That being said, it's time for all factions of the Gabrieleno people to WORK together to get their rightful recognition. Read the Naval paperwork here
Monday, February 27, 2017
First Pechanga, Now Santa Ynez Working to STEAL Gabrieleno Tongva Territorial Lands
Emilio Reyes, Tongva native gets to the point here that 'federally recognized tribes such as Pechanga (Disputed lands and Defective Determination) and Santa Ynez run roughshod over the ancestral territories of the Gabrieleno Tongva people.
That being said, it's time for all factions of the Gabrieleno people to WORK together to get their rightful recognition. Read the Naval paperwork here
That being said, it's time for all factions of the Gabrieleno people to WORK together to get their rightful recognition. Read the Naval paperwork here
San Pasqual's White Leaders WIN! ALTO V JEWELL: SUPREME COURT Fails To Protect Native Rights
Without comment, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday turned down a petition in Alto v. Jewell, a tribal disenrollment case from California. The action marks the second time this year that the justices have refused to get involved in the controversy.
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| 1910 "Indian" Frank Trask |
The hands-off approach from the nation's highest court stands in contrast to the growing concern about tens of thousands of people who have lost their tribal citizenship across Indian Country. More and more prominent voices, including Olympic gold medalist Billy Mills (Oglala Sioux), Washington State Sen. John McCoy (Tulalip) and Arkansas Law School Dean Stacy Leeds (Cherokee), have joined the #StopDisenrollment campaign to draw attention to what has been called an epidemic.
The efforts are slowly paying off after years of inaction. In one notable example, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, during the final months of the Obama administration, questioned the ouster of more than 300 people from the Nooksack Tribe.
The BIA and other federal agencies have since withheld an estimated $14 million for health, housing and other programs on the reservation in Washington. The tribe is now suing the new Trump administration in hopes of securing the funds, ensuring that the dispute, which has drawn consistent media coverage, will continue to gain attention.
Not everyone has been so fortunate, though. Dozens of people who were ousted by the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians and the Pala Band of Mission Indians turned to the BIA for help but were ultimately unable to prevent their removals from the two tribes, both based in southern California.
In the Alto case, the one denied by the Supreme Court on Monday, the BIA actually took part in the removal of former citizens of the San Pasqual Band under a provision in the tribe's constitution. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, in an unpublished decision last September, said the BIA acted lawfully when it determined that Marcus Alto Sr. had been incorrectly enrolled.
In the Aguayo case, the one denied by the Supreme Court in January, the BIA refused to get involved because the Pala Band changed its laws to keep the agency out of citizenship matters. The 9th Circuit sided with the agency, ensuring that the descendants of Margarita Britten will remain off the rolls.
Friday, February 24, 2017
Colville Tribes of Washington TAKE CARE of their People, unlike...NOOKSACK
The Colville Tribes of Washington are purchasing life insurance for all 9,500 members.
The insurance will help pay for burials, ceremonies and memorials for deceased members, the tribe said in a press release. The coverage is being acquired through Symetra.
"The tribes have signed up for wake and death benefits for all of the members," the press release stated. "The beneficiary will be the Colville Confederated Tribes and it will cover all tribal members, including unforeseen deaths that are usually not covered by insurances."
According to the tribe, about 88 members die every year. So far in 2016, 25 people have died.
The insurance will help pay for burials, ceremonies and memorials for deceased members, the tribe said in a press release. The coverage is being acquired through Symetra.
"The tribes have signed up for wake and death benefits for all of the members," the press release stated. "The beneficiary will be the Colville Confederated Tribes and it will cover all tribal members, including unforeseen deaths that are usually not covered by insurances."
According to the tribe, about 88 members die every year. So far in 2016, 25 people have died.
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Pechanga Looking to BUY BACK Allottee Land at CUT RATE PRICES. Are the GRAVES of our Ancestors Included?
In August 2015, Guest Blogger Free Range Indian wrote a piece on the lands owned by Natives disenrolled from their tribes and what is in store. Tomorrow, there is a meeting scheduled to "explain" how the land buy back program will work for the Hunter Allotment. DO we lose our land to a corrupt tribe? Will Pechanga dig up the graves of our ancestors?
Interesting that The Department of Interior found so many (not me) to notify them of the meeting, yet COULD NOT FIND a single one of us to discuss Pechanga cheating us out of our water rights!
