Diversifying Tribal Assets via Forestland Acquisition: Setting Priorities in Michigan

摘要

Land ownership and management designation are of critical importance to American Indian communities for multiple economic, cultural and political reasons. However, the five American Indian tribes located in the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan own andmanage much smaller areas of land as compared to tribal land holding averages for the entire US. The reduced land holdings of UP tribes limits their ability to access natural resources and make decisions regarding land use that will affect future generations. This research project is a partnership between Michigan State University, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the Hannahville Indian Community and the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (LVD). The project focuses on developing the financial, planning, and partnership tools necessary for UP tribes to potentially increase their land bases by acquiring certain lands currently owned by timber and real estate investment companies. Setting priorities is an early step in deciding which types of land may be most appropriate to acquire. This paper describes focus groups and a survey of LVD tribal members that were used to help identify and prioritize land acquisition objectives. Burial grounds, historical tribal homelands, cultural resource sites and housing sites received the highest emphasis. Resource-based and tourism-based commercial uses had less support. Communication of forestry-related concepts was a key element of this project. This study should lead to increased collaboration between UP tribes, the forest products industries and other key partners for the purposes of land transactions and other regionally beneficial activities. An equally important intended outcome is to improve the foresters' and other publics' understanding of the multiple local and regional values of Indian land tenure.