DNR will enforce state rules on Chippewa rice harvesters

ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on Tuesday said it will issue citations to any Chippewa tribal member caught harvesting wild rice off reservations without a state-issued license, a move that could culminate in a treaty rights battle in federal court.

Chippewa wild rice harvesters announced Monday that they would challenge state licensing laws, saying an 1855 treaty between the many bands of Chippewa in the region and the U.S. government allows them to hunt, fish and gather without regulation by the state.

The 1855 Treaty Authority officials said individual Chippewa harvesters are out this week on lakes outside reservations but within the 1855 ceded territory. A major off-reservation harvesting event is planned for Aug. 27 near Nisswa.

http://www.inforum.com/news/3820516-dnr-will-enforce-state-rules-chippewa-rice-harvesters