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The Bureau of Indian Affairs of the Interior Department announced amendments to the Pueblo of Santa Clara Liquor Code, which were adopted by the Tribal Council on December 13, 2024. These amendments aim to regulate the introduction, sale, and consumption of alcohol within Santa Clara Indian Lands to promote economic and social goals while protecting public health, safety, and welfare. The updated Liquor Code outlines various regulations, such as types of licenses, selling hours, and prohibitions against selling alcohol to individuals under the legal drinking age. Additionally, a percentage of alcohol sales revenue will fund programs for alcoholism prevention and treatment. The changes will officially take effect on April 17, 2025.

The Department of the Interior is informing the public about its decision to adopt certain categorical exclusions (CXs) for environmental reviews from the Department of Energy and the National Telecommunications Information Administration. These CXs will be used by the Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Indian Affairs to streamline actions like setting up fences, roads, or communication towers without needing full environmental assessments if no special circumstances exist. This decision is aimed at improving efficiency in managing public and Tribal lands, while ensuring actions don't harm the environment. The adoption became effective on January 16, 2025.

The Department of the Interior has announced that the Tuskarora Nation of Moratoc Indians has submitted a petition to be officially recognized as an American Indian Tribe. The Department is inviting the public to provide comments and evidence regarding this petition, which must be received by April 15, 2025. Details about the petition and how to submit comments are available on the Bureau of Indian Affairs' website. This initiative is part of an effort to enhance transparency and public access to tribal acknowledgment processes.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has announced a decision to take 68.60 acres of land, known as the Shiloh Site in Sonoma County, California, into trust for the Koi Nation of Northern California. This land acquisition is intended for gaming and other purposes under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The decision was finalized on January 13, 2025, and the transfer will be completed once all departmental requirements are met. This action is authorized by various delegations within the Department of the Interior and follows necessary legal and regulatory procedures.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the Cahuilla Band of Indians' Leasing Ordinance under the HEARTH Act, allowing the Tribe to engage in business and residential leases without needing further approval from the BIA. This measure supports the Tribe's autonomy by enabling a more efficient process for handling leases while protecting Tribal sovereignty by preempting state and local taxation on the leased lands. The Federal government maintains a role in overseeing and approving the overall framework to ensure compliance with established regulations.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has published a notice listing 574 Tribal entities that are recognized by and eligible for services from the Bureau. This list is updated from a previous notice published in January 2020. It includes name changes and corrections to some of the listed Tribes. The recognized Tribes are acknowledged for their government-to-government relationship with the United States, granting them certain rights and responsibilities.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has announced adjustments to the electric power rates for the Mission Valley Power Project (MVP), which will take effect in March 2025 and 2026. Despite an initial proposal for rate changes in 2024, those were delayed and won't be implemented. The public had the opportunity to comment on these changes, but no feedback was received. MVP provides electric services to areas in and around the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana, and the adjustments were made following federal guidelines, including consultation with Tribal governments.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has published a notice about amendments to the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community's Liquor Ordinance. These changes, effective from March 21, 2025, update the rules for selling alcohol within the community, covering both on-sale and off-sale transactions. The amendments provide regulations on licensing, operation, and management of liquor sales on Tribally-owned property, including compliance with state and federal laws. The Community's Business Council plays a key role in overseeing on-sale and off-sale liquor operations and reporting to the General Council.

The Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs has announced that the class III gaming compact between the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and the State of Nevada has been extended. The new expiration date for this agreement is February 23, 2027. Since this extension does not change any other terms of the compact, it does not need approval from the Secretary of the Interior. This extension takes effect on April 17, 2025.

The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs has completed an inventory of human remains and funerary objects and identified a cultural connection with the Pueblo of Nambe in New Mexico. The remains are those of at least 11 Native American individuals, along with 157 associated objects, such as stone tools and ceramics. The repatriation of these items can occur on or after May 19, 2025, with requests being accepted from identified tribes or individuals showing cultural links. Competing claims will be resolved by the Bureau before any repatriation.