[OR_Archaeology] Tribe One Step Closer to Ownership of Lighthouse

[Susan White]

(from Coos Bay's newspaper The World, August 4, 2008)

The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians are
one step closer to gaining ownership of the Cape Arago Lighthouse.

A bill to transfer the property into their hands passed out of the
House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on Thursday by
voice vote. Sponsored by Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., the bill now goes
to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

If the Oregon Surplus Federal Land Act of 2008 is adopted, the tribe
would receive about 24 acres including tiny Chief*s Island, where the
lighthouse sits, and nearby Gregory Point. The land is managed by the
U.S. Coast Guard, which allows the tribe to use the site for tribal
ceremonies.

The tribes have sought ownership of the land since at least 1984, but
The U.S. Interior Department contends the tribes do not qualify to
assume ownership under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation
Act.

The bill would override the department*s contentions.

*The Coast Guard no longer needs the Cape Arago Lighthouse for
navigation purposes and this will put an historic piece of land to good
use while protecting and preserving its cultural significance,*
DeFazio said Thursday.

In exchange for ownership, the tribes will have to maintain the light
station and make it available to the public at reasonable times and
under reasonable conditions.

A corresponding bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Indian
Affairs on June 25. Tom Towslee, a spokesman in Sen. Ron Wyden*s
office, said no further action has taken place on the bill, though he
does not see it as controversial.

*Everything moves slowly in the Senate,* he said.

Both Wyden and fellow Oregon senator Gordon Smith support the
legislation.