Deadlines are fast approaching for Indian landowners to accept offers being made under the Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations.

The first offers went out last month to members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. Responses are due starting this Wednesday.

Offers went out to members of the Makah Nation of Washington last month as well. Responses are due at various times, until February 10, according to a reminder from the the Interior Department.

Participation is entirely voluntary. Acquisitions will be paid out of a $1.9 billion land consolidation fund that was created by the $3.4 billion Cobell settlement

A portion of each purchase will go to the Cobell scholarship fund. Up to $60 million will be awarded to Indian students.

The Oglala Sioux and Makah were the first tribes to sign cooperative agreements under the program. Offers will be made on other reservations in the country.

Related Stories:
Makah Nation enters agreement for Cobell land buy-back (01/13)
Kevin Washburn: Buyback program strengthens tribal relations (12/20)
Audio from SCIA hearing for Cobell land consolidation program (12/11)
Oglala Sioux Tribe enters agreement for land consolidation (12/10)
Senate Indian Affairs Committee sets hearing on land buyback (12/9)
Gabe Galanda: More problems in DOI's land buy-back plan (11/12)
Appraisal Foundation reviews Cobell land consolidation plans (11/8)