FORT TOTTEN – In a significant move towards honoring its commitment to tribal self-government, the United States government has returned 680 acres of hay ground to the Spirit Lake Nation.

This long-awaited decision comes after a dedicated 65-year effort by the Spirit Lake Nation to reclaim these lands, which were deemed “submarginal lands” and excess to the needs of the White Horse Hill National Game Preserve, according to the tribe.

The lands are part of the original Spirit Lake Nation territory reserved by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1904 for Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA ) Agency Reserve purposes, primarily for education and related government services. In the late 1950s, the Spirit Lake Nation formally sought the return of these lands as part of a broader movement by Congress to return submarginal lands to Native nations. Despite this, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) retained the lands for hay production to support the buffalo population at White Horse Hill.

In the past decade, however, the USFWS had not utilized the land, rendering it excess to their needs.

The recent decision by the General Services Administration (GSA) to return the 680 acres to the Spirit Lake Nation marks a pivotal moment in the relationship between the U.S. government and the tribe, emphasizing a renewed focus on government-to-government relations and the honoring of treaties and commitments made to indigenous communities, the tribe stated in a news release.

“This return of land is a significant step towards healing and reconciliation. After decades of effort, we are grateful for the support of our partners in the government and the recognition of our rightful claim to these lands,” Chairwoman Lonna Jackson-Street with Spirit Lake Nation said. “We also extend our gratitude to the previous administration under the leadership of former chairman, Douglas Yankton, and their efforts in laying the foundation to reclaim these lands. This is not just about regaining land; it is about celebrating our history, culture, and the future of our tribe’s legacy.”

The release stated the Spirit Lake Nation looks forward to the opportunities this land will provide for the community and is committed to its stewardship, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices and honoring the heritage of its ancestors.