The tribe approved the BIA’s distribution plan without having been informed of their rights and obligation, the advantages and disadvantages of accepting termination, or of the options available to them. Upon approval of the distribution plan by the Big Sandy members, the BIA revoked the recognized status of the governing body of the Band and ceased to regard the Band as having a government-to-government relationship with the federal government.
As a result of a 1983 United States District Court Action, the BSR was officially restored as Indian Country and the people of the tribe restored as federally recognized Indians. The final judgment stipulated that members holding land in accordance with the BIA distribution plan may return to their land to trust status at their pleasure and the Association joint properties be turned to trust status, the first step toward the development of a self-sufficient community