The Ad Hoc Group on Indian Water Rights was initially formed in 1981 by the Western Regional Council, a group of large corporations involved in natural resources development in the West. They were concerned about the uncertainties and complications associated with largely unquantified Indian water right claims. The group provided a forum to discuss ways to improve the process of approving and implementing negotiated settlements.
The WSWC and NARF have continued to support the Ad Hoc Group. Together, they hold a biennial Symposium on the Settlement of Indian Reserved Water Rights Claims for experts to exchange information and advice regarding Indian water right settlements. Speakers and participants include tribal, state, and federal officials, tribal members, water users, and various industry and other interests groups.
We believe there is a need to quantify reserved Indian water rights claims for greater water security across the West, and that negotiated settlements are generally preferable to litigation as a means of quantifying those rights. We also believe that such settlements should be encouraged and facilitated by the federal government, both in terms of assisting in the negotiations as well as in providing appropriate funding for the implementation of settlements.
Past Meetings
18th Biennial Indian Reserved Water Rights Symposium (2023) – Virtual
17th Biennial Indian Reserved Water Rights Symposium (2021) – Virtual
16th Biennial Indian Reserved Water Rights Symposium (2019) – Funner, California
15th Biennial Indian Reserved Water Rights Symposium (2017) – Great Falls, Montana
14th Biennial Indian Reserved Water Rights Symposium (2015) – Reno, Nevada
13th Biennial Indian Reserved Water Rights Symposium (2013) – Santa Fe, New Mexico
12th Biennial Indian Reserved Water Rights Symposium (2011) – Billings, Montana
11th Biennial Indian Reserved Water Rights Symposium (2009) – Ferndale, Washington
10th Biennial Indian Reserved Water Rights Symposium (2007) –
9th Biennial Indian Reserved Water Rights Symposium (2005) –
8th Biennial Indian Reserved Water Rights Symposium (2003) –
7th Biennial Indian Reserved Water Rights Symposium (2001) – St. George, Utah
6th Biennial Indian Reserved Water Rights Symposium (1999) –
5th Biennial Indian Reserved Water Rights Symposium (1997) –
4th Biennial Indian Reserved Water Rights Symposium (1995) – Portland, Oregon
3rd Biennial Indian Reserved Water Rights Symposium (1993) – Bismark, North Dakota
2nd Biennial Indian Reserved Water Rights Symposium (1991) – Albuquerque, New Mexico
1st Biennial Indian Reserved Water Rights Symposium (1989) –
Congress
Visits, Workshops, Testimony