We've owned ours for over 120 years. Some new adopted tribal council members decide we should no longer have the land of our ancestors and what??, we should MOVE? Bullshit. That would be placing a LOT of people in danger.
Here's Free Range Indian's post again:
The NEXT ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
It is just a matter of time before the BIA is confronted with the next elephant in the room. It is not just a matter of disenrollment. It now becomes a realty matter. How many disenrolled Indians are carried on the rolls of the Office of Special Trust? How many of the disenrolled have land interests in trust land?
What will happen to the land of the disenrollees?
Are the disenrollees Indian or not? If they are Indian and eligible to have their lands to be held in trust then which rule is the BIA using to make this determination. If the BIA determines that a disenrollee is not Indian, does this mean that the disenrollee’s land automatically becomes fee land and subject to taxation?
The BIA already went through the nightmare of the Cobell Settlement Case. Do you think the BIA is prepared for the next nightmare?
Tribes now have first right to acquire minor interests in allotments and also to acquire fee lands because of tax default. In a twist of laws and regulations it gives tribes the right of eminent domain. Eminent Domain gives tribes the right to condemn and take property away from individuals if the tribe feels that property is necessary for the benefit of the tribe. OP: This will lead to bloodletting.
Would tribes really go so far as to take away people’s property? It didn’t take long for many of the tribes to evict disenrollees from their homes and assigned lands so it can be predicted that as long as the BIA plays along, the disenrollees can expect another round of their heritage disappearing before their very eyes.
It is my understanding that Robert Eben, former Superintendent of the Southern Californian Agency, BIA, was already working with tribal leaders to develop the authority to condemn the lands of the disenrollees. A Freedom of Information request on the topic of eminent domain to the BIA should be very revealing. They were working to define and give the authority and right to tribes to exercise the power of Eminent Domain.
Land that is in fee title (Such as owned by Pechanga Chairman Macarro) is not under the jurisdiction of the BIA and not of the tribe. Any attempt to take fee lands could possibly be interpreted as “Adverse Condemnation”. If there is anything that shakes the core of State and Local government it is the challenge in court of Adverse Condemnation. Governments almost always lose in these matters and it is an area of law where the tribes will not be able to scream “sovereign immunity”. If the United States, States and Local governments can be sued for Adverse Condemnation I do not believe the courts will be sympathetic to tribes and grant them a higher degree of power than that of the United States.
So which is it? Are the disenrollees Indian or not? If they are Indian, how does the BIA reach this conclusion and how are they able to carry the disenrollees on the rolls of the Office of Special Trust. If they are Indian then aren’t they entitled to the full protection of the United States? Is the United States obligated to protect the disenrollees from any further assault from the tribes and have their lands protected and their status as Indian persons protected as well?
So if the United States via the BIA is assisting the tribes in developing the “proper” authority to exercise the power of eminent domain, is the United States also obligated to protect the rights of the very same ones they are advising tribes on ways of taking away lands of the disenrollees?
It is ethnic cleansing at its finest degree. It is the BIA working to provide a way for tribes to purge themselves of the disenrollees and to consolidate the lands of the reservations. It truly is the next elephant in the room.
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| HUNTER LANE gone? |
Interesting that The Department of Interior found so many (not me) to notify them of the meeting, yet COULD NOT FIND a single one of us to discuss Pechanga cheating us out of our water rights!
We've owned ours for over 120 years. Some new adopted tribal council members decide we should no longer have the land of our ancestors and what??, we should MOVE? Bullshit. That would be placing a LOT of people in danger.
Here's Free Range Indian's post again:
The NEXT ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
It is just a matter of time before the BIA is confronted with the next elephant in the room. It is not just a matter of disenrollment. It now becomes a realty matter. How many disenrolled Indians are carried on the rolls of the Office of Special Trust? How many of the disenrolled have land interests in trust land?
What will happen to the land of the disenrollees?
Are the disenrollees Indian or not? If they are Indian and eligible to have their lands to be held in trust then which rule is the BIA using to make this determination. If the BIA determines that a disenrollee is not Indian, does this mean that the disenrollee’s land automatically becomes fee land and subject to taxation?
The BIA already went through the nightmare of the Cobell Settlement Case. Do you think the BIA is prepared for the next nightmare?
