Federal bill would put 76 acres of Cherokee heritage land in trust

What does this do?

HR 226 would transfer roughly 76 acres of federal land in Monroe County, Tennessee, into a trust held by the U.S. government on behalf of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The land includes the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, memorials to the Cherokee towns of Chota and Tanasi, and a support property. The bill also grants the tribe permanent easements for walking trails connecting the memorial sites.

Who does it affect?

The bill directly affects the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, a federally recognized tribe based in western North Carolina, and the Tennessee Valley Authority, which currently manages the land. Museum visitors and people who use the memorial sites would also be affected.

Why does it matter?

The land would be restricted to cultural and educational purposes, including operating the Sequoyah museum, honoring Cherokee history, and maintaining memorials where ancestral remains were reburied. The TVA would retain rights to flood portions of the land temporarily, manage reservoir water levels, and enter the property for flood control and public health purposes, and any tribal construction near the water would require TVA approval.

Where does it stand?