Wunee keesuq Tribal family,
Tuesday will be a historical moment in our quest to secure our ancestral lands. Beginning at 2 p.m., the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources will hold a hearing on the Mashpee Reservation Reaffirmation Act.
As you know, this legislation filed by Congressman Keating, calls on Congress to secure our land and put an end to the litigation that now jeopardizes our sovereign reservation status.
Tuesday July 24th, I will testify before this congressional committee to lay out the case for why this legislation must be passed as soon as possible.
So far, we have garnered bi-partisan support from 18 co-sponsors, including six key Republicans. We have the support of dozens of tribal nations across Indian Country.
We have momentum. But we need more than momentum. We need movement as our deep-pocketed enemies are out to defeat this bill.
Please tune in to watch the testimony (see link below).
I want to thank all of the Tribal members who have expressed interest in attending the hearing. While the session is open to the public, seating is limited. Of course, if any Tribal citizen is able to attend on their own accord, please do so. Even if you cannot attend, I urge you to watch the hearing to get an understanding of where we are.
Without the help of our Congressional delegation, who put this bill together, the bipartisan group of co-sponsors who pushed the legislation along, our legal and legislative team, this hearing would not have been scheduled.
Such bipartisanship and community support, which we received at powwow from dozens of non-Tribal allies who signed our petition in support of this bill, is proof of the urgency of the moment -- that we secure our rightful place in history and that our land remains in trust.
Please note the link provided below that will direct you to the House Committee on Natural Resources website. You will find HR5244 listed. You will also note the "Watch Live" tab on the page.
Legislative Hearing on Indian Affairs Bills
1324 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Kutâputunumuw!
