H.R. 2929: Haliwa Saponi Indian Tribe of North Carolina Act

This bill, known as the Haliwa Saponi Indian Tribe of North Carolina Act, aims to enhance the legal relationship between the United States government and the Haliwa Saponi Indian Tribe located in North Carolina. Below are the main provisions and purposes of the bill:

Short Title

The bill can be referred to as the "Haliwa Saponi Indian Tribe of North Carolina Act."

Background and Findings

The bill outlines specific findings regarding the Haliwa Saponi Indian Tribe, including:

• The Tribe descends from the Saponi Nation, Nansemond, and other affiliated Tribes historically situated in Virginia and North Carolina.
• The geographical designation "Haliwa" reflects the Tribe's location, mainly in Halifax and Warren Counties, North Carolina.
• The Tribe has existed as a distinct community with identified political leadership since the aftermath of the American Revolution.
• The Tribe has been recognized in various forms by the State of North Carolina since at least 1965.
• Federal assistance to the Tribe has been ongoing for educational and housing support.

Definitions

The Act establishes important definitions, such as:

• Member: A member of the Haliwa Saponi Indian Tribe.
• Secretary: Refers to the Secretary of the Interior.
• Tribe: The Haliwa Saponi Indian Tribe itself.

Extension of Federal Relations

This provision extends to the Haliwa Saponi Indian Tribe the full federal government-to-government relationship that is available to recognized tribes in the United States. It ensures that federal laws applicable to Indian tribes will also apply to the Haliwa Saponi Tribe, as long as they do not contradict the new act.

Eligibility for Federal Services and Benefits

The bill grants the Tribe and its members access to all federal services and benefits typically provided to federally recognized tribes, regardless of whether the Tribe has an established reservation. This includes services related to:

• Education
• Housing
• Other federal programs available to Indian Tribes under current laws

The service area for the Tribe includes Halifax, Warren, Nash, Franklin, Vance, and Granville counties in North Carolina, and the membership roll in effect upon enactment will define the eligible population for these services.

Land into Trust

The bill allows the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for the benefit of the Tribe, enabling the Tribe to establish a reservation. This process is authorized by prior legislation related to federal Indian policy.

Conclusion

In summary, this Act aims to solidify the federal relationship with the Haliwa Saponi Indian Tribe, expand federal benefits and services to its members, and provide a pathway for the Tribe to create or expand a reservation.

Relevant Companies

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