A view of the Umatilla Reservation in Oregon. Photo from Facebook

The Interior Department plans to spend $12 million on the Umatilla Reservation in Oregon as part of the Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations.

The tribe has already identified 400 parcels of highly fractionated interests. DOI will be negotiating with more than 5,000 owners in hopes of consolidating the land.

"We are well-positioned to work with owners of fractionated allotments in purchasing back our lands for the common interest of our tribal members," Chairman Gary Burke said in a statement to The East Oregonian. "We have and will continue to develop land management plans that will ensure our survival now and for future generations."

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.

Participation is entirely voluntary. Any land that is acquired through the program will be returned to tribal governments.

Get the Story:
CTUIR begins to buy back lost land (The East Oregonian 6/7)

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