An official in Beltrami County, Minnesota, said the Red Lake Nation is being secretive about its land-into-trust applications.

The tribe wants an 11-acre site and a 1-acre site placed in trust. Commissioner Jim Heltzer said he only heard about the request after being informed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

“The leadership of the Red Lake Nation apparently doesn’t view the county as relevant," Heltzer said at a county meeting, The Bemidji Pioneer reported. "They are a sovereign nation and we are insignificant, except when it comes to taking money out of the pockets of your constituents to pay for something.”

Heltzer also was upset about the loss of property tax revenue. The 11-acre site only generates $1,526 for the county.

“People should pay their taxes — I pay my taxes, my constituents pay their taxes,” Heltzer said, the paper reported.

Quentin Fairbanks, another commissioner, was more supportive. He said the 11-acre site is culturally significant to the tribe.

Get the Story:
Beltrami County Board: Red Lake asks two parcels be put in trust (The Bemidji Pioneer 7/21)
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