580 Acres Near Burney to Be Transferred to the Pit River Tribe

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation that would return a significant piece of ancestral land in Northeastern California to the Pit River Tribe.

The Pit River Land Transfer Act, introduced by Rep. Doug LaMalfa, authorizes the transfer of 580 acres of federally owned land known as the “Four Corners” to the tribe. The property sits between Burney and Fall River Mills and has deep cultural, spiritual, and historical importance, representing territory the Pit River Tribe has occupied for more than 10,000 years.

If finalized, the transfer will allow the tribe to move forward with plans to build an interpretive center on the site. The center would share the history, culture, and long-standing connection the Pit River Tribe has to the land, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the region’s Indigenous roots.

Supporters of the bill say it reflects a broader effort to recognize tribal sovereignty and promote long-term stewardship of culturally significant lands. House Natural Resources Committee leaders described the measure as an important step toward restoring tribal rights and honoring Native communities’ role as land managers.

Tribal leadership welcomed the vote, describing it as both symbolic and practical. The land transfer is seen as a chance to preserve traditions, strengthen cultural education, and protect a place that has remained central to the tribe’s identity for generations.

The bill now moves forward in the legislative process, where it will need additional approval before the land can officially be transferred. If completed, the Four Corners site would return to tribal ownership for the first time in more than a century, marking a meaningful milestone for the Pit River Tribe and the surrounding region.