19th-20th century allotment policies left tribes managing reservations amid contested state-owned trust lands, with negotiations ongoing to return lands to Indigenous control.

Tribes in the U.S. face challenges managing their reservations due to state-owned trust lands, which were originally acquired through 19th and 20th-century allotment policies. Over 2 million acres of these lands generate revenue for public institutions in 15 states, benefiting schools and hospitals. Negotiations are underway, like those between the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Montana, to restore some lands to Indigenous control, amidst ongoing discussions in Washington and North Dakota.

September 16, 2024
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