Authority to contract
Primary source
Verbatim text below is from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the current version with the eCFR before relying on it for any legal matter.
Full Text
(a) Any Indian tribe, subject to the approval of the Secretary and any limitation or provision contained in its constitution or charter, may enter into a minerals agreement with respect to mineral resources in which the tribe owns a beneficial or restricted interest.
(b) Any individual Indian owning a beneficial or restricted interest in mineral resources may include those resources in a tribal minerals agreement subject to the concurrence of the parties and a finding by the Secretary that inclusion of the resources is in the best interest of the individual Indian mineral owner.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.