The Obama Administration, under the leadership of U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, achieved a significant milestone in its commitment to supporting tribal sovereignty and self-determination: exceeding its ambitious goal of placing half a million acres of tribal homelands into trust for federally recognized tribes. This accomplishment, a testament to collaborative efforts and a shift away from historical policies that diminished tribal land holdings, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing journey toward rectifying past injustices and empowering Native American communities.
The announcement of this achievement underscored the Obama Administration’s dedication to fostering stronger and more resilient tribal communities. Secretary Jewell emphasized the importance of restoring tribal homelands as a cornerstone of President Obama’s commitment to tribal self-determination and self-governance. This commitment recognizes the inherent right of tribes to manage their own affairs, build sustainable economies, and preserve their cultural heritage. The restoration of these lands is not merely a symbolic gesture; it represents a tangible investment in the future of Native American nations.
The successful restoration of over 500,000 acres represents a tangible step toward "making their nations whole again," as Secretary Jewell articulated. This process involves transferring land ownership to the federal government, which then holds the land in trust for the benefit of the tribe. This trust status provides crucial protections, ensuring that the land cannot be sold, alienated, or transferred to non-Indians or non-Natives. This safeguard is essential for preserving tribal land bases for future generations and preventing the further erosion of tribal sovereignty.
The landmark achievement of exceeding the 500,000-acre goal was solidified with the passage of the bipartisan Nevada Native Nations Lands Act. This crucial piece of legislation facilitated the transfer of over 71,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service lands to the Department of the Interior, which then placed the land into federal trust for six Nevada tribes. This act exemplifies the collaborative spirit that characterized the Obama Administration’s approach to tribal affairs, demonstrating the power of bipartisan cooperation in addressing the needs of Native American communities.
The impact of these newly acquired lands extends far beyond mere acreage. These lands provide the foundation for tribal communities to address critical needs and pursue opportunities for growth and development. The tribes plan to utilize their restored homelands to expand housing options for tribal members, fostering a sense of community and providing safe and affordable living spaces. Furthermore, the lands will serve as catalysts for economic development, enabling tribes to create jobs, generate revenue, and build sustainable economies that benefit their members. The restored lands also provide vital spaces for the preservation and promotion of cultural activities, ensuring that traditional practices and values are passed down to future generations.
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Roberts, speaking at the National Congress of American Indians’ 73rd Annual Convention, highlighted the significance of this achievement as "a meaningful start to correcting the enormous loss of tribal homelands Indian Country has endured." This acknowledgment underscores the historical context of this initiative, recognizing the devastating impact of past federal policies that resulted in the loss of millions of acres of tribal land. The restoration of these lands is therefore viewed as a step toward rectifying these historical injustices and restoring the land base necessary for tribal self-sufficiency.
The success of this initiative is also attributed to the diligent efforts of individuals within the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Roberts specifically acknowledged the work of BIA Director Mike Black, the Regional Directors, and their staff for their hard work and dedication in implementing this important policy. Their commitment to navigating the complex process of land acquisition and trust placement played a crucial role in achieving the ambitious goal.
Despite the significant progress made, the process of restoring tribal homelands remains complex and challenging. The "fee-to-trust" process, by which land is transferred into federal trust status, is often rigorous and requires tribes to expend significant resources. The Carcieri decision, a Supreme Court ruling that limited the Secretary of the Interior’s authority to take land into trust for tribes that were not federally recognized in 1934, further complicates the process. Despite these challenges, tribes continue to prioritize the return of their homelands, investing their own resources to ensure a land base for future generations.
The Obama Administration’s commitment to restoring tribal homelands represents a significant departure from historical federal policies that resulted in the loss of millions of acres of tribal land across the United States over several hundred years. This shift in approach reflects a deeper understanding of the importance of tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and the need to address historical injustices.
Since 2009, the BIA has processed over 2,265 individual trust applications and restored more than 542,000 acres of land into trust. This impressive track record demonstrates the sustained commitment and effectiveness of the Obama Administration’s efforts. Moreover, the BIA continues to work in partnership with tribes and agency staff at all levels to process additional applications for land into trust, ensuring that this critical work continues into the future.
In addition to restoring tribal homelands, the Obama Administration also implemented other key initiatives to strengthen tribal communities and build their economies. These initiatives included overhauling antiquated leasing regulations to provide tribes with greater control over their homelands and issuing new regulations to allow the Interior Department to accept land into trust for federally recognized Alaska tribes. This latter initiative addressed a long-standing gap that had previously excluded Alaska Natives from this important benefit, further advancing tribal sovereignty and promoting equity.
The Secretary of the Interior’s authority to acquire land into trust for federally recognized tribes is derived from the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. This landmark legislation recognized the inherent sovereignty of tribal nations and provided a framework for restoring tribal land bases and promoting tribal self-governance. The lands held in federal Indian trust status provide a wide range of benefits to tribal communities. These benefits include access to federal programs for business development, housing, environmental and cultural protection. Trust lands also provide a stable foundation for tribal governments to operate and deliver essential services to their members.
The typical uses of trust land reflect the diverse needs and priorities of tribal communities. These uses include governmental operations, providing space for tribal administration and governance. Cultural activities, ensuring the preservation and transmission of traditional practices and values. Agricultural and forestry activities, promoting sustainable resource management and economic development. Housing, addressing the critical need for safe and affordable living spaces. Economic development, creating jobs and generating revenue for tribal communities. Social and community services, providing essential support to tribal members. Health care and educational facilities, improving access to quality healthcare and education.
The Obama Administration’s success in exceeding its goal to restore 500,000 acres of Obama Administration Exceeds Goal to Restore 500,000 Acres of Tribal Homelands represents a significant achievement in the ongoing effort to support tribal sovereignty and self-determination. This accomplishment, achieved through collaborative partnerships and a commitment to addressing historical injustices, provides a foundation for stronger, more resilient tribal communities. The Obama Administration Exceeds Goal to Restore 500,000 Acres of Tribal Homelands and represents a tangible investment in the future of Native American nations. Through restoring tribal homelands, the Obama Administration Exceeds Goal to Restore 500,000 Acres of Tribal Homelands and made a positive impact.
