Michigan representatives in Washington voice support to settle land claims of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. Recently in a joint release, Senators Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin, and Representative Jack Bergman, reintroduced legislation to settle the longstanding land claims of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.
The tribe signed treaties with the United States government in 1842 and 1854 that granted KBIC occupancy of lands established as the L’Anse Reservation. The Keweenaw Indian Community’s land over the years has been encroached upon by land developments, taken by the federal government, and given to the state of Michigan at different times between 1855 and 1937.
The freshman senator, Elissa Slotkin says KBIC for some time has sought to address a problem it did not create, and resolving this issue is the least the government can do to right a wrong. Representative Jack Bergman says he’s proud to reintroduce the bipartisan legislation in the House of Representatives. KBIC President Robert Curtis Jr. adds this legislation to our community, our neighbors, and the Michigan delegation coming together to acknowledge the unlawful seizure of native American lands and provide a better future for tribes and neighboring communities.
The legislation was introduced in the 118th congress but remained in committee and did not come to the House for a full vote. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. Find more information here.
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