Pubdate: Sat, 13 Dec 2014
Source: Albuquerque Journal (NM)
Copyright: 2014 The Associated Press
Contact:  http://www.abqjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/10
Author: Jeff Barnard and Gosia Wozniacka, the Associated Press
Page: C3

TRIBES WARY OF GROWING, SELLING MARIJUANA

Justice Dept. Has Decided That Pot Can Be Legally Grown on Tribal Lands

GRANTS PASS, Ore. - Many in Indian Country are wary of the idea of 
growing and selling marijuana on tribal lands, even if it could 
present an economic windfall and the U.S. Department of Justice says it's OK.

"I would really doubt tribes would be wanting to do something like 
that," said Don Gentry, chairman of the Klamath Tribes in Oregon, 
where voters this year approved a measure to legalize recreational 
pot. "We have an alcohol- and drug-free policy at work. It would just 
not be something we would be looking for into the future."

The U.S. Justice Department announced Thursday that it has adopted a 
new policy saying Indian tribes, which are considered sovereign 
nations, can grow and sell marijuana on tribal lands as long as they 
follow the same federal conditions laid out for states that have 
legalized the drug.

Oregon U.S. Attorney Amanda Marshall said the policy addresses 
questions raised by tribes about how legalization of pot in states 
like Oregon, Washington and Colorado would apply to Indian lands.

"That's been the primary message tribes are getting to us as U.S. 
attorneys," Marshall said from Portland. "What will the U.S. as 
federal partners do to assist tribes in protecting our children and 
families, our tribal businesses, our tribal housing? How will you 
help us combat marijuana abuse in Indian Country when states are no 
longer there to partner with us?"

Whether tribal pot could become a major bonanza rivaling tribal 
casinos is a big question. Marshall said only three tribes - one each 
in California, Washington state and the Midwest - have voiced any 
interest. She did not identify them.

Seattle attorney Anthony Broadman, whose firm represents tribal 
governments throughout the West, said the economic potential is vast. 
"If tribes can balance all the potential social issues, it could be a 
really huge opportunity," Broadman said.

Many in Indian Country are wary.

The Yakama Nation in Washington state recently banned marijuana on 
the reservation and is trying to halt state regulated pot sales and 
grows on lands off the reservation where it holds hunting and fishing rights.

The Hoopa Valley Tribe in Northern California has battled illegal pot 
plantations on its reservation that have damaged the environment.

In South Dakota, the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council this year rejected a 
proposal to allow marijuana on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

"For me, it's a drug," said Ellen Fills the Pipe, chairwoman of the 
council's Law and Order Committee.

Walter Lamar is a member of the Blackfeet Nation, and former FBI 
agent, who advises and offers training to tribes on drug issues, 
noted that unemployment is high in Indian Country, and many of the 
jobs that are available, such as wildland firefighting, teaching, and 
U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs positions, require drug testing.

"Once there's an easier availability for marijuana, it's going to 
create some issues that could have an impact on our employment pool," he said.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom