Lawsuit challenges Omaha Tribe's jurisdiction

Wednesday, January 9, 2008  

The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska is facing a lawsuit in tribal court over the extent of its jurisdiction.

The village of Pender, which is mostly populated by non-Indians, says it is no longer part of the reservation. Non-Indian business owners say they don't have to pay a liquor tax to the tribe.

The village and the businesses are the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. The business owners previously sued in federal court, but a federal judge last October said the case should be first heard in tribal court.

The state of Nebraska has said that Pender is no longer part of the reservation. But the tribe says the reservation was not diminished by Congress.

Get the Story:
Pender, business owners file complaint in tribal court (AP 1/9)

Court Decision:
Pender v. Omaha Tribe (October 4, 2007)

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