A non-Indian rancher says the Bureau of Indian Affairs hasn't responded to his request for a map that details the boundaries of the Osage Reservation in northeastern Oklahoma.

Dick Surber and other ranchers are concerned about the reservation boundaries in light of the tribe's new constitution. They are worried that the tribe might exercise powers that affect their property and mineral rights.

Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Oklahoma), the sponsor of a bill that recognized the Osage Nation's sovereignty, said non-Indians shouldn't be worried. He said he will try to get answers about the reservation boundaries.

�The BIA in D.C. is a different creature altogether,� Lucas was quoted as saying.

The Osage Reservation occupies all of Osage County. According to the National Indian Gaming Commission, the all of the property within reservation boundaries is considered Indian land under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The NIGC's opinion cited maps of the reservation.

Get the Story:
Congressman not worried about impact of new Osage constitution on non-tribal members (The Pawhuska Journal-Capital 3/23)

Relevant Links:
Osage Nation - http://www.osagetribe.com

Related Stories:
Osage Nation voters approve new constitution (03/14)
Osage Nation moves to establish government (11/30)
Osage Nation asks for input on new constitution (09/14)
Bush signs Osage Nation and IHS facility bills into law (12/06)
Osage Nation citizenship bill clears Congress (11/22)
Bill to reaffirm Osage membership advances (06/02)
House committee approves Osage membership bill (05/06)