H.R. 165 · 119th Congress · House

Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act

Signed into LawCivil Rights

Introduced 2025-01-03 · Sponsored by Rep. Johnson, Dusty [R-SD-At Large] (R-SD) · Last updated 2026-03-31

Last action (2025-12-19): Became Public Law No: 119-61.

Summary

Roughly 40 acres at the Wounded Knee massacre site in South Dakota would be placed under tribal control for the Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribes. The land goes into restricted fee status, meaning the tribes own it but can't sell or lease it without federal approval. The site of the 1890 massacre is one of the most significant places in Native American history, and the tribes have been pushing for this transfer for generations. The land must be used as a memorial and sacred site.

Congress.gov — H.R. 165

The Good

Returns sacred land to the Oglala Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribes

Directs the Department of Interior to place approximately 40 acres at the Wounded Knee massacre site into restricted fee status for the tribes. The 1890 massacre is one of the most significant events in Native American history, and the tribes have sought control of the site for generations.

Congress.gov — H.R. 165

The Bad

Land status change has implications for surrounding property owners

Changing land status to restricted fee affects what can be done with the property and could influence the value and use of adjacent privately owned land. Some local landowners have raised concerns about the boundaries and terms of the transfer.

Congress.gov — H.R. 165