Conserving this Nation’s fish and other aquatic resources cannot be successful without the partnership of Tribes; they manage or influence some of the most important aquatic habitats both on and off reservations. In addition, the Federal government and the Service have distinct and unique obligations toward Tribes based on trust responsibility, treaty provisions, and statutory mandates.
Salazar, Laverdure Praise President Obama’s Signing of HEARTH Act to Restore Tribal Control of Land Leasing
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today praised President Obama’s signing of the
Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal Homeownership Act (HEARTH Act) which grants greater
authority to federally recognized tribes to develop and implement their own regulations for leasing on Indian
lands. The Act passed the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support and was signed into law
today by President Obama.
“The HEARTH Act underscores President Obama’s commitment to empower Indian nations and strengthen
their economies by expanding opportunities for tribal governments,” said Secretary Salazar. “This legislation
complements the work we are doing at Interior to undertake the most comprehensive reforms of Indian land
leasing regulations in more than 50 years. These parallel efforts will have a real impact for individuals and
families who want to own a home or build a business – generating investment, new jobs and revenues.”
Under the HEARTH Act, federally recognized tribes can develop and implement their own land leasing
regulations. Upon approval of these tribal regulations by the Secretary of the Interior, tribes will have the
authority to process land leases without Bureau of Indian Affairs approval. This new authority has the potential
to significantly reduce the time it takes to approve leases for homes and small businesses in Indian Country.
“The HEARTH Act has been a legislative priority for Interior because it advances the authority and ability of
federally-recognized tribes to control their homelands and provides them greater self-determination,” said
Acting Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Donald E. “Del” Laverdure. “We are moving forward to finalize our
internal reforms at Indian Affairs that will bring greater transparency, efficiency and workability to the Bureau
of Indian Affairs approval process.”
In 2011, Salazar announced a sweeping reform of federal surface leasing regulations for American Indian lands
that will streamline the approval process for home ownership, expedite economic development and spur
renewable energy development in Indian Country.
The proposed rule would modify regulations governing the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ process for approving the
lease of surface acres on lands the federal government holds in trust for tribes and individuals. As trustee,
Interior is responsible for managing approximately 56 million surface acres in Indian Country.
