The Santee Sioux Tribe of Nebraska held a ceremony on Tuesday to mark the return of its criminal and civil jurisdiction.

The tribe fell under Public Law 280, a termination-era law that granted the state jurisdiction in Indian Country. After a five-year process, the Interior Department approved the "retrocession" of state authority last month.

Despite the historic change, tribal, local and state officials expect little to change in terms of law enforcement. The tribe already has cooperative agreements with the state and the county.

Two other Nebraska tribes -- the Winnebago Tribe and the Omaha Tribe -- have already reclaimed jurisdiction from the state.

Get the Story:
Santee Marks Change In Law Enforcement (The Yankton Press and Dakotan 3/15)
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Relevant Links:
Santee Sioux Tribe - http://www.santeedakota.org

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