CAMPBELL'S LAND CONSOLIDATION, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BILLS SENT TO THE PRESIDENT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Indian Affairs Committee Chairman Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.) today announced the House of Representatives has passed a package of his Indian Affairs bills, including one to reverse a century of splintered ownership of Indian lands and several business development proposals. Four of the bills will now be sent to the White House.

"Today we begin real Indian trust management reforms by getting at the core problem — land fractionation," Campbell said. "The current situation is yet another example of the federal government putting burdens on Indian Country that do not exist anywhere else. If we are serious about self–determination, then we have to roll back arcane laws and put tribes in a position where they can compete for jobs and investment."

Campbell's bill empowers Indian tribes to consolidate lands on the reservation by clarifying the process by which shares in property are passed on when an individual dies. It rolls back the disastrous effects of the Dawes Act, a 19th century law designed to break up Indian reservations and assimilate Indians. Since the enactment of that law, with each generation, the number of individuals owning a share of any single parcel of land increases. It is not unusual for small parcels to have hundreds of owners. The administration of the lands and its leases has become increasingly inefficient and has contributed to the Interior Department's mishandling of the Indian trust funds.

Campbell's bill not only lessens the financial and administrative burdens on the federal government but will help tribes attract and retain outside investment and employment creating opportunities.

Other bills given final passage today include: the Indian Tribal Regulatory Reform and Business Development Act of 1999, which establishes an office to review laws and regulations that affect business development on Indian lands; the Native American Business Development, Trade Promotion, and Tourism Act of 2000, which consolidates business and economic development programs; and the Indian Arts and Crafts Enforcement Act of 2000, which will help stem the tide of counterfeit arts and crafts by strengthening the act to encourage tribal suits for alleged violations.

Campbell's Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration Act Amendments and Indian Tribal Justice Technical and Legal Assistance Act were also passed by the House, but were amended. Those two bills will return to the Senate for final passage.

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CONTACT: Chris Changery (202) 224-1489
Oct. 23, 2000