Nor Rel Muk Wintu Nation Federal Recognition Act

House Votes

This bill would give the Nor Rel Muk Wintu Nation full federal recognition. That means the tribe and its members could get the same federal services and benefits that other federally recognized tribes receive, even if the tribe does not have a reservation and no matter where members live. The tribe’s service area for delivering these services would be Trinity County, California .

If it becomes law, existing federal laws that apply to tribes would also apply to this tribe. The tribe must send the U.S. Department of the Interior an official list of its members (a membership roll) within 18 months and will keep that list up to date. The tribe’s current governing body remains in place under its own constitution, and the bill does not change any treaty or reserved rights.

• Who is affected: Nor Rel Muk Wintu Nation and its members; federal agencies delivering tribal services; people in and around Trinity County, CA.
• What changes: Federal recognition; eligibility for federal tribal services and benefits regardless of a reservation or where members live; Trinity County named as the service area; membership roll required and maintained by the tribe; no change to treaty or reserved rights .
• When: Benefits would start once the bill becomes law; membership roll due within 18 months after that date.