SHAWNEE, Okla. (AP) — Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Kevin Washburn will be in Oklahoma Monday to sign an agreement with the Citizen Potawatomi Nation that will allow the tribe greater control in leasing their trust lands.
The tribe is one of the first to take advantage of the HEARTH Act, which restores the ability for tribal nations to control leasing of their lands in trust. This gives tribes more opportunities for economic development and promotes self-governance.
President Barack Obama signed the act into law last year.
U.S. Representative Tom Cole, Citizen Potawatomi Nation Vice-Chairman Linda Capps and other tribal community members will also be in attendance at the ceremony.
The visit will be Jewell's first trip to Oklahoma as Secretary of the Interior.