S 105: Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act

Sponsors

Mike Rounds (R) SD

Cosponsors

John Thune (R) SD

Summary

Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act

This bill directs the Department of the Interior to complete all actions necessary to place approximately 40 acres of land in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota, into restricted fee status for the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Restricted fee status refers to land that is owned by a tribe or tribal member but is subject to restrictions by the United States against alienation (i.e., sale or transfer) or encumbrance (e.g., liens, leases, or rights-of-way) by operation of law.

The bill requires the land to be held and maintained as a memorial and sacred site, as outlined by the document titled Covenant Between the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and dated October 21, 2022. Further, it prohibits commercial development and gaming activity on the land.

Subjects

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Policy Areas

Next Steps

The bill will now be considered by the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. This may involve hearings, revisions, and a committee vote before proceeding to the full Senate.

Social Impact

This bill could have a significant positive social impact on the Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribes by securing the land's restricted fee status for memorial and sacred site purposes, promoting cultural preservation and tribal sovereignty.

Business Impact

The bill may have minimal direct impact on most businesses. However, it could indirectly benefit local businesses serving the tribes if the land is developed for tourism or other purposes.

Financial Impact

The financial impact is primarily on the federal government, which will incur costs associated with completing land transfer actions. The tribes may experience long-term economic benefits depending on the land's use.

Bill History

Wednesday, January 15, 2025
IntroReferral - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Wednesday, January 15, 2025
IntroReferral - Introduced in Senate

Bill Text

Introduced in Senate January 15, 2025
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