Author: Alison Perfater

U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced his bipartisan “Tribal Border Crossing Parity Act,” which would eliminate the 50 percent blood quantum requirement for members of federally recognized tribes when exercising their treaty-protected right to cross between the U.S. and Canada freely.  “For too long tribal members crossing Montana’s northern border have been subject to the discriminatory 50 percent blood quantum requirement that burdens Montanans and opens them up to unjust harassment. It’s time we end this outdated policy and honor Tribal sovereignty,” said Daines. Background: For over 70 years, federally-recognized tribes near the Canada border have been required to carry proof, obtained through the

U.S. Senator Steve Daines’ bill to resolve the final Indian water rights settlement in Montana passed the U.S. Senate, achieving a fair settlement for Fort Belknap farmers, ranchers and Montanans on the Hi-Line and throughout the entire state. “This is a huge win for the Tribe, farmers and ranchers and the entire state of Montana, said Daines. “As the final Indian water rights settlement in Montana, this bill will help provide clean drinking water to Montanans on the Hi-Line, invest in critical ag irrigation and help prevent costly litigation by codifying existing water rights. Especially after the catastrophic siphon failure at St.