Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act This bill directs the Department of the Interior to complete all actions necessary to place approximately 40 acres of land in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota, into restricted fee status for the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Restricted fee status refers to land that is owned by a tribe or tribal member but is subject to restrictions by the United States against alienation (i.e., sale or transfer) or encumbrance (e.g., liens, leases, or rights-of-way) by operation of law. The bill requires the land to be held and maintained as a memorial and sacred site, as outlined by the document titled Covenant Between the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and dated October 21, 2022. Further, it prohibits commercial development and gaming activity on the land.
Impact
The bill is significant as it reinforces tribal sovereignty and the right of the Oglala and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribes to govern and manage their own land within the parameters set forth in federal law. Under this designated status, tribal lands will be part of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and subject to tribal jurisdiction. It also limits the oversight of the Secretary of the Interior, allowing the tribes greater autonomy in utilizing the land for various non-gaming purposes as specified in the Covenant between the tribes.
Summary
SB105, also known as the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act, is a bill that directs the Secretary of the Interior to take necessary actions to ensure certain land is held in restricted fee status by the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. The legislation addresses indigenous land claims, particularly concerning the historical site of the Wounded Knee Massacre, and asserts the tribes' jurisdiction over the land. The bill aims to enhance protections for the land by affording it a status that prevents its transfer without congressional consent while also ensuring it remains free from state and local taxation.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SB105 may arise from discussions about the broader implications of restricted fee land designations, particularly in relation to potential economic development opportunities and the nature of tribal governance. While proponents argue that the bill strengthens the tribes' rights, opponents may express concerns about restrictions on land use and the impact on local economic activities. The balance between protecting sacred sites and fostering economic progress is a recurring theme in deliberations over such legislative measures, which may create divisions among stakeholders.
Identical bill
Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act This bill directs the Department of the Interior to complete all actions necessary to place approximately 40 acres of land in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota, into restricted fee status for the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Restricted fee status refers to land that is owned by a tribe or tribal member but is subject to restrictions by the United States against alienation (i.e., sale or transfer) or encumbrance (e.g., liens, leases, or rights-of-way) by operation of law. The bill requires the land to be held and maintained as a memorial and sacred site, as outlined by the document titled Covenant Between the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and dated October 21, 2022. Further, it prohibits commercial development and gaming activity on the land.
Pala Band of Mission Indians Land Transfer Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of the Interior to take approximately 721.12 acres of land in San Diego County, California, into trust for the benefit of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, if the tribe transfers title to that land to the United States. The land is made part of the Pala Indian Reservation. The bill generally prohibits gaming on any of the land taken into trust.
A bill to provide grants to States, Indian Tribes, and Tribal organizations for activities to increase the availability of child care options and to support the child care workforce, and for other purposes.
A bill to grant States and Indian Tribes the authority to waive the 2-year foreign residence requirement for educators in rural and Tribal areas, and for other purposes.
A bill to amend the Act of June 18, 1934, to reaffirm the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for Indian Tribes, and for other purposes.
Tribal Healthcare Careers Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reserve a portion of Health Profession Opportunity Grants for Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and tribal colleges and universities. HHS must award at least 10 grants to tribal applicants.
Water Rights Protection Act of 2023 This bill addresses issues of water rights with respect to lands under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture, including water rights of federally recognized Indian tribes. Specifically, such departments must ensure that federal action imposes no greater restriction or regulatory requirement than under applicable state water law. Further, such departments shall not take actions that adversely affect state authority in permitting water usage or in adjudicating water rights. The bill also prohibits such departments from requiring water users to transfer water rights to the United States or acquire water rights in the name of the United States as a condition of issuing or renewing a land use or occupancy agreement.
To amend the Act of June 18, 1934, to reaffirm the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for Indian Tribes, and for other purposes.