Tribes now have first right to acquire minor interests in allotments and also to acquire fee lands because of tax default. In a twist of laws and regulations it gives tribes the right of eminent domain. Eminent Domain gives tribes the right to condemn and take property away from individuals if the tribe feels that property is necessary for the benefit of the tribe. OP: This will lead to bloodletting.
Would tribes really go so far as to take away people’s property? It didn’t take long for many of the tribes to evict disenrollees from their homes and assigned lands so it can be predicted that as long as the BIA plays along, the disenrollees can expect another round of their heritage disappearing before their very eyes.
It is my understanding that Robert Eben, former Superintendent of the Southern Californian Agency, BIA, was already working with tribal leaders to develop the authority to condemn the lands of the disenrollees. A Freedom of Information request on the topic of eminent domain to the BIA should be very revealing. They were working to define and give the authority and right to tribes to exercise the power of Eminent Domain.
Land that is in fee title (Such as owned by Pechanga Chairman Macarro) is not under the jurisdiction of the BIA and not of the tribe. Any attempt to take fee lands could possibly be interpreted as “Adverse Condemnation”. If there is anything that shakes the core of State and Local government it is the challenge in court of Adverse Condemnation. Governments almost always lose in these matters and it is an area of law where the tribes will not be able to scream “sovereign immunity”. If the United States, States and Local governments can be sued for Adverse Condemnation I do not believe the courts will be sympathetic to tribes and grant them a higher degree of power than that of the United States.
So which is it? Are the disenrollees Indian or not? If they are Indian, how does the BIA reach this conclusion and how are they able to carry the disenrollees on the rolls of the Office of Special Trust. If they are Indian then aren’t they entitled to the full protection of the United States? Is the United States obligated to protect the disenrollees from any further assault from the tribes and have their lands protected and their status as Indian persons protected as well?
So if the United States via the BIA is assisting the tribes in developing the “proper” authority to exercise the power of eminent domain, is the United States also obligated to protect the rights of the very same ones they are advising tribes on ways of taking away lands of the disenrollees?
It is ethnic cleansing at its finest degree. It is the BIA working to provide a way for tribes to purge themselves of the disenrollees and to consolidate the lands of the reservations. It truly is the next elephant in the room.
Friday, February 17, 2017
Wilton Rancheria Chairman Hitchcock Tells PART of the Elk Grove Casino Story
But he doesn't TELL ALL OF IT in the Sacramento BEE. Like, how did a non member (after disenrollment) cemetery become "tribal land". Lots of questions still.
After 58 years of struggle, Wilton Rancheria is no longer a landless tribe. The placing of 36 acres of land in Elk Grove into federal trust is a testament to the persistence and courage of our members.
And it obscures the fact that this project not only means self-sufficiency and opportunity for the tribe, but jobs, growth and lasting benefits for Elk Grove and the Sacramento region. We care about the community because we are part of it. The vast majority of our 700 members live in Sacramento County; many of them are longtime Elk Grove residents.
There would be MORE members, if they hadn't disenrolled rightful members.
Read what HRVMI Chairwoman Lisa Jimenez had to say to the Elk Grove City Council Meeting
After 58 years of struggle, Wilton Rancheria is no longer a landless tribe. The placing of 36 acres of land in Elk Grove into federal trust is a testament to the persistence and courage of our members.
And it obscures the fact that this project not only means self-sufficiency and opportunity for the tribe, but jobs, growth and lasting benefits for Elk Grove and the Sacramento region. We care about the community because we are part of it. The vast majority of our 700 members live in Sacramento County; many of them are longtime Elk Grove residents.
There would be MORE members, if they hadn't disenrolled rightful members.
Read what HRVMI Chairwoman Lisa Jimenez had to say to the Elk Grove City Council Meeting
Shorty after Wilton Rancheria received federal recognition many of Ione Tribal members from Amador County relinquished their membership from the Ione Band in order to enroll in the Wilton tribe. These Ione members now Wilton Rancheria members are Amy Dutschke family members. Amy Dutschke is the Pacific Regional Superintendent of the Bureau of Indian affairs who is fast tracking the Wilton Tribes fee-to-trust application. These members want a Casino, that why they switched tribes because Wilton's Casino proposal was moving quickly.
Ms. Dutschke's family voted to disenroll our families allowing them to move into leadership at the Wilton Tribe.
