Tribes may gain more river input
By
The Associated Press
Story Published:
Dec 26, 2008
Story Updated:
Dec 26, 2008
MITCHELL, S.D. (AP) – American Indian tribes could have more influence in management of the Missouri River after a bylaw change by the Missouri River Association of States and Tribes.
The change increased the number of tribal representatives on MoRAST’s board of directors from six to 13.
That puts the 28 tribes in the Missouri River Basin on a more equal footing with MoRAST’s seven member states, who also have 13 representatives on the board. Six states have two each, but Wyoming, which is not a “mainstem” river state, has only one.
Eleven tribes were represented at MoRAST’s most recent meeting in Rapid City. That contrasts with a MoRAST meeting one year ago in Pierre when no tribal representatives attended.
“That’s a big step forward, because our group has really wanted to live up to its name of representing both states and tribes in the basin,” said David Pope, MoRAST’s executive director in Topeka, Kan. “And we think we’re off and running in that regard now.”
Pope said the earlier lack of tribal involvement was indicative of a long-standing problem afflicting Missouri River organizations.
“Historically, there’s probably little doubt that the tribes have been underrepresented or not involved to the depth, at least, that probably would be appropriate for their status in the basin and the significant role that they play,” he said. “I think our group is the primary one that’s really fully embraced their involvement.”
Another change by MoRAST allows tribal representatives to be reimbursed up to $500 for travel to MoRAST’s meetings, which are held throughout the river basin.
MoRAST was formed in 2006. In addition to its tribal members, MoRAST has members from the governments of North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas, and also has associations with federal agencies.
Lately, MoRAST has been pushing the federal government for a study of the 1944 Flood Control Act, which gave rise to the modern system of dams on the Missouri River. MoRAST members say that, given the existence of modern river uses not anticipated by the 1944 act, a review of the river-management purposes authorized by the act is long overdue.
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