Consider tribes in new state

Sun., Dec. 25, 2016

Regarding Rep. Matt Shea’s resolution proposing the State of Lunacy: Given the opportunity, the Legislature could clean up a number of land ownership and utilization issues. While I believe that the proposal is simply the usual nonsensical garbage promoted by Rep. Shea, it could address the longstanding issue of theft of tribal lands.

I propose that prior to consideration, the resolution be amended to read that if the new state is actually created, that all lands within the geographic boundaries of that state which were historically and customarily used by tribes revert to their control and ownership. Should portions of those lands be used and occupied by others and relocation or removal not feasible, then fair market value will be calculated and compensation provided to the appropriate tribe.

Pat Hayes

Keller, Wash.

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