Aungst v. ROBERTS CONSTRUCTION CO.

Hicks, J. —

Here we consider whether a non-Indian company may, by a sophisticated business arrangement, avail itself of Indian tribal immunity from state court jurisdiction to shield itself from charges of statutory violations. We hold it may not.

Respondent Roberts Construction Co. (Roberts) owned or controlled land valued in excess of $1 million located within or adjacent to the Tulalip Indian Reservation. In May of 1977, Roberts transferred this real estate to the Tulalip Tribes of Washington (Tribe). Following the transfer, an agreement was struck between Roberts and the governing body of…