NTS American Indian Religious Freedom Act Compliance Program complying with AIRFA: A literature review and evaluation

Technical Report · Sun Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1991

OSTI ID:6085191

Pippin, L C

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the inherent right of all Americans to freedom of religion. However, since the religious practices of Native Americans are significantly different from those of the majority of Americans, their religious freedom has often restricted. Section 2 of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA) of 1978 (Public Law 95-341) directs federal agencies to consult with Native Americans to determine appropriate procedures to protect the inherent rights of Native Americans to believe, express, and exercise their traditional religions including, but not limited to access to sites, use and possession of sacred objects, and freedom to worship through ceremonials and traditional rites. The NTS AIRFA Compliance Program was initiated in October 1989 to assist DOE in expanding its compliance with AIRFA to incorporate all weapons testing activities on the NTS. It is directed at the development and implementation of a consultation plan designed to solicit, on behalf of DOE, Native American comments regarding the effects of the DOE's nuclear testing activities on historic properties of Native American origin and the expression and exercise of traditional Native American religions. The program has been developed around a phased approach that includes; (1) literature review and evaluation, (2) preparation of a baseline document, (3) preparation of a study design, (4) consultation with Native Americans, (5) preparation of a draft report, (6) Native American and State consultation and review, and (7) preparation of a final report.

• Research Organization: Nevada Univ., Reno, NV (United States). Desert Research Inst.
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC08-85NV10384
• OSTI ID: 6085191
• Report Number(s): DOE/NV/10384-T1; ON: DE92004243
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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