Seminoles Become First Nation of 2015 to Receive HEARTH Act Approval

Since 2012, the Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal Homeownership Act (HEARTH Act) has been helping tribes improve and develop their own laws governing leasing of federal tribal trust lands for residential, business, renewable energy and other purposes. On Thursday, the Seminole Nation of Florida became the first federally recognized tribe of 2015 to be formally approved under the Act. The ceremony officially gives the tribe the right to set leasing regulations that will help spur investment and commercial development on the Seminole Nation's reservation according to an Interior press release. “The Seminole Tribe of Florida will now decide for itself how it wants to do business on its lands – from making it easier for families to buy and build houses to opening businesses in the communities where they have lived for generations,” said Secretary Jewell, who also serves as chair of the White House Council on Native American Affairs. “Today’s agreement will encourage economic development and help create jobs while strengthening tribal sovereignty and self-determination by putting these decisions back in the hands of the tribe.”...more