Rep. Stansbury Introduces Legislation to Give Land Back to Pueblo

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) introduced the San Felipe Pueblo Land into Trust bill, 37 years after the land was designated as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern back in 1987.  

First introduced by then-Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham in the 115th Congress, again by then-Congresswoman Deb Haaland in the 116th Congress, and now co-sponsored by Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez (N.M.-03) in the 118th, this bill would direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey the area currently known as the Ball Ranch Area of Critical Environmental Concern in New Mexico, into trust for the benefit of San Felipe Pueblo. 

“Indigenous peoples have been stewards of the land since time immemorial,” said Rep. Stansbury (NM-01). “But time and time again, they have been forced from their homes and the land that holds sacred meaning to them. For the people of San Felipe Pueblo, the area currently known as Ball Ranch holds a deep cultural and religious significance because of the many irreplaceable cultural resources found there. That’s why I’ve introduced this legislation: because Indigenous people deserve to keep and protect the land they’ve lived on for thousands of years free from pollution and destruction.” 

“This legislation is the culmination of more than a decade of work, spanning several Congresses, to transfer this land into trust,” said San Felipe Pueblo Governor Anthony Ortiz. “It is a recognition that, working with the BLM, the Pueblo of San Felipe is the best possible steward of this land. This is our aboriginal homeland, surrounded by the Pueblo, and is sacred to all area Pueblos. The Pueblo of San Felipe is very grateful to Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury who is leading this effort here in Washington. She and her staff have gone above and beyond to make this bill a reality and she has demonstrated her strong commitment to Tribal Sovereignty and respect for the federal government to government relationship.” 

“This bill highlights the importance of everyone working together to make this dream a reality,” said Rep. Leger Fernandez (NM-03). “We must return the land to those for whom it is sacred and who will dedicate themselves to protect it. We will not give up until San Felipe Pueblo gets their land returned.”

Read the bill here. 

Watch a video of the press conference here. 

Other statements of support: 

"I am proud to support Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury’s bill, which protects our public lands and recognizes the critical need for land to be returned to tribal communities like San Felipe Pueblo,” said Sandoval County Commissioner Joshua Jones. The Pueblo have deep cultural, historical, and spiritual ties to this land, and ensuring they have the resources to preserve their heritage is essential for justice and sustainability. This legislation would allow the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to facilitate land transfers that respect tribal sovereignty while promoting environmental stewardship. By supporting this bill, we can help San Felipe Pueblo reclaim land that is rightfully theirs, ensuring their community can thrive both economically and culturally. I urge the BLM to prioritize these land transfers and recognize the significance of this legislation for tribal nations."

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