Allotment
The process of dividing up and assigning parcels of reservation land to American Indian tribal members (allottees) as private property. Allotment began in 1887 with the passage of the General Allotment Act. Allotment ended only after American Indian tribes had lost over 2/3 of their tribal land base.
Fractionation
Since the allotment period, original allotments have been divided up many times over when land owners pass on and their land transfers to their heirs, resulting in original allotments now being owned by dozens – or hundreds – of descendants of the original allottees. Fractionation renders many allotments unusable by their current owners.
Inalienable
Status of allotments, which meant that the allotments could not be sold or gifted by their owners.
Intestate
People who die without a will are said to be intestate. Intestacy refers to the same status, without a will.
Trust land
Land held in trust by the federal government on behalf of tribes and tribal members. Allotments are held in trust by the government. These lands cannot be taxed by state or local governments and trust land owners are limited in how they can transfer this land.