Tulalip Tribes land protection measure in dispute

Thursday, April 3, 2008  

Leaders of the Tulalip Tribes of Washington are seeking a legal review of a land protection act approved by tribal members last month.

The Future Generations Land Protection Act imposes a tax of about 17 percent on tribal members who sell developed land to non-Indians. Supporters say the measure keeps land in Indian hands and reduces jurisdictional disputes.

But tribal leaders are concerned the bill could hinder economic development. Tulalip Tribes Board Chairman Mel Sheldon has asked for a legal review to determine whether the tax complies with tribal law.

The 22,000-acre reservation is mostly trust land but a significant portion is owned in fee status.

Get the Story:
Tribal board may refuse to enact tax on land sales (The Everett Herald 4/3)

Tulalip Tribes pass development, job bills (3/25)