Opinion ID: 673828
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Express Authority of the Tribe

Text: 52 To determine whether the Tribe has express authority to regulate electric services utilities on the Reservation, the district court should first look to the Tribe's 1867 Treaty with the United States, which states: 53 The chiefs and head-men located upon either of the reservations set apart for said bands are authorized to adopt such rules, regulations, or laws for the security of life and property, the advancement of civilization, and the agricultural prosperity of the members of said bands ... shall have authority, under the direction of the agent, and without expense to the Government, to organize a force sufficient to carry out all such rules, regulations, or laws. 54 Tribe's App. No. 93-1995, at 58. The 1867 Treaty also states that the Tribe hereby cede[s] to the United States the right to construct wagon-roads, railroads, mail stations, telegraph lines, and such other public improvements as the interest of the Government may require. Id. at 56. The district court should determine whether the 1867 Treaty authorizes the Tribe to regulate electric services on the Reservation. The district court also should consider whether subsequent congressional acts grant the Tribe authority to regulate electric services on the Reservation. See, e.g., 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1360(b) (1988); 25 C.F.R. Sec. 1.4(a) (1993). 55