Katimiîn and Ameekyáaraam Sacred Lands Act
Jan 5, 2023
Statute: 136 Stat. 6268
Became law: Jan 5, 2023
Jan 5, 2023
Statute: 136 Stat. 6268
Became law: Jan 5, 2023
Summary
Places about 1,031 acres of federal land in California into a trust for the Karuk Tribe to use for their traditional and customary practices.
What problem does this solve?
The Karuk Tribe's sacred ancestral lands were controlled by the federal government, not the tribe. This law gives control of these lands back to the tribe by placing them into a trust for their benefit.
What does this law do?
Land transferred into trust for the Karuk Tribe
Transfers administrative control of approximately 1,031 acres of federal land in California to be held in trust for the Karuk Tribe.
Gaming prohibited on trust land
Forbids Class II and Class III gaming, such as casinos and bingo halls, on the land that is taken into trust for the tribe.
Federal management of wild and scenic river continues
Ensures the Chief of the Forest Service continues to manage the parts of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System that flow through the new trust land.
Land designated for traditional and customary uses
Specifies that the land placed in trust can be used by the Karuk Tribe for their traditional and customary practices.
Who does this affect?
- Karuk Tribe
- U.S. Forest Service
- Department of the Interior
What is the real world impact?
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Supports tribal sovereignty and cultural preservation
Returns sacred, ancestral lands to the Karuk Tribe, allowing them to manage the land for traditional and customary uses. This act is a step towards recognizing and correcting historical land issues for the tribe.
When does this start?
This law became effective on January 5, 2023, but includes a specific deadline for the land survey.