Protects Wounded Knee Sacred Site

Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act This act directs the Department of the Interior to complete all actions necessary to place approximately 40 acres of land in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota, into restricted fee status for the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Restricted fee status refers to land that is owned by a tribe or tribal member but is subject to restrictions by the United States against alienation (i. e., sale or transfer) or encumbrance (e. g., liens, leases, or rights-of-way) by operation of law. The act requires the land to be held and maintained as a memorial and sacred site, as outlined by the document titled Covenant Between the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and dated October 21, 2022. Further, it prohibits commercial development and gaming activity on the land.

1. The bill ensures that approximately 40 acres of land at Wounded Knee remains under the control of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. 2. It prevents the land from being taxed by state or local governments. 3. The Secretary of the Interior must complete necessary actions to secure this land's status within one year. 4. The land cannot be used for gaming activities as defined by federal law. 5. Any agreements or utility rights affecting the land will be honored.