Today, Tuesday February 9, 2021, the Department of Interior held a tribal consultation session on the new proposed rules for the American Indian Probate Reform Act regulations. The next session is this Thursday, February 11, 2021 for the public.

Mr. James Halliday, Wasco Indian of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, spoke up to clarify the proposed regulations change to the required physical posting of probate hearings.

Additionally, Stephanie, called on behalf of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation. She inquired how the new proposed regulations affect the Indian Land Consultation Act approved tribal probate codes. The Panel Experts made it clear, the Umatilla Tribal Probate Code purchases are not being changed through the current proposed regulations. There are several tribal purchases at probate addressed in AIPRA. Purchase a probate is a different process than like, the Umatilla Tribal Probate Code purchase process.

These new rules will give Native Americans even less due process and protection for Indian landowners. It is vital that you be involved and learn what these new regulations mean for you and your future generations.

The complete list of proposed changes can be found here at www.FederalRegister.gov and today’s and Thursday’s presentation material can be found here.

The Call-in information, for  anyone for whom the Department holds property in trust or restricted status or for anyone else interested in this rulemaking, is:

Thursday, February 11, 2021
2 pm – 5 pm Eastern Time
Call-in number: (888) 790–3548
Passcode: 6643062

If you have any questions or comments, I can be reached at Roberta@IndianWillsOnWheels.org