Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act

Hozzl · 2025-10-08T18:41:17Z

Explore the details of Senate Bill 105 Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Native Americans. Stay informed on legislative developments.

10/8/2025, 6:41 PM

Summary of Bill S 105

Bill 119 s 105, also known as the "Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Land Status Act," is a piece of legislation that aims to grant restricted fee status to certain lands held by the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. This means that the tribes would have more control over the use and management of these lands.

The bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to take all necessary actions to ensure that these lands are held in restricted fee status. This would give the tribes more autonomy in decision-making regarding the lands, including the ability to lease or develop them for economic purposes.

The purpose of this bill is to empower the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe to better manage their lands and resources, ultimately improving their economic and social well-being. It is a step towards recognizing tribal sovereignty and self-determination. Overall, Bill 119 s 105 seeks to support the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in their efforts to protect and utilize their lands in a way that benefits their communities.

Congressional Summary of S 105

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.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill S 105

Bill S 105 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 15, 2025. Bill S 105 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on January 15, 2025. Bill S 105's most recent activity was Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 176. as of October 2, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 105

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 105

Primary Policy Focus

Native Americans

Potential Impact Areas

- Federal-Indian relations

- Indian lands and resources rights

- Land transfers

- South Dakota

- State and local taxation

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 105

A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to complete all actions necessary for certain land to be held in restricted fee status by the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, and for other purposes.