H.R. 165: Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act

This bill, titled the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act, seeks to establish certain land on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota as restricted fee status specifically for the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Below are the main components of the bill:

Definitions

• Restricted Fee Status: This designates Tribal land that remains owned by the Tribes, is part of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, subject to the Tribes' jurisdiction, cannot be transferred without consent from Congress and the Tribes, is exempt from state and local taxes, and does not require federal approval for the Tribes to use it under specific agreements.
• Secretary: Refers to the Secretary of the Interior.
• Tribal Land: Identified as approximately 40 acres located in Wounded Knee, South Dakota, which is part of the historic site of the Wounded Knee Massacre.
• Tribes: Refers to the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, both of which are part of the Great Sioux Nation.

Actions Required by the Secretary of the Interior

Within 365 days after the bill is enacted, the Secretary of the Interior must:

• Complete all necessary actions, including documentation and corrections, for the land to be officially designated as restricted fee status.
• Assign the applicable rights for any private or municipal utilities and services concerning the Tribal land.

Conditions for Tribal Land

• Federal Laws: The land will be subject to federal laws concerning Indian land, which include restrictions against transferring ownership.
• Usage: The land is to be used in accordance with a specific document titled the "Covenant Between the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe" dated October 21, 2022.
• Existing Agreements: The land will remain subject to any existing private or municipal agreements at the time the bill is enacted.
• Gaming Restrictions: The land cannot be used for gaming activities as defined by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Summary of Purpose

The primary goal of this legislation is to ensure that the specified land remains under the jurisdiction and ownership of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe while providing them certain protections and rights under federal laws. This is particularly relevant as the land holds historical significance tied to the Wounded Knee Massacre.

Relevant Companies