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By Journal Staff
MARQUETTE -- A piece of bipartisan legislation regarding the land claims of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community has been unanimously passed by the United States Senate.
The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Land Claim Settlement Act of 2023, introduced by Michigan senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow, aims to settle longstanding claims by the Baraga-based KBIC. The tribe was guaranteed occupancy of a large area of land, the L'Anse Reservation, through treaties signed in 1842 and 1854. Despite the treaties, thousands of acres of the reservation were taken by the federal government without compensation and awarded to the state of Michigan.
A companion piece of legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet.
"This bipartisan bill rightly settles the claims brought by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and provides legal clearance for local residents who currently own the property at issue," Peters said. "It's time to right this wrong."
The land claim case says the tribe was dispossessed of approximately 1,333 and 2,720 acres of land, which was given to the state as compensation for the construction of the Sault Ste. Marie Canal.
"The tribal council and the whole Keweenaw Bay Indian Community are beyond overjoyed by the Senate' unanimous passage yesterday of (Senate Bill) 195, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Land Claims Act. We have sought relief and compensation for generations for the unlawful taking of our lands. Thanks to Senator Peters and Senator Stabenow, we finally feel heard," said Keweenaw Bay Indian Community President Doreen Blaker.
The KBIC asserts that the lands belonged to the tribe due to the two treaties and transfer of the land was an illegal action. According to a press release, the KBIC says that the "transfer of these lands has created substantial economic and other harm, through the loss of valuable land in prime locations along Lake Superior."
The legislation aims to ensure that the KBIC clearly possesses the title to the land. The legislation also will authorize federal funds through the U.S. Department of the Interior that may be used by the KBIC for governmental services, natural resource protection, economic development and land acquisition.
"Passage of this legislation resolving longstanding land claims is an important step forward. This bill is a long overdue solution," Stabenow said.
The legislation has been in the House since Dec. 19, where it is being held at the desk, according to Congress.gov. When a chamber of the legislative branch holds a bill at the desk, it allows the legislation to be considered by the whole House immediately, rather than transferrring it to a House committee.
If the House passes the bill, it will be forwarded to President Joe Biden, whose signature will enact it into law.