Tuolumne Indian tribe wants to expand reservation boundaries

TUOLUMNE, Calif. (AP) — A Tuolumne County Indian tribe is celebrating the Bush administration's recent support for a bill that would expand their reservation.

The federally recognized Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians seek to add 65 acres of federal land to their existing 350-acre reservation east of Sonora.

Chairman Kevin Day says the bill sponsored by Rep. George Radanovich, R-Mariposa, will help provide housing for tribal members and allow for the construction of new tribal buildings.

Bureau of Indian Affairs Director Jerry Gidner on Wednesday told the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee that the Bush administration is pleased with the approach.