Tachi Yokut Tribe Chairman Leo Sisco and Regional Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Pacific Region Amy Dutschke sign federal trust documents Monday. Tachi Yokut Tribe photo

The Tachi Yokut tribe of the Santa Rosa Rancheria in Lemoore hosted an event Monday to celebrate the placement of the tribe’s Gilcrease, Alvarado and Rancheria parcels into federal trust.

The fee-to-trust ceremony was attended by tribal members, community leaders and local, state and federal representatives to honor the milestone. It marks a transition from the tribe holding direct title to the property to the Department of the Interior acquiring the title and holding it for the benefit of the tribe.

A total 764.9 acres of land were put into federal trust, which carries economic development benefits including eligibility for new market tax credits, tax-exempt financing, discounted leasing rates, accelerated depreciation for business property on reservations and more, according to the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The ceremony highlighted the tribe’s connection to the land and its commitment to future generations, according to a news release.

Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Yokut Tribe Chairman Leo Sisco gave opening remarks, with Vice Chairman Bobby Jeff leading the gathering in prayer.

“Today was more than a land transaction — it was a powerful symbol of our sovereignty, our survival, and our future,” said Chairman Sisco. “This land represents a promise to our ancestors and a legacy for our grandchildren. We are proud to take this step forward together as a community. The greatest way to foresee future opportunities is by creating them.”

The Gilcrease parcel was acquired in late 2019, the Alvarado parcel purchased in 2014 and the Rancheria parcel acquired in 2018.

Amy Dutschke, regional director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in the Pacific Region was in attendance, as well as representatives from Rep. David Valadao’s office, highlighting the importance of partnership and ongoing federal support for tribal initiatives, according to the release.