The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes will continue to seek a role at the National Bison Range in Montana, Chairman James Steele Jr. said.

Steele said he was upset that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service abruptly canceled the tribe's contract to handle some duties at the range. The tribe was told of the decision by fax on Monday and all tribal employees had to leave by Tuesday afternoon.

A government spokesperson said the tribe wasn't fulfilling its duties and created a hostile environment for federal employees, some of whom have filed a grievance. Steele said the tribe will explore legal and administrative options.

The Bison Range is located entirely within the Flathead Reservation.

Get the Story:
Tribes, feds bring in more security as tension escalates at bison range (The Great Falls Tribune 12/13)
Tribes, wildlife service in dispute over bison range (USA Today 12/13)
Tribes leave the refuge (The Missoulian 12/13)

Evaluation Report:
Implementation of the Annual Funding Agreement (May 2006)

Relevant Links:
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes - http://www.cskt.org
National Bison Range - http://bisonrange.fws.gov
Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility - http://www.peer.org

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