A view of the Akiachak Native Community, the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit that prompted the Obama administration to include Alaska tribes in the land-into-trust process. Photo from Calista Corporation

Alaska Gov. Bill Walker (I) and his administration are seeking to delay proceedings in a land-into-trust case that was a major victory for tribes in the state.

Walker, who took office in December, and other top officials need more time to develop a position on the matter, Attorney General Craig Richards said in a brief. The Native American Rights Fund, which represents the plaintiffs in the case, claims the delay is a ploy to try to get Congress to take action.

“We’ve won,” attorney Heather Kendall-Miller told The Alaska Dispatch News.

The litigation prompted the Bureau of Indian Affairs to develop and finalize a new land-into-trust rule for Alaska. The agency, however, has agreed not to approve any applications while the case is pending before the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The appeal process started before Walker took office. He's now asking for a six-month delay.

Get the Story:
State holds up effort to expand Indian Country in Alaska (The Alaska Dispatch News 2/5)

Relevant Documents:
Dear Tribal Leader Letter from Kevin Washburn (April 30, 2014)

District Court Decisions:
Akiachak Native Community v. Jewell (September 30, 2013)
Akiachak Native Community v. Salazar (March 31, 2013)

Federal Register Notice:
Land Acquisitions in the State of Alaska (December 23, 2014)

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