Law

BIA orders city to vacate land that belongs to Nez Perce Tribe


Aerial map of Kamiah, Idaho, shows general vicinity of disputed piece of property on the Nez Perce Reservation. Image from Google Maps

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has ordered a city to vacate land that belongs to the Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho.

The city of Kamiah is using the 4.6-acre property for a dog pound. It's also being leased to a concrete production plant, The Lewiston Tribune reported.

But the BIA says the city is trespassing. The property was the subject of an easement that should have reverted to the tribe, according to the agency.

The mayor, however, claims the city acquired the land in a trade with a non-Indian company. The property lies within reservation boundaries.

The dog pound opened in June 2012 off No Kid Lane, The Clearwater Progress reported.

Get the Story:
Officials: Kamiah using land owned by tribe (AP / The Lewiston Tribune 7/15)
Kamiah must give up land owned by Nez Perce Tribe (The Lewiston Tribune 7/15)

Join the Conversation