The Department of the Interior (DOI) has officially concluded the Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations, a decade-long initiative to consolidate and restore nearly 3 million acres of land to Tribal trust ownership in 15 states.
During the program’s course, over $1.69 billion was disbursed to more than 123,000 interested individuals, and the appropriated funding ceased in November 2022, as specified in the Settlement and Claims Resolution Act of 2010.
In 2012, DOI established the Land Buy-Back Program to consolidate fractional trust or restricted land interests by facilitating voluntary sales with individual landowners and placing the acquired interests into trust for Tribes.
“Land consolidation partnerships with Tribal Nations benefit both landowners and Tribes, including opportunities for increased agricultural operations, economic development, conservation, and cultural stewardship,” said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland.
