Ute Land Return (1/9/2001)

Authors

• Harlan McKosatoFollow

Date of this Version

January 2000

Document Type

Article

Abstract

In 1916 the U.S. Congress took away 85,000 acres of land from the Northern Ute tribe. Last month in a ceremony at tribal headquarters, the government gave it back. Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson signed an agreement that deeds this energy-rich strip of land back to the Utes. But part of the deal is that the tribe will have to pay the government a 9-percent royalty from any oil and gas revenue. Is this a sign the U.S. is seeking reconciliation with tribes? Invited guests include Larry Cesspooch, public relations director for the Northern Ute tribe.