The
Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation has raised taxes on oil development, The Associated Press reports.
The tribe uses revenues to fund programs, improve infrastructure and distribute payments to its citizens. “We just want to get paid what is owed the tribe,” Chairman Mark Fox told the AP.
Development on the
Fort Berthold Reservation is subject to dual taxation so the state also imposes taxes. Citing data from the
North Dakota Tax Department, the AP said the state has pulled in $1 billion since 2009 while the tribe has received $934 million.
The $1 billion figure has been repeatedly cited in Indian Country as justification for new
Indian Trader regulations that would address dual taxation. The leader of the
National Congress of American Indians has called the system "criminal" and a Trump administration official said it was unfair during a
visit to the reservation last month.
“Together, we’re going to prove that it is in everybody’s best interest for taxes collected at MHA to stay at MHA and be collected by MHA and by nobody else,” Gavin Clarkson, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Economic Development at the
Bureau of Indian Affairs said to applause from tribal leaders, The Bismarck Tribune reported at the time.
Under Clarkson's guidance, the BIA on Tuesday concluded a round of consultations with tribes to discuss the
potential update to the rules, which haven't been changed in decades. There is no guarantee dual taxation will be addressed in the final package and a key Republican in Congress has already warned the Trump administration not to take on the issue.
In North Dakota, tribal and state officials are meeting on Thursday for the
Tribal Taxation Issues Committee. Gov. Doug Burgum (R) also has been meeting with tribes to hear their concerns.
Read More on the Story:
North Dakota tribe levies higher tax on oil drillers
(The Associated Press August 29, 2017)
Governor spends much of Friday with leaders of the Spirit Lake Nation
(The Devils' Lake Journal August 28, 2017)
North Dakota’s general fund balance better than expected
(Forum News Service August 23, 2017)
Burgum meeting with tribes in effort for more cooperation, reconciliation
(The Fargo Forum August 16, 2017)
State officials concerned over rise in Fort Berthold flaring
(The Fargo Forum August 11, 2017)
Some Opinions:
Editorial: Burgum's outreach to ND tribes is important, must be sustained
(The Fargo Forum August 20, 2017)
Editorial:
It’s time to heal wounds from protests
(The Bismarck Tribune August 29, 2017)
Federal Register Notices:
Traders
With Indians (February 8, 2017)
Traders
With Indians (December 9, 2017)
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