Congress finds and declares that- (a) there is an immediate need for a fair and just settlement of all claims by Natives and Native groups of Alaska, based on aboriginal land claims; (b) the settlement should be accomplished rapidly, with certainty, in conformity with the real economic and social needs of Natives, without litigation, with maximum participation by Natives in decisions affecting their rights and property, without establishing any permanent racially defined institutions, rights, privileges
For purposes of this part, all terms have the same meaning as set forth in the definitional section of IGRA, 25 U.S.C. 2703 . In addition, the following terms have the meanings given in this section. Appropriate State and local officials means the Governor of the State and local government officials within a 25-mile radius of the proposed gaming establishment. BIA means Bureau of Indian Affairs. Contiguous means two parcels of land having a common boundary notwithstanding the existence of non-navigable