After being terminated in 1954, the Klamath Tribes of Oregon won restoration as a federally recognized tribe on August 27, 1986.

Termination had created deep divisions with the tribe, led to high poverty and unemployment and contributed to a higher than average death rate. Restoration was a sign that things might begin to turn around. The tribe could once again tap into federal health, education and other funds.

But one piece is missing from the puzzle, tribal leaders say. They are holding out for the restoration of some of the tribe's former 1.2-million-acre reservation.

The tribe has floated a proposal to reclaim 690,000 acres that is now part of the Fremont-Winema National Forests. Talks with the Bush administration began in 2002 but haven't gone anywhere, The Klamath Falls Herald and News reports.

Get the Story:
Turning things around (The Klamath Falls Herald and News 6/22)

Relevant Links:
Klamath Tribes - http://www.klamathtribes.org

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