The Pueblo of Isleta, a federally recognized tribe with a rich history in New Mexico, celebrated a significant victory with the acquisition of 89,978 acres of land placed into trust by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. This landmark decision, announced by then-Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, represented a major step forward in the Obama Administration’s commitment to tribal empowerment and the restoration of tribal homelands. This event marked the culmination of years of dedicated effort by the Pueblo of Isleta and further advanced the goal of self-determination and self-governance for Native American tribes.
The Significance of Land in Trust
The concept of "land in trust" is crucial to understanding the importance of this acquisition. When land is held "in trust" by the federal government for a tribe, it means the tribe retains beneficial ownership and control of the land, while the United States holds the legal title. This arrangement provides a number of key benefits for the tribe:
- Protection from State and Local Taxes: Trust land is generally exempt from state and local property taxes, providing a significant financial advantage for the tribe. This allows the tribe to invest resources in essential services and economic development initiatives.
- Enhanced Sovereignty: Placing land in trust strengthens tribal sovereignty by reinforcing the tribe’s control over its land base. This control is essential for exercising self-governance and making decisions that directly impact the tribe’s future.
- Resource Management: The tribe has the authority to manage the resources on its trust land, including mineral rights, water rights, and timber. This control allows the tribe to sustainably utilize these resources for the benefit of its members.
- Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Land often holds immense cultural and historical significance for Native American tribes. Placing land in trust helps protect sacred sites, ancestral burial grounds, and other culturally important areas from development or desecration.
- Economic Development: Trust land can be used for a variety of economic development projects, such as agriculture, tourism, gaming, and renewable energy. These projects can generate revenue for the tribe and create employment opportunities for tribal members. The Isleta Pueblo can now more easily pursue these initiatives on this newly acquired land.
A Historic Announcement in Isleta
The announcement of the 89,978-acre land acquisition was made at a formal signing ceremony held in Isleta, New Mexico. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Secretary Jewell, Isleta Governor E. Paul Torres, then-acting Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Lawrence S. Roberts, and U.S. Senator Tom Udall. The presence of these leaders underscored the importance of the event and the commitment of the federal government to working with tribal nations.
Secretary Jewell’s remarks at the ceremony highlighted the significance of the achievement. She emphasized that the land acquisition represented the culmination of years of hard work by the Pueblo of Isleta and demonstrated the Obama Administration’s dedication to empowering tribes and restoring tribal homelands. She congratulated Governor Torres and the Pueblo’s leadership for their commitment to this priority, ensuring homelands for future generations. The Isleta Pueblo celebrated this milestone with their community.
The Obama Administration’s Commitment to Tribal Nations
The land acquisition for the Pueblo of Isleta was part of a broader effort by the Obama Administration to strengthen tribal nations and promote self-determination. President Obama pledged to work nation-to-nation with tribal leaders to build their economies and improve the lives of their members.
One of the key goals of this initiative was to place 500,000 acres of tribal homelands into trust by the end of the President’s term. The acquisition for the Pueblo of Isleta, the Administration’s single largest trust acquisition to date, brought the total acreage placed in trust on behalf of federally recognized tribes since 2009 to nearly 400,000 acres. This represented almost 80 percent of the Administration’s goal.
The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934
The legal authority for the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land in trust for federally recognized Native American tribes is derived from the Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) of 1934. This landmark legislation was enacted to reverse the policies of allotment and assimilation that had decimated tribal landholdings and cultures.
The IRA authorized the Secretary of the Interior to purchase land and hold it in trust for tribes, providing a mechanism for tribes to rebuild their land bases and exercise greater control over their affairs. The Act also encouraged tribal self-government and economic development.
The Pueblo of Isleta: A Legacy of Resilience
The Pueblo of Isleta, also known as Shiewhibak, is one of the nineteen Pueblos of New Mexico. Located south of Albuquerque, the Isleta people have inhabited the region for centuries, maintaining a rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to their ancestral lands. The tribe is known for its traditional arts and crafts, including pottery, weaving, and jewelry making.
The Pueblo of Isleta has faced numerous challenges throughout its history, including colonization, land loss, and cultural assimilation. Despite these challenges, the tribe has demonstrated remarkable resilience and has worked tirelessly to preserve its culture, language, and traditions. The acquisition of 89,978 acres of land into trust represents a significant victory for the Isleta Pueblo and a testament to its enduring strength.
Implications for the Future
The placement of 89,978 acres of land into trust for the Pueblo of Isleta has far-reaching implications for the tribe’s future. With a larger land base under its control, the tribe can pursue a wider range of economic development opportunities, strengthen its cultural preservation efforts, and enhance its self-governance capabilities.
The land can be used for agricultural projects, providing fresh produce and creating jobs for tribal members. It can also be used for tourism development, attracting visitors to the Pueblo and generating revenue for the tribe. Furthermore, the land can be used for renewable energy projects, such as solar or wind farms, providing clean energy and reducing the tribe’s reliance on fossil fuels.
The acquisition also strengthens the tribe’s ability to protect its cultural heritage. The land may contain sacred sites, ancestral burial grounds, and other culturally important areas that need to be preserved for future generations. By placing the land in trust, the tribe can ensure that these sites are protected from development or desecration.
Finally, the land acquisition enhances the tribe’s self-governance capabilities. With a larger land base under its control, the tribe has greater autonomy to make decisions that directly impact its members. This allows the tribe to chart its own course and build a more prosperous and sustainable future.
In conclusion, the acquisition of 89,978 acres of land into trust for the Pueblo of Isleta is a historic achievement that reflects the tribe’s resilience, the Obama Administration’s commitment to tribal nations, and the enduring importance of land in Native American cultures. This acquisition will have a lasting positive impact on the Pueblo of Isleta, strengthening its economy, preserving its culture, and enhancing its self-governance capabilities for generations to come.