Expansion of Land Rights and Religious Freedoms for the Taos Pueblo Indians: A Review of H.R. 3306, 1967-01-01 - 1974-12-31

The Taos Pueblo Indians were granted a 50-year renewable use right to 30,000 acres of land, which was later increased to 37,000 acres, including the Blue Lake religious shrine. The Indian Claims Commission upheld the Indians' claim to approximately 130,000 acres of land, with 50,000 acres being discussed for conveyance to the Indians. The legislation would transfer the entire Blue Lake Area to Taos Pueblo by trust patent to protect their religious practices and cultural heritage. The Pueblo Council argues that ownership of the land is necessary to preserve their religious privacy and natural ecology, as well as to advance the welfare of their community. The Forest Service's administration of the area has been problematic, leading the Pueblo to seek return of the land.