It's NOT a done deal people...lots of questions that should be asked and answered.
It's NOT a done deal people...lots of questions that should be asked and answered.
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
NOOKSACK IRONY: Tribal Council That Doesn't Recognize Court Orders SUES Interior Department for NOT Recognizing THEM
Isn't it rich?
Turtle Talk has the filings of the Nooksack Tribal Council, led by adoptee Bob Kelly which is currently unrecognized by the Department of Interior for it's failures to follow court orders....suing...in court..for it's failure to recognize the current Nooksack Council...
This is an action to compel the defendants to fully fund contracts awarded to the Tribe under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, Public Law 93- 638. Defendants have a non-discretionary duty owed to the Tribe to provide required funding for the awarded contracts and have failed and refused to perform those duties.
2. This is also an action for a declaration by this Court that the Nooksack Tribal Council was at all times duly and validly elected pursuant to the Tribe’s Constitution and ByLaws and the opinions of the Nooksack Tribal Court, and possessed a quorum under Nooksack law to conduct Tribal business; and that the current Nooksack Tribal Council was duly and validly elected pursuant to the Tribe’s Constitution and must be recognized by the defendants as the governing body of the Nooksack Indian Tribe. \
3. Finally, this is an action to compel the defendants to cease and desist in their arbitrary and capricious refusal to recognize the Nooksack Tribal Council as the governing body of the Nooksack Tribe, to take all necessary steps to withdraw the erroneous, arbitraryand capricious determination of former Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Lawrence Roberts that the Tribe lacks a quorum to conduct tribal business, and to notify all agencies and persons with whom Mr. Roberts’ determination was shared that the determination was erroneous and without force or effect.
Turtle Talk has the filings of the Nooksack Tribal Council, led by adoptee Bob Kelly which is currently unrecognized by the Department of Interior for it's failures to follow court orders....suing...in court..for it's failure to recognize the current Nooksack Council...
This is an action to compel the defendants to fully fund contracts awarded to the Tribe under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, Public Law 93- 638. Defendants have a non-discretionary duty owed to the Tribe to provide required funding for the awarded contracts and have failed and refused to perform those duties.
2. This is also an action for a declaration by this Court that the Nooksack Tribal Council was at all times duly and validly elected pursuant to the Tribe’s Constitution and ByLaws and the opinions of the Nooksack Tribal Court, and possessed a quorum under Nooksack law to conduct Tribal business; and that the current Nooksack Tribal Council was duly and validly elected pursuant to the Tribe’s Constitution and must be recognized by the defendants as the governing body of the Nooksack Indian Tribe. \
3. Finally, this is an action to compel the defendants to cease and desist in their arbitrary and capricious refusal to recognize the Nooksack Tribal Council as the governing body of the Nooksack Tribe, to take all necessary steps to withdraw the erroneous, arbitraryand capricious determination of former Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Lawrence Roberts that the Tribe lacks a quorum to conduct tribal business, and to notify all agencies and persons with whom Mr. Roberts’ determination was shared that the determination was erroneous and without force or effect.
Senate Indian Affairs Committee Subject of Petition Requesting FIELD Hearings on ICRA violations
We've seen what activism can do with the recent visual arts advocacy program in the #stopdisenrollment movement.
NOW, we need to keep the pressure on with...REAL political action. Take ACTION by signing this petition requesting the Senate Indian Affairs Committee hold field hearings into violations of the INDIAN CIVIL RIGHTS ACT. Computer activism is very easy.....
Monday, February 13, 2017
Judge DENIES Standing Rock Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux Request To Halt DAPL
A U.S. federal judge denied a request by Native American tribes seeking a halt to construction of the final link in the Dakota Access Pipeline on Monday, the controversial project that has sparked months of protests from tribal activists seeking to halt the 1,170-mile line.
Judge James Boasberg of the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., at a hearing, rejected the request from the Standing Rock Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes, who had argued that the project will prevent them from practicing religious ceremonies at a lake they say is surrounded by sacred ground.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last week granted a final easement to Energy Transfer Partners LP , the company building the $3.8-billion Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), after President Donald Trump issued an order to advance the pipeline days after he took office in January.
Lawyers for the Cheyenne River Sioux and the Standing Rock Sioux wanted Judge Boasberg to block construction with a temporary restraining order.
