Opinion ID: 463220
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: BIA Advice to the Tribe.

Text: 19 It is evident in the Tribe's August 8, 1984, resolution rescinding the Quantum agreement, that the BIA had been actively advising the Tribe. The Tribe placed great weight on the Bureau's assessment that the agreement was rife with problems. Quantum argues that the BIA's involvement was not allowed under IMDA and openly violated the Act's provisions vesting the power of official approval or disapproval in the Secretary or his authorized delegate, the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs. 20 Under Sec. 2106, upon the request of the Tribe, the Secretary is required to provide assistance during the negotiation of mineral agreements. This assistance may be rendered by federal officials or independent consultants. Quantum contends that the phrase during the negotiation implies that BIA involvement is allowed only prior to the time the tribe and developer sign an agreement. Under Quantum's proposed construction of the term, the Tribe would be barred from consulting with the BIA or other agents of the Secretary from the time the proposed agreement is signed until the Secretary provided the Tribe with his pre-decision findings. Such a narrow interpretation is not required by the language of the provision and is incompatible with the Act's goal of providing the tribes with greater flexibility in entering into joint venture agreements. 21 The term negotiation encompasses the period starting at the time the developer first contacts tribal representatives and continuing until the Secretary renders an official decision. This interpretation is consistent with the Tribe's right to rescind prior to the Secretary's final determination, and favors the tribe by providing additional flexibility. 5 22 IMDA's legislative history suggests that the federal government's trust obligations concerning tribal mineral reserves continue under IMDA. This duty to provide advice and assistance runs for the life of the agreement without interruption: the Secretary of the Interior has an obligation to assist tribes from the very inception of agreements and his responsibility to protect their interests will continue for the duration of the agreement. 128 Cong.Rec. S14196 (daily ed. Dec. 8, 1982)(statement of Sen. Melcher). See also Senate Report at 7 (the Secretary shall make available independent expert advice on all phases of mineral development). 23 The advice offered by the BIA after the proposed agreement was submitted to the Secretary was consistent with the Secretary's duty to assist the Tribe in all stages of the transaction. Authorization for the BIA's consultatations operates independent of the Secretary's duty to formally approve or disapprove.