Reid, Heller Announce Passage Of Nevada Tribal Lands Bill

Press Release

Nevada Senators Harry Reid and Dean Heller announce today the Senate passed the bipartisan Nevada Native Nations Land Act. The legislation would transfer land into a trust for six Nevada tribes: the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe of the Fort McDermitt Indian Reservation, the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation, the Summit Lake Paiute Tribe, the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and the Duckwater Shoshone Tribe. This would allow the tribes to build housing for their members, preserve their cultural heritage and traditions, protect their natural resources and provide opportunities for economic development.

"This legislation is an important step toward righting wrongs from our nation's past. Land is lifeblood to Native Americans, and I remain committed to helping tribes restore their homelands," said Senator Harry Reid. "I commend the tribes, whose hard work and collaboration made this bill possible. I look forward to continuing our work together to protect the homelands of the first Nevadans."

"This legislation has been a long time coming. I'm proud the Senate acted to empower Nevada tribal leaders to make key decisions surrounding new housing developments, outdoor recreational areas, and cultural activities. These are the ones who know how best to use it in order to create local jobs and economic development. That's the way it should be. I'd like to thank Senator Reid for his leadership to advance this priority," said Senator Dean Heller.

BACKGROUND:

The Nevada Native Nations Land Act conveys more than 71,000 acres of land currently administered by the federal government over to six federally recognized tribes in Nevada to expand housing, provide economic development opportunities and promote cultural activities. The six tribes that benefit from this legislation are the Duckwater Shoshone Tribe, the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, the Shoshone Paiute Tribes of Duck Valley, the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, the Summit Lake Paiute, and the Ft. McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe. Senator Heller, Senator Reid, and Congressman Amodei have worked to advance the Nevada Native Nations Lands Act for the past two Congresses.

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