Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act

The act directs the Secretary of the Interior to complete all necessary actions within 365 days to place approximately 40 acres of the Wounded Knee massacre site in restricted fee status for the Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne River tribes. It defines restricted fee status as ownership retained by the tribes, subject to tribal civil and criminal jurisdiction, exempt from state or local taxation, and not subject to federal review before use. The Secretary must also assign any existing private or municipal utility rights and service agreements to the tribes. The land remains subject to federal Indian laws and any existing encumbrances recorded at enactment. The tribes may use the land only for purposes authorized by the Covenant Between the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe , which specifically prohibits gaming activities under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The act preserves the land’s status as part of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and ensures that no transfer can occur without congressional and tribal consent. By formalizing the restricted fee status, the bill seeks to protect the sacred site, affirm tribal sovereignty, and prevent future disputes over ownership or jurisdiction. The Secretary’s actions will solidify the tribes’ control and facilitate the management of the memorial site.