- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs announced on Monday that the Department of the Interior has accepted the retrocession of partial criminal jurisdiction over the Skokomish Nation from the State of Washington. The Tribe collaborated with the State of Washington and the Department to reassume jurisdiction over specific crimes within its reservation boundaries.
“Jurisdiction over criminal matters is a fundamental part of a nation’s government. Restoring this jurisdiction to the Skokomish Nation is a significant act in support of Tribal sovereignty and self-governance,” Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland (Bay Mills Indian Community) said. “This retrocession is part of our work under the Biden-Harris administration to give back what has been taken away from Tribes by the harmful policies of the past.”
In 1953, Congress enacted Public Law 83-280 as part of its broader Termination Policy, aimed at undermining the sovereign existence of Indian Tribes. The law transferred criminal jurisdiction over Indian people on Indian lands from the federal government to certain states. Retrocession allows a state to return jurisdiction, enabling a Tribe to assume control through self-determination and self-governance.
More Stories Like This
Chickasaw Elders Tour the Historic HomelandThree California Tribes Sign Treaty to Manage the Yurok-Tolowa Dee-ni' Indigenous Marine Stewardship Area
Sacred Mound Returned to Osage Nation
Navajo Nation Gets Land Into Trust Near Flagstaff
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.
No paywalls. No corporate owners. Just independent, Indigenous journalism.
