"The federal government has changed land leasing rules to make it easier for tribes to build housing and businesses. The move came after President Barack Obama met with Native American leaders in Washington D.C. the first week of December.

Tribal land cannot be bought and sold because it’s held in a government trust. If a tribe wants to build a house or business, the interior secretary must first approve a lease or mortgage.

Under the proposed changes, the government has to approve leases in a timely manner. If officials don’t meet deadlines, leases would automatically be approved. The 50-year-old rules have been called “paternalistic.”"

Get the Story:
Feds Ease Leasing Rules On Tribal Lands (Fronteras 12/5)

Federal Register Notice:
Residential, Business, and Wind and Solar Resource Leases on Indian Land (November 29, 2011)

Relevant Documents:
Q&A on Changes | Comparison of Changes

Related Stories:
BIA promises 'enforceable' deadlines for leases on trust lands (11/29)