_____________ joint resolution NO. _____________

INTRODUCED BY _________________________________________________

By Request of the ****

A joint resolution of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the state of montana requesting an interim study on providing state recognition of the Turtle MOUNTAIN band of chippewa indians; AND REQUIRING THAT THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE STUDY be REPORTED TO THE 69TH LEGISLATURE.

WHEREAS, more than 2,000 Montanans are enrolled members of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians with tribal headquarters in Belcourt, North Dakota; and

WHEREAS, the 1904 Davis Agreement resulted in the displacement of most Turtle Mountain Indians, with many relocating to Montana to live on off-reservation allotments; and

WHEREAS, approximately 40,000 acres of land located throughout the state are allotments to Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and managed as trust lands by various Bureau of Indian Affairs agencies; and

WHEREAS, the distance from Turtle Mountain tribal headquarters and trust management by multiple agencies creates complications for members living in or holding land allotments in the state.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to:

(1)        examine the history and current circumstances of Montana members of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians;

(2)        investigate the impacts of providing state recognition of Montana members of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians; and

(3)        determine whether state recognition of Montana members of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians would benefit those members and the state as a whole.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that regardless of the assignment of the study, that Montana members of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and the tribal government of the Turtle Mountain Tribe in Belcourt, North Dakota, are consulted.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2024.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 69th Legislature.