MHA Nation challenges Trump administration ruling on mineral rights

The MHA Nation is pushing back on a recent ruling from the Trump administration regarding mineral ownership.

The tribe contends that the Department of the Interior violated treaties going back to 1825, by issuing an opinion that overturned three prior decisions from the department.

The tribe issued a statement Monday calling on the department to withdraw the opinion, saying historical precedent shows the tribe owns the rights under the riverbed within the boundaries of the Fort Berthold Reservation.

Your News Leader is reaching out to our congressional delegates for reaction to the issue.

Sen. John Hoeven, R-ND, released the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s ruling:

“The Department of the Interior has finalized its review and determined that the State of North Dakota owns the mineral rights. This is an opportunity for the State and Tribe to work together to ensure that the mineral rights under the Missouri River benefit all North Dakotans.”

Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-ND, released the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s ruling:

“This is good news for producers who have waited years for a resolution. With the Department of the Interior making its final decision, I hope North Dakota and the Three Affiliated Tribes are now able to work together on a mutually beneficial solution.”