Summary
Tells the government to put about 40 acres of land at Wounded Knee into a special protected status for the Oglala and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribes.
What problem does this solve?
The land where the Wounded Knee Massacre happened was not owned or protected by the tribes whose ancestors were there. This law gives the Oglala and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribes special ownership of the land to protect it as a memorial.
Who does this affect?
- Oglala Sioux Tribe
- Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe
- Descendants of Wounded Knee Massacre victims
What does this law do?
Places land into a special protected status
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to place approximately 40 acres of the Wounded Knee Massacre site into a 'restricted fee status' for the Oglala and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribes.
Defines the rules for the land's special status
Specifies that the land will be owned by the tribes, cannot be sold without Congress's consent, will be part of the Pine Ridge Reservation, and will be free from state and local taxes.
Prohibits gambling on the site
States that the land cannot be used for any gaming or gambling activities, according to an agreement between the two tribes.
Gives tribes legal authority over the land
Makes the land subject to the civil and criminal laws of the Oglala Sioux Tribe.
What is the real world impact?
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Provides restorative justice for a historical tragedy
Returns control of a sacred and historically significant site to the descendants of the victims of the 1890 massacre. This action acknowledges the past and honors the memory of those who were killed by placing the land under the care of their tribes.
When does this start?
The main actions required by this law must be completed within one year of it being passed.