Ute Land Return (1/9/2001)

Authors

Harlan McKosatoFollow

Date of this Version

January 2000

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.