Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations

U.S. Department of the Interior

The Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations implements the land consolidation component of the Cobell Settlement, which provided $1.9 billion to purchase fractional interests in trust or restricted land from willing sellers at fair market value. Consolidated interests are immediately restored to tribal trust ownership for uses benefiting the reservation community and tribal members. 

There are approximately 243,000 owners of nearly three million fractional interests across Indian Country who are eligible to participate in the Buy-Back Program. The Program has identified 105 locations where implementation will occur through mid-2021. In a Federal Register notice published in April 2017, the Program announced that new Departmental leadership is taking a fresh look at progress to date and strategies that would further maximize the consolidation of fractional interests, such as: further sharing of appraisals, focusing on land value, interest size (e.g., less than 25% ownership in a tract), and tract control; facilitating co-owner purchases; or revising the schedule of 105 locations (e.g., adding or removing locations and/or returning to locations that already received offers).

Feedback is requested by May 31, 2017, regarding:

1. Potential adjustments to locations where implementation may occur, including adding or removing locations and/or returning to locations where purchase offers have already been sent;
2. The consideration of off-reservation tracts; and
3. Exploring long-term options to address land fractionation.

**Detailed frequently asked questions reflect the most up-to-date information about the Program**

Offer Deadline Approaching -- Owners Must Respond Soon!
Offers are currently outstanding for landowners with fractional land interests at: 

• Yakama -- June 19, 2017
• Winnebago -- July 3, 2017
• Omaha -- July 7, 2017
• Sycuan -- July 14, 2017

The Program released its 2016 Status Report in November 2016, which summarizes its implementation to date and significant economic impact in Indian Country. 

Landowners can contact the Trust Beneficiary Call Center at 888-678-6836 or visit their local Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians (OST) to update their contact information, ask questions about their land or purchase offers, and learn about financial planning resources. More information can be found on the Landowners page to help individuals make informed decisions about their land. 

Buy-Back Program Sales Data