For Immediate Release
April 27, 2021
Contact:
Manu Tupper or Mike Inacay (Schatz) at press@indian.senate.gov
SCHATZ: INTERIOR DEPARTMENT ACTIONS HONOR TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY, PROTECT TRIBAL LANDS
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, released the following statement on the Department of the Interior’s announcement on steps it is taking to restore Tribal homelands, empower Tribal governments, and better manage Indian lands.
“Secretary Haaland’s actions to reduce undue burdens imposed by the prior administration and honor Tribal consultation in the land into trust process is a good start,” said Chairman Schatz. “Rebuilding and consolidating Tribal homelands supports not only Native cultures, languages, and communities, but also Tribal businesses that help make economies for both Tribes and surrounding communities thrive. But Tribes need certainty, so I support legislative efforts to restore Tribal homelands and strengthen Tribal communities.”
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