Interior Announces Next Cooperative Agreements Under Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations

As part of President Obama's commitment to help strengthen Native American communities, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs Kevin Washburn announced cooperative agreements with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) of the Flathead Reservation and the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, both located in Montana, for continued collaborative implementation of the Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations (Buy-Back Program) on their reservations. The Buy-Back Program will purchase trust or restricted interests from willing sellers and transfer those interests to the tribes in order to unlock lands for tribal development and other priorities.

  • /news/photos/images/Secretary-podium-constrained_1.jpg

    The Secretary announced cooperative agreements with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) of the Flathead Reservation and the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. Photo:Tami A. Heilemann

    /news/photos/images/Secretary-podium-constrained_1.jpg

  • /news/photos/images/Trahan-constrained.jpg

    “Our tribal government has long been a leader in restoring our native home lands. This opportunity continues the vision of our elders and past leaders,” said Chairman Trahan. Photo:Tami A. Heilemann

    /news/photos/images/Trahan-constrained.jpg

  • /news/photos/images/Secretary-and-Trahan-handshake-constrained.jpg

    “This is another important step in carrying out a vital program to strengthen tribal sovereignty by supporting the beneficial consolidation of tribal lands,” said Assistant Secretary Washburn, as Secretary Jewell and Chairman Trahan signed the agreements. Photo:Tami A. Heilemann

    /news/photos/images/Secretary-and-Trahan-handshake-constrained.jpg

  • /news/photos/images/group-constrained.jpg

    Secretary Jewell, Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs Kevin Washburn, Chairman Trahan of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Solicitor Tompkins, and other officials gathered for a group picture after the signing. Photo:Tami A. Heilemann

    /news/photos/images/group-constrained.jpg