A tribal government building on the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona. Photo from Facebook
The Interior Department will hold a listening session this month on the Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations. Deputy secretary Michael Connor will lead the session. It takes place March 19 at the Vee Quiva Hotel on the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona, according to a notice published today in the Federal Register. “The department is collaborating with tribes through nation-to-nation partnerships built on mutual trust and respect, and that uphold the sovereignty of tribal nations,” Connor said in a press release. “The Buy-Back Program is an exceptional opportunity that cannot be taken for granted. Together with tribal leaders, we are seeking to constantly improve the program. And, importantly, we are focused on ensuring that landowners are aware of the program and are given every opportunity to make informed decisions about the potential sale of their land at fair market value.” The $3.4 billion Cobell settlement provided $1.9 billion for Indian landowners who want to sell their fractionated interests. DOI will pay "fair market value" as required by the Indian Land Consolidation Act. Since the program started in November 2013, DOI has paid nearly $340 million to individual Indians, according to a press release. The equivalent of more than 540,000 acres has been restored to tribes. Federal Register Notice:
Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations under Cobell Settlement (March 3, 2015)
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