Chair of Senate Committee on Indian Affairs praises actions for tribal homelands

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Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) serves as chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in the 117th Congress. Photo: SCIA

Schatz: Interior Department Actions Honor Tribal Sovereignty, Protect Tribal Lands

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Source: Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii)

Chair, Senate Committee on Indian Affairs

indian.senate.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, released the following statement on the Department of the Interior’s announcement on steps it is taking to restore Tribal homelands, empower Tribal governments, and better manage Indian lands.

“Secretary Haaland’s actions to reduce undue burdens imposed by the prior administration and honor Tribal consultation in the land into trust process is a good start,” said Chairman Schatz.

“Rebuilding and consolidating Tribal homelands supports not only Native cultures, languages, and communities, but also Tribal businesses that help make economies for both Tribes and surrounding communities thrive,” said Chairman Schatz. “But Tribes need certainty, so I support legislative efforts to restore Tribal homelands and strengthen Tribal communities.”

Relevant Biden Administration Documents

M-37069: Withdrawal of M-37064 and Announcement of Consultation on the Department’s Interpretation of the Indian Reorganization Act and the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act in Connection with the Secretary’s Land into Trust Authority (April 27, 2021)
M-37070: Withdrawal of Certain Solicitor M-Opinions, Reinstatement of Sol. Op. M-37029 The Meaning of ‘Under Federal Jurisdiction’ for Purposes of the Indian Reorganization Act, and Announcement Regarding Consultation on “Under Federal Jurisdiction” Determinations (April 27, 2021)
Secretarial Order: Delegation of Authority for Non-Gaming Off-Reservation Fee-to-Trust Acquisitions (April 27, 2021)

Withdrawn Trump Administration Documents

M-37054: Interpreting the Second Definition of “Indian” in Section 19 of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 (March 9, 2020)
M-37055: Withdrawal of Solicitor’s Opinion M-37029. “The Meaning of ‘Under Federal Jurisdiction’ for Purposes of the Indian Reorganization Act” (March 9, 2020)
M-37064: Permanent Withdrawal of Solicitor Opinion M-37043, “Authority to Acquire Land into Trust in Alaska” (January 19, 2021)