FORT TOTTEN, N.D. – The Spirit Lake Nation is the latest recipient of land back after the U.S. Department of the Interior announced on March 17 that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service completed a transfer of 680 acres of land to the Bureau of Indian Affairs to be held in trust. The land is located in Benson County, North Dakota.
According to Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the land back transfer will have great economic benefits for citizens of the tribe.
“This land transfer is a significant step toward strengthening tribal sovereignty and empowering the Spirit Lake Nation to use its trust lands for economic growth and community well-being,” Secretary Burgum said. “From the beginning, the Trump administration has been committed to fostering self-determination and expanding opportunities for tribal nations. By returning these lands, we are honoring the Spirit Lake Nation’s deep connection to their homeland and ensuring they have the resources needed to build a stronger future.”
Lonna Jackson-Street is the Chairperson of the Spirit Lake Tribe. According to Chairperson Jackson-Street, the landback transfer is a significant accomplishment that did not happen overnight.
“The return of 680 acres to the Spirit Lake Tribe marks a historic victory and an important milestone in our healing and reconciliation journey,” Chairperson Jackson-Street said. “This land, fought for by our ancestors, symbolizes both our history and our present as Native American people. For me, every acre returned is a testament to the dedication and efforts of our tribal leadership, both past and present, who have worked tirelessly to make this achievement possible.
The tribe already has plans for what they would like to see developed in the new area
“I would like to extend our gratitude to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, and the General Services Administration for their support in this process. The returned lands may potentially be utilized for the expansion of a new health center, and we are actively working on moving these lands into trust status.”
The land was initially transferred from the BIA to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1959 to grow feed for bison at the White Horse Hill National Game Preserve. Spirit Lake Nation is a tribe that has a total of 7,559 enrolled citizens. To learn more about the Salt Lake Nation, visit their official website, spiritlakenation.com.
Is there a map that shows the 680 acres of land back?