Tribes often complain about the length of the land-into-trust process but friendly Bureau of Indian Affairs officials make it easy for some tribes in eastern Oklahoma.

Some BIA officials have accepted land in trust for the Chickasaw Nation in as little as a day. The tribe was able to expand its gaming empire with these kinds of speedy transactions.

It's not the case for other tribes in Oklahoma, particularly those in the western part of the state. The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes have been waiting seven years for its application to be approved. The Miami Nation waited six years before winning approval.

What helps the Chickasaw Nation and the other Five Civilized Tribes is the concept of the former reservation. BIA officials say these tribes can acquire land in their former reservations much quicker than other tribes. But in recent years, the process has slowed due to complaints from other tribes.

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Tribal land deal lures automaker (The Oklahoman 7/14)
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Relevant Links:
Chickasaw Nation - http://www.chickasaw.net

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