UN fact finder: Consult with tribes on land sale

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SIOUX FALLS (AP) — A United Nations fact finder is urging the federal government and local and state officials in South Dakota to consult with Native Americans ahead of a planned auction of land in the Black Hills.

James Anaya says he is aware of concerns about the auctioning of nearly 2,000 acres of privately owned land in western South Dakota.

Tribes making up the Great Sioux nation consider the land sacred and are trying to raise money to purchase it.

He says the tribes should be consulted before any activity that would disturb the land takes place.

Anaya has earlier named the Black Hills as an example of land that should be returned to tribes as a way to foster reconciliation.

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