Summary of Bill HR 165
Bill 119 hr 165, also known as the "Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux Land Status Act," aims to direct the Secretary of the Interior to take all necessary steps to ensure that specific land is held in restricted fee status by the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. This restricted fee status would give the tribes greater control and autonomy over the land, allowing them to make decisions regarding its use and management.
The bill seeks to address longstanding issues related to land ownership and management for these tribes, who have historically faced challenges in asserting their sovereignty and control over their ancestral lands. By placing the land in restricted fee status, the tribes would have more authority to protect and preserve their cultural heritage, natural resources, and overall well-being.
In addition to granting restricted fee status to the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to land management and tribal sovereignty. These provisions are aimed at promoting the economic development, self-governance, and overall prosperity of the tribes.
Overall, Bill 119 hr 165 represents a significant step towards empowering the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe to exercise greater control over their land and resources, ultimately contributing to their long-term sustainability and self-determination.
Congressional Summary of HR 165
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.