The mainland dispute between Native Americans and the government of the United States in Pennsylvania is related to the Delaware nation case. The case surrounds a claim of ownership of 315 acres of land in Bucks and Northampton counties. According to the suit the land was given to the tribe by descendants of Pennsylvania founder William Penn in grants which were dated 1738 and 1741. (Duffy) If relating this dispute to the issues of ownership, the results can be mixed, where on one hand the land was granted to the Delaware nations, and on the other hand, the claim is purely materialistic rather than related to issues of culture and heritage. Basically, Delaware intended to build and operate a gambling casino at this place.
Nevertheless, issues of land and fishing rights can take different perspectives, being a constant source of contention between Indian tribes and federal state governments. For example, regarding fishing rights, it can be seen that the source of contention is the changed approach toward Indians fishing in the preservation and non-preservation areas. Initially, this right was given to the tribes, mainly in exchange for the land that was taken from them. However, now this problem is being approached from the perspective of the equal right of Indians and non-Indians. (101) Similarly to the Delaware land dispute, fishing rights merely reflect how treaties and agreements were made based on particular interests, and now as these interests are not at stake, it is a problem of another level, in fishing rights its equality, while in land ownership it’s the issue of individual interests.