Legislation to return a sacred island near Sunset Bay State Park to the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians is headed to the president for his signature.

Following in the U.S. House’s steps, the Senate passed a bill  to transfer 24 acres of land, including Chief’s Island, on which the Cape Arago Lighthouse is located, into trust for the Confederated Tribes.

The bill also includes transfer of the landside Gregory Point. The land is owned by the U.S. Coast Guard and none of it is open to the public.

“Thanks to strong leadership by Sens. Gordon Smith and Ron Wyden and Rep. Peter DeFazio, Congress returned Gregory Point and Chief’s Island to our tribe,” Chairman Bob Garcia said in a press release.

President Bush is likely to sign the bill championed by Smith, and with a companion bill filed in the House by DeFazio, within the next 10 days, DeFazio spokeswoman Molly Simmons said Thursday.

Garcia said the tribes have sought return of the land since 1991 to restore part of their heritage. Smith, Wyden and DeFazio sent out a joint press release Thursday announcing their success.

Gracia praised Smith and DeFazio: “Their endless support means that this culturally significant land, which is the burial site for many of our most admired tribal leaders and members, will be returned to those who care about it the most.”

The bill’s passage comes at the end of a long, and, at times, unexplained debate.

The U.S. Department of the Interior had maintained that the tribes do not qualify to assume ownership under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000. The Coast Guard has been trying to transfer the land to the tribes for seven years.

The Coast Guard administers the land and no longer needs the lighthouse for navigational purposes. The lighthouse was decommissioned several years ago.

In the past, the Coast Guard has permitted the tribes to use the island for ceremonies.

“These 24 acres have historical significance for the tribes, as they were the site of an Indian village and tribal cemetery,” Garcia said. “Members of the tribes continue to pay respect to their ancestors and perform ceremonies there, including the annual Salmon Ceremony in August.

In exchange for the property, the tribes would be required to maintain the light station and make it available for education, park, recreation, cultural or historic preservation purposes “at reasonable times and under reasonable conditions.”

The bridge to the island is beyond repair, but the public would have access to Gregory Point to view the lighthouse, Tribal Administrator Francis Somday has said in past interviews.

“We will care for this land with honor, respect and regard for its natural beauty and cultural value,” Garcia said.