Two groups say the Bureau of Indian Affairs is trying to delay action in a land-into-trust dispute involving the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians of California

Preservation of Los Olivos (POLO) and Preservation of Santa Ynez (POSY) won the right to challenge the tribe's land-into-trust application. The case is before the Interior Board of Indian Appeals.

The BIA has asked the IBIA to remand the application in order to study the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Carcieri v. Salazar. At issue is whether the tribe was "under federal jurisdiction" in 1934.

The groups are opposing the remand because they contend it's a delay tactic for the Obama administration. But if the IBIA grants the remand, they are asking for the BIA to make a decision in a timely fashion.

The tribe plans to use 6.9 acres for a retail building, a cultural center, a museum and a commemorative park. The property sits across the street from the tribe's casino.

Get the Story:
Groups file argument against Chumash expansion (The Santa Maria Times 4/29)

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