The central office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs rescinded a decision to take 750 acres in trust for the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community in Minnesota.

BIA Director Pat Ragsdale said the Midwest regional office's decision was "premature." He said he will have final say on the tribe's land-into-trust application.

Most land-into-trust decisions are made by the BIA's regional offices. The central office in Washington, D.C., only gets involved in gaming or politically-sensitive cases.

The Shakopee Tribe has been trying for 10 years to get the land in trust. The county and the state opposed the tribe's application.

Get the Story:
Tribe's land-trust plans overruled (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 7/19)
pwlat
Shakopee land transfer overruled (AP 7/19)
Mdewakanton land trust put on hold (Minnesota Public Radio 7/18)

Relevant Links:
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community - http://www.shakopeedakota.org

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