Raúl Grijalva: “My amendment would ensure that cultural and sacred sites of Indian and Alaska Native tribes are protected by mandating…”

“My amendment would ensure that cultural and sacred sites of Indian and Alaska Native tribes are protected by mandating that none of the funds in this bill can be used in contravention of Executive Order 13007. Executive Order 13007, issued by President Clinton in 1996, requires Federal agencies to accommodate access to and ceremonial use of Indian sacred sites and, more importantly, to avoid adversely affecting the physical integrity of such sacred sites. Far too often, Indian sacred sites are an afterthought during the Federal Government land management process. When negotiating land swaps and when constructing other management decisions, the voice of Indian Country with regard to sacred sites is ignored. But this is not just land to the Native people. These are cultural and spiritual areas that are part of the tribe's history and its living legacy. These are places where their ancestors lived, prayed, hunted, gathered, fought, and died. They are part and parcel of tribal identity, and it is our duty to ensure they are preserved and protected.”