The return of the lakebed minerals that were taken with the construction of the Garrison Dam is an issue that has long been overlooked. It is clear that the Individual Indians who lost their homes and lands in this Federal Taking did not receive adequate compensation for the loss of their surface rights and were never compensated for their lost mineral rights. Presently, the Tribe holds beneficiary title to those mineral acres through the 1984 Mineral Restoration Act. My plan is for the Tribe to request Federal Legislation that would effectuate the transfer of the Lake Sakakawea lakebed minerals back to the heirs of the original allottees. An Act of Congress is required as both federal law and the Tribes Constitution legally prevent the Tribe from simply returning back those mineral rights. Upon approval of this Federal Legislation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs would then complete its legal responsibilities of returning those mineral rights to the rightful heirs. The Tribe must always protect the rights of the Individual Indian. We have suffered through the many Federal Takings that reduced our Treaty rights and lands. The Tribe should not continue to act and treat our own members in a similar manner.
Posted on: Sat, 16 Aug 2014 02:46:21 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015