Two opposition groups continue to fight a land-into-trust application for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians of California.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the tribe's application last month. Preservation of Los Olivos and Preservation of Santa Ynez filed an appeal on July 12, within a 30-day deadline.

"It’s unfortunate that the local tribal opponents can’t see past their aversion to the tribe and allow us to move forward with our plans for a project that will benefit the entire community," Chairman Vincent Armenta said in response, The Solvang Valley News reported.

In approving the application, the BIA addressed the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Carcieri v. Salazar, which limits the land-into-trust process to tribes that were "under federal jurisdiction" as of 1934. Opponents claim the Santa Ynez Band only gained recognition recently.

Get the Story:
SY Valley community groups appeal Chumash land action (The Solvang Valley News 7/26)

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Editorial: Challenge Chumash Tribe's land-into-trust application (7/10)
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