M-37073: Opinion Regarding the Status of Mineral Ownership Underlying the Missouri River Within the Boundaries of the Fort Berthold Reservation (North Dakota)

Indianz.Com > News > M-37073: Opinion Regarding the Status of Mineral Ownership Underlying the Missouri River Within the Boundaries of the Fort Berthold Reservation (North Dakota)

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Friday, February 4, 2022

Indianz.Com

The Department of the Interior on Friday released M-37073, a legal opinion from the Office of the Solicitor.

The legal opinion, issued by Solicitor Bob Anderson, confirms that the minerals beneath the Missouri River belong to the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, also known as the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation.

“My decision today upholds decades of existing precedent holding that the Missouri riverbed belongs to the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara (MHA) Nation,” said Anderson, a citizen of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa.

“Today’s action, based on extensive historical and legal review, underscores the Department’s commitment to upholding its trust and treaty obligations in accordance with the law,” said Anderson.

The legal opinion refers to the minerals under the portion of the Missouri River that runs through the reservation, located in North Dakota.

PDF: M-37073 – Opinion Regarding the Status of Mineral Ownership Underlying the Missouri River Within the Boundaries of the Fort Berthold Reservation (North Dakota)

m-37073