Recommendation 5: Protect sacred sites
Problem
Sacred sites on federal lands do not receive adequate protection by federal agencies. In addition, tribes are often unjustly restricted from using these sites to fulfill their needs, despite federal mandates to the contrary. Although sacred sites have been protected for tribal use under the 1978 American Indian Religious Freedom Act, failure to manage these resources in accordance with tribal requests creates unnecessary conflicts among tribes, agencies, and other user groups.
Goal
To reduce conflicts on public lands over the regulation, protection and use of sacred tribal sites.
Recommendations
- Ensure that federal agencies welcome and faithfully support tribal access to sacred sites, in full compliance with the letter and spirit of the 1978 American Indian Religious Freedom Act, executive orders, treaties, and other laws.
- Restrict activities that would interfere with traditional use, and refrain from defacing or damaging sacred sites.