"We are contending that the waters of Lake Oahe are sacred to Cheyenne River and all of its members, and that the very presence of a pipeline, not only construction but possible oil flow through that pipeline, would obstruct the free exercise of our religious practices," Matthew Vogel, a legislative associate for the Cheyenne River Sioux, told reporters in a conference call ahead of the hearing.
Judge James Boasberg of the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., at a hearing, rejected the request from the Standing Rock Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes, who had argued that the project will prevent them from practicing religious ceremonies at a lake they say is surrounded by sacred ground.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last week granted a final easement to Energy Transfer Partners LP , the company building the $3.8-billion Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), after President Donald Trump issued an order to advance the pipeline days after he took office in January.
Lawyers for the Cheyenne River Sioux and the Standing Rock Sioux wanted Judge Boasberg to block construction with a temporary restraining order.
"We are contending that the waters of Lake Oahe are sacred to Cheyenne River and all of its members, and that the very presence of a pipeline, not only construction but possible oil flow through that pipeline, would obstruct the free exercise of our religious practices," Matthew Vogel, a legislative associate for the Cheyenne River Sioux, told reporters in a conference call ahead of the hearing.
Friday, February 10, 2017
9th Circuit on Trump BAN: Due Process for Potential Terrorists, Native Americans...NOT SO MUCH
Interesting quote from the 9th circuit on Trumps travel ban flap:
The court said the states were likely to succeed in their due process claim, noting that the due process protections provided under the Constitution apply not only to citizens, but to all “aliens” in the country, as well as “certain aliens attempting to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad.”
The 9th Circuit has RULED many times that American Indians have no such due process rights in the United States. So immigrants get rights that are denied to American Indian citizens of the United States.
There are many tribes that simply disenroll their people without due process and the 9th Circuit refuses to recognize their claims.
DO TRIBAL RIGHTS TRUMP Due Process? Or does the media only care about immigrants and not Natives?
Contributor Paul Johnson wrote about the lack of Civil Rights protections here and there is a story about a judge who said due process isn't required here
The STUDENTS of WASHINGTON STATE and some foreign nationals were INCONVENIENCED for 90 days with Trumps Travel Ban...but THOUSANDS of Native American's due process rights didn't matter to the 9th Circuit when corrupt tribal governments are stripping citizenship from Tribal Citizens. And the Federal Government via the BIA, removes our Federal recognition as Indians from our first ancestor to our future descendants.....without due process.
Remember when the 9th Circuit RULED against Indian children being protected by the ICWA? Maybe if they claimed they were Muslim? Or worked for Microsoft...
The court said the states were likely to succeed in their due process claim, noting that the due process protections provided under the Constitution apply not only to citizens, but to all “aliens” in the country, as well as “certain aliens attempting to re-enter the United States after traveling abroad.”
The 9th Circuit has RULED many times that American Indians have no such due process rights in the United States. So immigrants get rights that are denied to American Indian citizens of the United States.
There are many tribes that simply disenroll their people without due process and the 9th Circuit refuses to recognize their claims.
DO TRIBAL RIGHTS TRUMP Due Process? Or does the media only care about immigrants and not Natives?
Contributor Paul Johnson wrote about the lack of Civil Rights protections here and there is a story about a judge who said due process isn't required here
The STUDENTS of WASHINGTON STATE and some foreign nationals were INCONVENIENCED for 90 days with Trumps Travel Ban...but THOUSANDS of Native American's due process rights didn't matter to the 9th Circuit when corrupt tribal governments are stripping citizenship from Tribal Citizens. And the Federal Government via the BIA, removes our Federal recognition as Indians from our first ancestor to our future descendants.....without due process.
Remember when the 9th Circuit RULED against Indian children being protected by the ICWA? Maybe if they claimed they were Muslim? Or worked for Microsoft...
Thursday, February 9, 2017
ROBINSON RANCHERIA Brings Disenrolled Members BACK into the TRIBE and RESTORING THEIR HONOR
We have hammered the Robinson Rancheria for their disgraceful actions of disenrollment since 2008. NOW WE MUST HONOR their effort to bring the disenrolled back to the tribe, where they belong...
Although bittersweet for many as some elders have passed including our friend Luwana Quitiquit, during the tribe's disenrollment from Nov 2008 to January 28, 2017
Native America should be proud of the tribal members who chose to do the right thing. It is now about healing and move the tribe forward. Chairman Eddie Crandell, who once had been disqualified from running by the disgraceful former council....you are a TRUE LEADER in Indian Country...
