The city council in Riverton, Wyoming, voted to intervene in a lawsuit filed by the Northern Arapaho Tribe.

The tribe claims Riverton and parts of Fremont County are Indian Country. The lawsuit claims the land was never removed from the Wind River Reservation.

The lawsuit was filed over sales taxes and vehicle registration fees imposed on tribal members who live in the affected areas. The tribe says the state has no jurisdiction in Indian Country.

In a high-profile murder case involving a tribal member, the Wyoming Supreme Court in January ruled that Riverton is not part of the reservation. But the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in March gave the defendant another chance at making his argument.

Get the Story:
City vies to become defend in tribal lawsuit (RivertonRadio.Com 10/10)

Federal Court Decision:
Yellowbear v. Wyoming (March 21, 2008)

State Court Decision:
Yellowbear v. Wyoming (January 14, 2005)

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Northern Arapaho Tribe files Indian Country suit (10/2)
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Federal judge won't intervene in state prosecution (6/15)
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Wyoming tribes dispute state prosecution of murder (05/01)
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