Northwest Indians are continuing to fight for the ability to sell tax-free cigarettes to non-Indians on tribal land, insisting such restrictions violate their nation's sovereignty, reports Krista Kapralos of High Country News.
Since 2001, Washington State has worked with tribes to negotiate the taxation of cigarettes to non-tribal members, often allowing the tribes to keep the revenue. But the idea has seen heavy backlash as far back as 1980, when a federal court judge first imposed the right to tax cigarettes sold to non-Indians and members of other tribes on the Colville Indian Reservation.
While some feel that outside taxes should not apply to reservation smoke shops -- saying it violates tribes' sovereign right to conduct business in their own way – dozens of Pacific Northwest tribe members have faced federal charges in recent years for the sale of untaxed tobacco.
The story you just read is only possible because readers like you support our mission to uncover truths that matter. If you value this reporting, help us continue producing high-impact investigations that drive real-world change. Your donation today ensures we can keep asking tough questions and bringing critical issues to light. Join us — because fearless, independent journalism depends on you!
“They knew he was dying,” says his wife, who wasn’t told until it was too late
Get the inside scoop in your inbox, free.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletters and never miss an investigation.
TRIPLE your gift today!
From now until Dec. 31, NewsMatch and a generous local donor will each match community donations, matching your new monthly donation 12 times or TRIPLE your new one-time gift, all up to $1,000.
