Rhode Island House Bill H5969

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/1/23
• Refer: 3/1/23

Caption

Narragansett Indian Land Management Corporation

Impact

The enactment of H5969 will dramatically alter how land owned by the tribe is governed. It establishes the Narragansett Tribe as the recognized body managing the land, shifting from the previous structure of a land management corporation. The state retains control over certain aspects, such as guaranteeing public access for fishing activities around Deep Pond, but allows for a more streamlined governance structure that honors tribal sovereignty. This transfer aims to empower the tribe while ensuring that land conservation goals are met.

Summary

House Bill H5969 addresses the legal status of the Narragansett Indian Tribe in Rhode Island by repealing previous sections governing the Narragansett Indian Land Management Corporation. The bill facilitates the transfer of approximately 900 acres of land, including ecological and culturally significant areas, directly from the state to the Narragansett Tribe upon the tribe's federal recognition. This shift acknowledges the tribe as the sovereign authority over their ancestral lands, facilitating greater autonomy in management.

Contention

Discussion surrounding H5969 indicates notable contention regarding the implications of transferring sovereignty and land management to the Narragansett Tribe. Supporters argue that this move restores rightful ownership and management of Indigenous lands, while critics express concerns about the potential implications for public access and state control. Key discussions revolve around the balance between tribal sovereignty and state interests in the management of natural resources, indicating ongoing debates about autonomy and regulation.