Posted: October 23, 2020
Rapid City
Agenda Item Summary

Agenda Item Ref. #: LF102820 09

Agenda Item Title:

Approve Resolution No. 2020-084 a Resolution to Resolve Three Outstanding Deeds Related to the Rapid City Indian Boarding School Lands

Origination Group:
Legal & Finance Committee
Origination Meeting Date:
10/28/2020
City Council Hearing Date:
11/02/2020
Petitioner:
Rapid City Indian Lands Project
Staff Contact:
Joel Landeen, City Attorney
Agenda Item Summary:
For several years, the Mayor has been meeting with representatives of Rapid City’s native community to discuss long standing concerns over the title and current uses of several parcels that were originally part of the Rapid City Indian Boarding School lands. The federal law by which these properties were obtained contained conditions on their use and if the properties are not used consistent with the federal act, there is a reversionary clause which requires that the title to the land revert back to the federal government. Separate from the legal issues, there is concern from the City’s native community over how the City, schools, and various religious entities were able to obtain this land and that none of it was ever used for the benefit of the native peoples who it was originally intended to benefit. As a way to resolve this dispute without the need for protracted litigation and in an effort to instead look for an opportunity to invest in Rapid City’s native community, the Mayor is in support of the frame work outlined in the attached resolution as a means to resolve any potential issues related to the title of the three parcels identified. If the resolution is approved, a small work group will be formed by the Mayor to begin the process of bringing a more specific plan forward to the community and City Council to actually implement the more general frame work identified in the resolution.

Funding Source & Fiscal Impact (if applicable):

Funding Cost Center
None at this time.

Recommendations:

Origination Recommendation Action:
Approve
Origination Recommendation Notes:
The Mayor supports this proposal as the frame work for resolving the dispute over the use of these parcels.
City Council Options:
Approve as presented, approve with alterations, or deny.

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