Indian land-leasing reforms announced

Reforms to remove roadblocks to business activities in Indian Country ranging from home purchases to renewable energy projects were unveiled Monday by the Obama administration. U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar described the proposal in historic terms and added it is hard to overstate what the changes should mean for Indian Country. "The proposed changes are the most comprehensive reforms of Indian land leasing regulations in more than 50 years and will have a real impact for individuals and families who want to own a home or build a business," Salazar said. He said the proposed reforms would replace a current process that allows the Bureau of Indian Affairs to do nothing and let applications languish. Land held in trust by the federal government on behalf of tribes cannot be bought and sold. If a tribe or tribe member wants to build a house on it or use it for a business or industry, the Interior Department must approve a "lease." Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., welcomed the announcement. "This is a major step in the right direction," said Cole, a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma and reportedly the only enrolled member of a tribe now serving in Congress...more

Also see U.S. Targets American Indian Land for Wind, Solar Projects for more specifics on the reforms.