Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Land Affirmation Act of 2017

Bill 115 hr 1491, also known as the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Land Affirmation Act of 2017, is a piece of legislation that aims to affirm the status of certain lands held in trust for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians in California. The bill seeks to confirm the tribe's ownership and control over these lands, which are currently held in trust by the federal government.

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians has a long history of inhabiting the region and has sought to assert their rights to the land through various legal and legislative means. This bill is seen as a way to provide clarity and certainty regarding the tribe's land holdings and to ensure that they have the necessary resources and authority to govern and manage their lands effectively.

The bill has received bipartisan support in Congress, with lawmakers from both parties recognizing the importance of affirming the tribe's land rights and sovereignty. Supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary step towards recognizing the historical and cultural significance of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and ensuring that they have the ability to protect and preserve their lands for future generations. Overall, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Land Affirmation Act of 2017 is a significant piece of legislation that seeks to affirm the tribe's land rights and provide them with the necessary tools to manage and protect their lands effectively. It represents an important step towards recognizing and respecting the sovereignty of Native American tribes and their rights to their ancestral lands.