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Title: The American Indian Religious Freedom Act: Guidance for compliance by federal agencies: First revision

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5148802

Background information on Native American religions, the relationship of AIRFA to the First Amendment, and resources belonging to Native Americans is provided in this document to assist project managers in understanding the concerns of Native Americans with regard to federal developments. Since many native religious leaders are unwilling to discuss their religion with outsiders, consultation through intermediaries, such as tribal political leaders and/or private Indian organizations, may often be needed to ensure that appropriate input is received from the religious leaders. It is this consultation with the traditional religious leaders, either directly or through surrogates, that is the ultimate objective in complying with AIRFA. When a federal agency finds, upon consultation, that its proposed action would deny the free exercise of religion and yet determines that there is a compelling need for the action, the decision to proceed may be made, but appropriate mitigation measures to reduce religious interference to the lowest possible level must be included.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
5148802
Report Number(s):
ORNL-6166/R1; ON: DE88008958
Resource Relation:
Related Information: Environmental Sciences Division Publication No. 2102
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English