Jon L. Christensen: “Preserving tribal cultures is a fundamental aspect of the United States' trust responsibility to Indian tribes and is…”

“Preserving tribal cultures is a fundamental aspect of the United States' trust responsibility to Indian tribes and is key to the survival of Native America. The Federal government can begin to meet this responsibility by transferring land that is an integral part of a tribe's culture to the tribe. This measure does just that. Introduced by my friend from the other side of the aisle, Representative Darrell Issa, this measure would transfer land administered by the Bureau of Land Management to be held in trust for the Pechanga Band in California. The land contains sites and plants integral to the Tribe's culture and religion. Because of the importance of the land to the cultural survival of the Tribe, the legislation requires that the land may only be used for the protection, preservation, and maintenance of archaeological, cultural, and wildlife resources. Only maintenance roads may be constructed and the land must be administered in accordance with a memorandum of understanding between the Tribe and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The pending measure would also transfer approximately 12 acres to the San Diego Gas and Electric Company, which has an unauthorized electric line on part of the land. The land will be transferred only upon payment of fair market value for the land, plus payment for the past unauthorized use of the land.”