Heated hearing on bill to transfer Shawnee Indian Manual Labor School to Shawnee tribe; supporters pledge restoration, opponents cite multi-tribal history and J

The committee heard lengthy, at times contentious, testimony on House Bill 2384, which would authorize the State Historical Society to convey approximately 11.97 acres of the Shawnee Indian Manual Labor School property in Johnson County to the Shawnee tribe via quitclaim deed without appraisal, bid, or publication. Legislative staff explained the draft includes attorney-general review, restrictive covenants barring gaming on the property, a requirement that the tribe pay conveyance costs, and a historic-preservation easement to comply with federal preservation law. The bill also would require formal consultations with named tribal nations and periodic updates to the Joint Committee on State-Tribal Relations every two years for ten years.

Chief Ben Barnes, identified himself as chief of the Shawnee tribe, testified in support and described the site as a Shawnee place built on Shawnee land. "With this bill, we will restore and preserve all 3 historic buildings to ensure they are safe, functional, and accessible to the public," Chief Barnes said, and he told…