State trust lands on federal Indian reservations contribute revenue to state governments for public institutions like schools, jails, and hospitals. A recent investigation by Grist and High Country News uncovers how over 2 million acres on reservations are leased for operations like oil and gas, grazing, and timber harvesting, benefiting state institutions at the expense of tribal sovereignty.
This investigation uses public data to expose the beneficiaries of these lands and the individuals and companies leasing them. The findings shed light on how Indigenous lands support public institutions, often to the detriment of tribal citizens and their self-determination.
Here are the top takeaways from our investigation:
1. 79 reservations in 15 states have over 2 million acres of state trust lands.
These lands, whether on or off reservations, generate revenue for various public institutions. For instance, Montana manages millions of acres and distributes funds to institutions serving primarily non-Indigenous populations, highlighting the disparity in benefits.
2. Five tribal nations pay to lease land within their own reservations, totaling almost 58,000 acres.
This includes the Ute Tribe and several others, with the majority of leased lands used for agriculture and grazing. The practice raises questions about Indigenous land management and self-reliance.
3. Fossil fuel activities are present on a sixth of trust lands, impacting tribal resources and sovereignty.
Revenue generated from these activities benefits public institutions, but often at the cost of environmental degradation and tribal autonomy. The split ownership of subsurface rights further complicates the situation.
4. Tribes on 49 reservations receiving federal climate resilience awards face challenges due to state trust lands.
Climate resilience efforts are hindered by the presence of state-controlled lands, limiting tribal governments’ ability to enact effective policies. This imbalance raises concerns about tribal sovereignty and environmental stewardship.
5. Some states are working towards returning trust lands to Indigenous control, but challenges persist.
Efforts to transfer control back to Indigenous nations face hurdles due to financial obligations and land values. While steps are being taken in Washington and North Dakota, true sovereignty over trust lands remains a complex issue.
Read the full story for more insights.
