Michigan's senators, in partnership with the congressman who represents the northern part of the state, are working to legally resolve longstanding land claims of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. 

The bipartisan legislation was introduced Feb. 19 by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-Michigan). It is cosponsored by Senator Elissa Slotkin, (D-Michigan) and supported by U.S. Representative Jack Bergman (R-Michigan District 1).  

The bill is identical to one that the Senate unanimously passed in the last Congressional session; but the 2023 bill did not move forward in the House. 

"This legislation represents our Community, our neighbors, and the Michigan delegation coming together to acknowledge the unlawful taking of our lands and provide a solution for a better future for the Tribe and our neighbors," KBIC President Robert "RD" Curtis, Jr. and the KBIC Tribal Council said in a prepared statement. 

The intention is to authorize compensation through the U.S. Department of the Interior to the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, with the funding intended for purposes such as governmental services, economic development, natural resource protection and land acquisition. 

As the press release explains, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community signed treaties in 1842 and 1854 through which it was granted occupancy over an area that became known as the L'Anse Reservation in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. L'Anse, in Baraga County, remains the state's oldest and largest reservation.

Over time, the press release said, the federal government took thousands of acres of reservation land, awarding that property to the State of Michigan as compensation for the construction of the Sault Ste. Marie Canal and other land. 

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community contended that the area in contention along Lake Superior could have been used for a variety of revenue-generating activities during the past 150 years. At the same time, those who have since acquired property in good faith are seeking to ensure they have a clear title. 

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Land Claim Settlement Act of 2025, also known as as Senate Bill 642, is meant to address both concerns. 

"KBIC has for some time sought to address a problem it did not create, and resolving this issue is the least we can do to right a longstanding wrong," Slotkin said. 

"For years, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community has worked to settle these land claims and provide clear title to those who currently own the property in question," Peters said. "I was proud to work alongside Tribal partners and local community members to introduce this long overdue legislation, which would right this wrong once and for all."  

"I'm proud to have introduced this much-needed legislation in the House of Representatives. It's time to ensure fairness and to correct the wrongs of history on behalf of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community," Bergman said. 

The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.