DOI to keep talks over tribal takeover secret

THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2003

The Department of Interior will keep talks over a tribal takeover of the National Bison Range in Montana secret, The Missoulian reports.

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are seeking to manage the range through a self-governance compact. Talks are underway to produce an agreement for the takeover.

A group called Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) contends the transfer is a violation of the Indian Self-Determination Act. Some non-Indians in Montana also oppose tribal control.

Get the Story:
Bison-range talks will continue to be secret (AP 6/12)

Relevant Documents:
PEER Letter to Secretary Norton (June 9, 2003) | PEER Letter to Senator Burns (April 8, 2003)

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