Congressional hearing spotlights $33.9 million settlement proposal to resolve Keweenaw Bay land claims

The subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs heard testimony on HR 411, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Land Claim Settlement Act, which would authorize $33,900,000 to settle tribal claims arising from 19th‑century transfers of reservation lands to the state of Michigan.

The bill, sponsored by Representative Bergman of Michigan, would compensate the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community for lands the tribe says were taken without consent or compensation under the Swamp Land Act of 1850 and the Canal Land Act of 1852 and would extinguish the tribe’s outstanding claims while confirming clear title for current landowners.

President Robert Curtis Jr. of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community told the subcommittee that his tribe’s reservation was created by the 1842 and 1854 treaties of La Pointe and that more than 4,000 acres of reserved lands were later transferred to Michigan between 1893 and 1937, including about 2,700 acres of swamplands and roughly 1,300 acres taken under the Canal Land Act. Curtis said Interior Department review in December 2021 found the tribe’s claims had merit and that the settlement is the product of long negotiation with county and state officials and local communities.

Representative Bergman described the measure as a ‘‘straightforward and long overdue’’ effort to right a historic wrong, saying the settlement figure was based on a professional appraisal agreed to by the tribe and the Department of the Interior. Bergman and President Curtis emphasized that the bill would not seek to reclaim land from current non‑tribal owners; it would instead compensate the tribe and clear title for those who bought land in good faith.

Witnesses and members discussed the legal and historical basis for the claim and the goal of preserving harmony with neighboring communities while addressing treaty obligations. No formal vote or committee action occurred during the hearing; members asked questions of witnesses about valuation and next steps for implementation.

The testimony noted that if enacted, the settlement funds could be used by the tribe for any lawful purpose except gaming. President Curtis said the tribe has worked with appraisers (Compass Lexecon was commissioned by the tribe) and local leaders to reach the current figure and urged Congress to move the bill forward.

The hearing record will remain open for subcommittee questions and written responses; witnesses indicated willingness to provide additional materials and technical details to committee staff.