Land-into-trust next big move for Oneida Nation

Friday, June 15, 2007  

After surviving one decision from the Interior Department this week, the Oneida Nation of New York faces action on its land-into-trust application .

The tribe wants more than 17,000 acres in two counties placed in trust. The land is part of the original Oneida Nation, as set aside by a 1794 treaty, but the Supreme Court ruled that the tribe must go through the land-into-trust process.

The tribe filed the application two years ago. The Bureau of Indian Affairs held a series of public meetings and issued an environmental impact statement that lays out several options for acquiring the land.

The decision affects the tribe's businesses, including its casino. The facility is located on land that wasn't taken into trust under the BIA's regulations.

Assistant secretary Carl Artman won't be making a decision because he has recused himself from matters affecting the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, which has interests in New York. The decision is up to associate deputy secretary Jim Cason.

Get the Story:
Next for Oneidas: Land-into-trust (The Utica Observer-Dispatch 6/15)
Land trust foes urge judge to rethink ruling (The Syracuse Post-Standard 6/14)

Land Claim Court Decision:
Oneida Nation v. New York (May 21, 2007)

Draft Environmental Impact Statement:
Oneida Nation of New York Conveyance of Lands Into Trust (November 2006)

Relevant Links:
Oneida Nation Trust - http://www.oneidanationtrust.com
Indian Nation Fee-to-Trust Land Acquisition Applications in New York State - http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/ogc/lands.html
Oneida Nation, New York - http://www.oneida-nation.net

Sherrill v. Oneida Nation Decision:
Syllabus | Opinion [Ginsburg] | Concurrence [Souter] | Dissent [Stevens]

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