Although bittersweet for many as some elders have passed including our friend Luwana Quitiquit, during the tribe's disenrollment from Nov 2008 to January 28, 2017
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| Luwana Quitiquit |
Oh SHUT UP Senator FAUXAHONTAS, YOU are Despicable
Oh for Pete's SAKE, FAKE INDIAN Elizabeth Warren, a harpie of the first magnitude releases this tweet yesterday after Jeff Sessions was voted in as Attorney General.
WHERE were YOU, Senator, when Eric Holder turned a BLIND EYE to abuses in Indian Country. We only heard CRICKETS from YOU and not the screeching we heard this week.
SHUT UP and DO YOUR JOB and stand up for the Trust Responsibility for Native Americans. OH, WAIT, since you aren't ONE....who cares Right?
WHERE the HELL WERE YOU Senator, when AG Loretta Lynch turned a BLIND EYE to abuses in Indian Country? Abuses of CIVIL and HUMAN Rights you hold most dear?If Jeff Sessions turns a blind eye while @realDonaldTrump violates the Constitution or breaks the law, he'll hear from all of us.— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) February 9, 2017
WHERE were YOU, Senator, when Eric Holder turned a BLIND EYE to abuses in Indian Country. We only heard CRICKETS from YOU and not the screeching we heard this week.
SHUT UP and DO YOUR JOB and stand up for the Trust Responsibility for Native Americans. OH, WAIT, since you aren't ONE....who cares Right?
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
ARMY Grants FINAL EASEMENT on Dakota Pipeline
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will grant the final easement needed to finish the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline, according to a court filing Tuesday.
The line had been delayed for several months after protests from Native American tribes and climate activists. The $3.8 billion line, which is being built by Energy Transfer Partners (ETP.N), needed a final permit to tunnel under Lake Oahe, a reservoir that is part of the Missouri River.
The Standing Rock Sioux tribe, whose reservation is adjacent to the line's route, has said they will fight the decision. The Army Corps had previously stated that they would undertake further environmental review of the project. The tribe was not immediately available for comment.
The 1,170-mile (1,885 km) line will bring crude oil from North Dakota's Bakken shale region to Patoka, Illinois, and from there connect to the Gulf of Mexico, where many U.S. refineries are located. The tribe had fought the line for months, fearing contamination of their drinking water and damage to sacred sites on their land.
Numerous activists who have been protesting in North Dakota have vowed to stay, although the primary protest camp is located on a flood plain on Army Corps land and is in the process of being cleared.
Their protests, along with those of climate activists, resulted in the Obama administration's decision to delay a final permit that would allow construction under the Missouri River.
"The discord we have seen regarding the Dakota Access Pipeline doesn’t serve the tribe, the company, the Corps or any of the other stakeholders involved. Now, we all need to work together to ensure people and communities rebuild trust and peacefully resolve their differences," said John Hoeven, Republican senator from North Dakota, in a statement.
The line had been delayed for several months after protests from Native American tribes and climate activists. The $3.8 billion line, which is being built by Energy Transfer Partners (ETP.N), needed a final permit to tunnel under Lake Oahe, a reservoir that is part of the Missouri River.
The Standing Rock Sioux tribe, whose reservation is adjacent to the line's route, has said they will fight the decision. The Army Corps had previously stated that they would undertake further environmental review of the project. The tribe was not immediately available for comment.
The 1,170-mile (1,885 km) line will bring crude oil from North Dakota's Bakken shale region to Patoka, Illinois, and from there connect to the Gulf of Mexico, where many U.S. refineries are located. The tribe had fought the line for months, fearing contamination of their drinking water and damage to sacred sites on their land.
Numerous activists who have been protesting in North Dakota have vowed to stay, although the primary protest camp is located on a flood plain on Army Corps land and is in the process of being cleared.
Their protests, along with those of climate activists, resulted in the Obama administration's decision to delay a final permit that would allow construction under the Missouri River.
"The discord we have seen regarding the Dakota Access Pipeline doesn’t serve the tribe, the company, the Corps or any of the other stakeholders involved. Now, we all need to work together to ensure people and communities rebuild trust and peacefully resolve their differences," said John Hoeven, Republican senator from North Dakota, in a statement.
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