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SEPTEMBER 19, 2000

Speaking at a retreat at the Oneida Nation casino in New York, Kevin Gover, head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, praised the tribe for its successful efforts to obtain self-sufficiency and exercise self-determination.

The retreat is designed to focus on where the BIA will be going in the future. The Oneida Nation isn't participating in the retreat, but provided the space to the Bureau.

Since opening their casino in 1993, the tribe has seen tremendous growth for its 1,000 members whose only land once consisted of a mere 32 acres. Through purchases, the tribe now owns 13,000 acre, but land claims settlements still need to be worked out between the tribe, the state, and two counties.

But Gover said as the tribe purchases land that is part of its original territory, it is considered part of the reservation. The tribe and various local governments are battling each other over the non-payment of taxes and other regulatory issues because the state believes none of the newly purchased land is Indian Country.

Get the Story:
Oneidas a shining example to head of Indian Affairs (The Syracuse Newspapers 9/19)