos.

Get the Story:
Northern Arapaho dissolve Joint Business Council in bid for sovereignty (WyoFile 9/10)
Northern Arapaho Dissolve Joint Business Council (Wyoming Public Media 9/10)
NABC's dissolving the Joint Business Council on the WRIR receives mostly positive reactions from NAT (County 10 9/10)
Eastern Shoshone Tribe rejects NABC declaration on JBC; Will no longer recognize Arapaho authority (County 10 9/10)
Northern Arapaho tribe dissolves joint business council (The Casper Star-Tribune 9/11)

Relevant Documents:
Letter to Northern Arapaho Tribal Members | FAQ for Northern Arapaho Tribal Members