Vincent Armenta: Chumash Tribe isn't taking away your land

Vincent Armenta, the chairman of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, responds to concerns about the tribe's land-into-trust application:
We wanted to ensure recognition of our tribe's clear connections to the Tribal Consolidation Area based on law and cultural use. After all, the Chumash people have been associated with the property included within the TCA Plan and surrounding territory since time immemorial. A rich record exists of the Santa Ynez Chumash's historical connections to these lands. Archaeological evidence supports the area's use by the Chumash people before contact with the Spanish. This use continued during and after the Mission period.

The TCA is merely a planning jurisdiction between the tribe and the BIA. It carries no land use implications nor does it impact existing property rights. The TCA is not self-executing without the tribe first owning the land and submitting a separate fee-to-trust application to the BIA.

It's unfortunate that some of the worst fear mongering is based on absolute fabrications. Certain local real estate "professionals" are spreading rumors that if your property is within the TCA boundaries, we will take your land. Ridiculous and, of course, not true.

Get the Story:
Vincent Armenta: Let the truth begin (The Santa Ynez Valley News 9/26)

Other Opinions:
Craig Metheany: Supporting board’s vote (The Santa Ynez Valley News 9/26)
Susan Tate: Much concern about Camp 4 (The Santa Ynez Valley News 9/26)

Related Stories
County leader calls meeting on Chumash Tribe land-into-trust (9/24)
BIA extends comments for Chumash Tribe land-into-trust bid (9/19)
Editorial: Extend comments on Chumash Tribe land-into-trust (9/12)
County challenges Chumash Tribe's land consolidation plan (9/11)
Letter: Take poll on Chumash Tribe's land-into-trust application (9/6)
BIA taking public comments for Chumash Tribe land-into-trust (9/5)

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