A state does not have the right to assess a tax on the property of a Native American (Indian) living on tribal land absent a specific Congressional grant of authority to do so. Decided June 14, 1976 (argued April 20, 1976). Opinion of the Court: William J. Brennan → go there Topic: Native American law. Bryan v. Itasca County, 426 U.S. 373 (1976), was a landmark case in which the Supreme Court of the United States held that a state did not have the right to assess a tax on the property of a Native American (Indian) living on tribal land absent a specific Congressional grant of authority to do so. Wiki link