Lim urges respectful handling of tribal identity disputes while backing HB43

Representative Lim framed HB43 as a measure meant to respect the wishes of currently state-recognized tribes while not erasing other groups that seek recognition. She said there has been "some disagreement as to the claiming of one of the tribes" and urged that "the community appreciate at what folks are fighting for."

Lim told the committee the most equitable resolution at this point is to update the addresses for the three currently recognized tribes so their preferences are respected, while placing groups that seek recognition — she specifically referenced the Chickamauga — into a separate recognition process. Lim noted that materials were provided and that Department of Natural Resources staff (referred to as Donald Kirkland with DNR) and council staff could testify if the committee wished.

Those remarks were made in the context of a procedural bill presentation; the committee voted to move HB43 forward without recorded debate from tribal representatives in the meeting transcript.