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U.S. Code as of:
01/19/04
Section 973. Distribution of assets
(a) Tribal assets; time limitation
All property of the United States used for the benefit of the
Ponca Tribe of Native Americans of Nebraska is declared to be a
part of the assets of the tribe, and all of the tribe's assets
shall be distributed in accordance with the provisions of this
section. The distribution shall be completed within three years
from September 5, 1962, or as soon thereafter as practicable.
(b) Designation of property for church, park, playground, or
cemetery
The tribe shall designate any part of the tribe's property that
is to be set aside for church, park, playground, or cemetery
purposes, and the Secretary is authorized to convey such property
to trustees or agencies designated by the tribe for that purpose
and approved by the Secretary.
(c) Homesites; market value; improvements
Each member may select for homesite purposes and receive title to
not to exceed five acres of tribal land that is being used for
homesite purposes by such member. The member shall pay the current
market value of the homesite selection excluding any improvements
or repairs constructed by such member, his wife, children, or
ancestor, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior.
(d) Sale of assets not selected; bidding
All assets of the tribe that are not selected and conveyed to
members shall be sold by competitive bid at not less than the
current market value, and any member shall have the right to
purchase property offered for sale for a price not less than the
highest acceptable bid therefor. If more than one member exercises
such right, the property shall be sold to the member exercising the
right who offers the highest price.
(e) Proceeds and tribal funds for payment of tribal debts;
distributive share; set off; member purchases of tribal property
The net proceeds of all sales of tribal property, and all other
tribal funds, shall be used to pay, as authorized by the Secretary,
any debts of the tribe. The remainder of such proceeds and funds
shall be divided equally among the members whose names are on the
final roll, or their heirs or legatees. Any debt owed by a member,
heir, or legatee to the tribe or to the United States may be set
off as authorized by the Secretary against the distributive share
of such person. Any member of the tribe who purchases tribal
property in accordance with this section may apply on the purchase
price his share of the proceeds of all sales of tribal property,
and the Secretary of the Interior shall adopt sales procedures that
permit such action.
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