158 Tribal Way, Harlem, Montana 59526, United States
Phone: 406-353-2205 Fax: 406-353-4541
WATER COMPACT & SETTLEMENT ACT
Securing Our Water Rights
The Gros Ventre and Assiniboine Tribes Water Rights Settlement Act resolves water rights issues the Fort Belknap Indian Community (FBIC) on the Fort Belknap Reservation.
Congressional approval of the Water Compact and the settlement of Tribal claims against the United States will support the water projects recognized in the Water Compact and allow the FBIC to fully develop, administer, and regulate its water rights.
Congressional approval will help to resolve longstanding issues of water use and development for our Reservation, while providing a funding source for critical water projects.
What's Happening Now
The Fort Belknap Indian Community’s water settlement bill, the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine Tribes Water Rights Settlement Act of 2023, was passed on June 20, 2024 by the U.S. Senate.
Congressional approval of our water rights settlement bill is long overdue. The Fort Belknap Indian Community’s water settlement bill will bring infrastructure investment, economic benefits and certainty for water users.
The information presented here is part of an overall effort to get more information into the hands of tribal members about the water compact and settlement act. We hope you will read and share this information, ask questions, and be part of the process.
WHAT'S HAPPENING NEXT?
Next Steps with Fort Belknap Indian Community
1. The United States Congress must pass the Gros Ventre and Assiniboine Tribes Water Rights Settlement Act of 2023 to settle the FBIC water-related claims and fund the FBIC water development projects.
2. FBIC tribal members will vote to approve the Water Rights Settlement Act and Water Compact. Congress must approve the Fort Belknap-Montana Water Compact as part of the Water Settlement Act.
3. The FBIC, state of Montana, and United States will submit the Water Compact to the Montana State Water Court to issue a decree recognizing the FBIC reserved water rights with the ability to enforce these rights.
Follow our Facebook account, and checking this website for regular updates on the water settlement.
GROWING SUPPORT
Office of Steve Daines
July 2, 2024
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.
Office of Steve Daines
July 19, 2023
Daines' Bipartisan Bill to settle Montana's final Water Rights Settlement one step closer to becoming law.
Office of Jon Tester
July 19, 2023
Tester's Bill to finalize the Fort Belknap Water Compact clears key hurdle, heads to Senate floor. Senator's Bipartisan Legislation unanimously passes Senate Indian Affairs Committee.
Indian Country Today
July 12, 2023
Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Settlement Act Hearing at Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. The Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Settlement Act, or S.1987, had its first hearing today during the Committee of Indian Affairs meeting after the bill was first introduced earlier in June. The bill allocates $1.3 billion to the Fort Belknap Indian Community to improve irrigation infrastructure as well as improve the community’s economic development.
Office of Jon Tester
June 15, 2023
Montana congressional leaders are reintroducing a $1.3 billion Fort Belknap Water Settlement Bill to the U.S. Senate with bipartisan support for the first time.
The National Wildlife Federation
December 19, 2019
Tester Bill Rights a Historic Wrong by Returning Ancestral Lands to Tribal Control, Updating Water Compact.
Great Falls Tribune
December 19, 2019
U.S. Sen. Jon Tester said he introduced the Fort Belknap Indian Community (FBIC) Water Compact in the U.S. Senate on Thursday, which he said will ratify a water rights settlement with the state, help with water infrastructure development, provide for irrigation rights for all and return sacred FBIC land to federal trust.
Montana Wildlife Federation
December 19, 2019
Montana Wildlife Federation Lauds Senator Tester’s Water Rights Settlement Bill for Fort Belknap Indian Community.