President Bush is expected to sign a bill that would add land to the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site in Colorado.

The Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site Trust Act of 2005 adds 1,465 acres to the site where more than 150 people, including women, children and elders, were massacred by U.S. soldiers on November 29, 1864.

The bill states that the land will be held in trust for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma. The bill gives the Interior Department administrative authority over the trust property. Any improvements or construction must be approved by the Cheyenne-Arapahos and the Northern Cheyenne Tribe of Montana and the Northern Arapaho Tribe of Wyoming.

Get the Story:
Sand Creek nears final hurdle to become protected historic site (The Denver Rocky Mountain News 8/2)

Get the Bill:
Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site Trust Act of 2005 (H.R.481)

Relevant Links:
The National Park Service, Sand Creek Massacre Project Study - www.nps.gov/planning/sand/about.htm
The Sand Creek Massacre Site - www.kiowacountycolo.com/sand.htm

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