A view of the Lummi Reservation in Washington. Photo from Lummi Nation
The Lummi Nation of Washington is seeing more than $4 million in offers from the Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations. The Interior Department sent the offers to nearly 900 landowners on the reservation. Interested sellers have until December 31 to respond. “I am encouraged by the momentum that we continue to see across Indian Country as the department works with tribal nations to ensure that landowners receive quick, reliable information about their chance to participate in this historic opportunity to restore Indian lands,” Deputy Secretary Michael Connor said in a press release. “Payments through program sales are already making a significant difference for individuals, families and their communities.” 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. Participation is entirely voluntary. Any land that is acquired will be returned to tribes. Since the first offers went out two years ago, Indian landowners have accepted nearly $721 million for their fractional interests, according to the program. The equivalent of nearly 1.48 million acres has been transferred to tribal governments.
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