In an attempt to settle long-standing land claims with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, U.S. Representative Jack Bergman (R-Watersmeet), U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Township), and U.S. Representative Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) reintroduced proposals in the U.S. House and Senate.
In accordance with treaties signed in 1842 and 1854, the Chippewa Indians of Lake Superior gave the United States government their land in exchange for the right to hunt, fish, and gather on the land. The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community is centered on the L Anse Reservation, which was created by a treaty in 1854 on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
The federal government took hundreds of acres of reservation land without paying compensation and gave it to the state of Michigan in contravention of the treaties. Since then, non-Indigenous people, organizations, and local governments have purchased this land in an effort to guarantee that they have a valid title to it.
The proposed Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Land Claim Settlement Act of 2025 seeks to right these historical wrongs and restore the title of the community’s existing landowners, according to a statement from Peters’ office.
By recognizing the illegal appropriation of our lands and offering a solution for a better future for the Tribe and our neighbors, this legislation symbolizes the togetherness of our community, our neighbors, and the Michigan delegation. According to a statement released by the Tribal Council and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, “This settlement has been generations in the making, and we share our sincere gratitude to Sen. Peters, Sen. Slotkin, and Rep. Bergman for their leadership to right this historic wrong.”
The allegations made by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community center on the loss of 2,743 acres of swamplands and around 1,333 to 2,720 acres of property that were given to the state in exchange for the Sault Ste. Marie Canal’s construction. The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community claimed that these properties were unlawfully transferred as a result of the 1842 and 1854 treaties, causing significant economic hardship in addition to other harms due to the loss of important territory surrounding Lake Superior.
The billsThrough the U.S. Department of Interior, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community would be able to use money authorized by Senate Bill 642 and House Bill 411 for land acquisition, economic development, natural resource protection, and governmental functions.
During the previous Congress, the Senate unanimously passed a previous version of the measure, but the House did not move it forward.
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.