The
Land Buy-Back
Program for Tribal Nations is bringing an economic boost to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.
Since offers went out last December, members of the
Oglala Sioux Tribe have received more than $10 million for their fractionated interests. One person used the proceeds to build a general store, Maxine Broken Nose, the tribe's cultural liaison, told the Associated Press.
Some individuals have received more than $100,000 for their interests, according to the
Interior Department. And the land is staying in Indian hands -- the interests are being consolidated and returned to the tribe.
In total, DOI has made more than $100 million in offers on the reservation to nearly 16,000 landowners. Offers are due May 2, according to a
press release.
The
Cobell settlement provided $1.9 billion for
Indian landowners who want to sell their fractionated interests. DOI will pay
"fair market value" as required by the
Indian
Land Consolidation Act.
Get the Story:
US sends 16,000 new offers to owners for lands it hopes to buy back for South Dakota tribe
(AP 3/18)
Related Stories
DOI announces $100M in land offers on Pine Ridge
Reservation (3/18)
Deadline approaches for first Cobell land
consolidation offers (1/27)
Kevin Washburn: Buyback
program strengthens tribal relations (12/20)
Audio from SCIA hearing for
Cobell land consolidation program (12/11)
Oglala Sioux Tribe enters agreement for land
consolidation (12/10)
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