The state of Wyoming and the Northern Arapaho Tribe signed an agreement that resolves a sovereignty dispute.

The state wanted the tribe to go to state court when disputes arise over child welfare services on the reservation. The tribe refused to waive its sovereign immunity.

As a compromise, the tribe proposed mediation when disputes arise. Similar language is used in tribal contracts in Montana.

The deal resulted in the release of $800,000 to the tribe's Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program.

Get the Story:
State, tribe reach deal (The Casper Star-Tribune 9/27)

Relevant Links:
Northern Arapaho Tribe - http://www.northernarapaho.com
Eastern Shoshone Tribe - http://www.easternshoshone.net

Related Stories:
Wyoming governor criticizes budget cuts for tribes (01/11)
Wyoming governor names second tribal liaison (11/01)
Wyoming governor appoints one tribal liaison (10/06)
Wyoming governor hopes for fresh start with tribes (12/16)
Court deals gaming victory to Wyoming tribe (11/24)
Wyoming tribes seek formal state-tribal policy (11/09)
Wyoming governor warms to discussion over taxes (11/8)
Governor calls tribe's offer 'a kind of blackmail' (10/21)
Study shows tribe not receiving benefits from state (10/20)
Dispute over child welfare contract continues (09/06)
Child welfare contract subjects tribes to state court (03/10)