The “Four Corners” is located between Burney, California and Fall River Mills in Northeastern California. Photo courtesy of Congressman Doug LaMalfa

WASHINGTON, D.C. (MPG) – Dec. 15, the House passed Congressman LaMalfa’s (R-Richvale) legislation, H.R. 2400, the “Pit River Land Transfer” Act. The bill transfers approximately 580 acres of federally owned land known locally as the “Four Corners” to the Pit River Tribe.

The “Four Corners” is located between Burney, California and Fall River Mills in Northeastern California. The land represents a physical and spiritual landmark for the Pit River Tribe, central to their identity and ability to thrive and grow on their ancestral lands. The Pit River Tribe has ancestral ties to this land that span over 10,000 years, with the Four Corners holding deep spiritual and historical value to the tribe.

“For decades, the Pit River Tribe has pursued every legal and administrative avenue to acquire this land, facing endless bureaucratic delays,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “Transferring the Four Corners to them will allow the tribe to build an interpretive center, educate the public on their history, and honor their ancestral past. I am pleased to see the House pass this legislation as a step towards strengthening stewardship, land management, and tribal self-determination.”

Natural Resources Chairman Westerman said, “H.R. 2400 is an important step in recognizing the rights and history of the Pit River Tribe. This bill restores tribal homelands and enhances both tribal sovereignty and local stewardship.  I applaud Representative LaMalfa for advancing this bill and look forward to seeing this meaningful tribal land settlement move toward final enactment.”

Yatch Bamford, Chairman of the Pit River Tribe said, “For countless generations, the Pit River people have lived in relationship with these lands—caring for them, guided by the teachings of our ancestors. The return of these homelands is not merely about acres and boundaries; it is about restoring a sacred trust that has endured through hardship and dispossession. We extend our deepest gratitude to Congressman LaMalfa for championing this legislation and for his steadfast dedication to seeing the Pit River Land Transfer Act advance through the House. His leadership honors our sovereignty and supports justice long overdue for our people. This moment renews our hope and strengthens our ability to preserve our culture and traditions for generations to come.”

You can view Congressman LaMalfa’s remarks in debate at youtube.com/watch?v=IKpsotODo90&feature=youtu.be.

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.