DOJ wants Oklahoma tribal water suit heard in federal court

Tuesday, March 13, 2012  

The Department of Justice says the federal courts are the proper place to resolve a water use lawsuit filed by the Choctaw Nation and the Chickasaw Nation.

Citing treaties, the tribes are claiming ownership of water in southeastern Oklahoma. The state wants the case moved to state court but DOJ doesn't agree.

“We think this is a very positive development because we think federal court is the proper venue for our claim, which is based on our historic treaties with the U.S. government and on federal law,” Chickasaw Gov. Bill Anoatubby Choctaw Chief Greg Pyle said in a statement, The Oklahoman reported.

Get the Story:
U.S. Justice Department removes state water case from Oklahoma Supreme Court (The Oklahoman 3/13)

S.E. Ruckman: Oklahoma tribes working to protect water rights (3/6)
Oklahoma's highest court to consider tribal water use case (2/21)
Oklahoma tribes seek to keep water use case in federal court (2/15)
Tribes meet with Oklahoma governor to discuss water case (2/9)
Oklahoma governor asks tribes to drop water rights lawsuit (2/3)
Oklahoma tribes won't dispute existing water use permits (1/27)