Nor Rel Muk Wintu Nation Federal Recognition Act
The Nor Rel Muk Wintu Nation Federal Recognition Act would grant federal recognition to the Nor Rel Muk Wintu Nation, making the tribe eligible for the same federal programs, services, and protections that federally recognized Indian tribes receive. The bill defines key terms, sets a process for establishing membership, and specifies governance and the limits of rights, noting that treaty or reserved rights are not expanded or reduced by this act. It also designates Trinity County, California as the service area for delivering federal services to tribal members. In short, if enacted, the Nor Rel Muk Wintu Nation would become a federally recognized tribe with access to federal Indian programs, subject to the tribe submitting and maintaining a membership roll and operating under its governing document, while existing treaty rights remain unchanged.
Key Points
- 1Federal recognition extended to the Nor Rel Muk Wintu Nation, making it eligible for all federal services and benefits available to federally recognized tribes.
- 2All general laws and regulations applicable to Indian tribes and nations shall apply to the Tribe and tribal members, unless a provision of this Act is inconsistent with those laws.
- 3The Tribe’s service area for federal service delivery is established as Trinity County, California; the Tribe and its members would be eligible for federal programs regardless of reservation status or location.
- 4A membership roll must be submitted within 18 months after enactment, with enrollment qualifications determined by the Tribe’s governing document, and the Tribe retains sole authority to maintain the roll.
- 5The Tribe’s governing body will be its existing body as of enactment or any subsequently elected body under the Tribe’s governing document; the Act does not alter treaty rights or other reserved rights of the Tribe.