The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians in California appears to be near the end of a long-running battle over a land-into-trust application.

The tribe asked the Bureau of Indian Affairs to place 6.9 acres in trust in 2000. Five years later, the agency approved the request, only to be met by administrative challenges and a lawsuit.

After another look, the BIA once again approved the application. But the tribe faced more critics as opponents pressured Santa Barbara County to file an appeal.

"We’re here, have always been here. We will not be ignored,” Chairman Vincent Armenta told the county board of supervisors, The Solvang Valley News reported.

After a lengthy public hearing, the board voted 3-2 not to appeal the decision. But opponents could file challenges before the tribe is allowed to build a museum and cultural center on the land.

Get the Story:
Board votes to not appeal decision (The Solvang Valley News 7/12)
Chumash Land Decision Stands (The Santa Barbara Independent 7/12)

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