1. U.S. Code
  2. title 25
  3. chapter 32
  4. § 3001

Collapse to view only § 3001. Definitions

§ 3001. DefinitionsFor purposes of this chapter, the term—
(1) “burial site” means any natural or prepared physical location, whether originally below, on, or above the surface of the earth, into which as a part of the death rite or ceremony of a culture, individual human remains are deposited.
(2) “cultural affiliation” means that there is a relationship of shared group identity which can be reasonably traced historically or prehistorically between a present day Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization and an identifiable earlier group.
(3) “cultural items” means human remains and—
(A) “associated funerary objects” which shall mean objects that, as a part of the death rite or ceremony of a culture, are reasonably believed to have been placed with individual human remains either at the time of death or later, and both the human remains and associated funerary objects are presently in the possession or control of a Federal agency or museum, except that other items exclusively made for burial purposes or to contain human remains shall be considered as associated funerary objects.1
1 So in original. The period probably should be a comma.
(B) “unassociated funerary objects” which shall mean objects that, as a part of the death rite or ceremony of a culture, are reasonably believed to have been placed with individual human remains either at the time of death or later, where the remains are not in the possession or control of the Federal agency or museum and the objects can be identified by a preponderance of the evidence as related to specific individuals or families or to known human remains or, by a preponderance of the evidence, as having been removed from a specific burial site of an individual culturally affiliated with a particular Indian tribe,
(C) “sacred objects” which shall mean specific ceremonial objects which are needed by traditional Native American religious leaders for the practice of traditional Native American religions by their present day adherents, and
(D) “cultural patrimony” which shall mean an object having ongoing historical, traditional, or cultural importance central to the Native American group or culture itself, rather than property owned by an individual Native American, and which, therefore, cannot be alienated, appropriated, or conveyed by any individual regardless of whether or not the individual is a member of the Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization and such object shall have been considered inalienable by such Native American group at the time the object was separated from such group.
(4) “Federal agency” means any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States. Such term does not include the Smithsonian Institution.
(5) “Federal lands” means any land other than tribal lands which are controlled or owned by the United States, including lands selected by but not yet conveyed to Alaska Native Corporations and groups organized pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.].
(6) “Hui Malama I Na Kupuna O Hawai’i Nei” means the nonprofit, Native Hawaiian organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Hawaii by that name on April 17, 1989, for the purpose of providing guidance and expertise in decisions dealing with Native Hawaiian cultural issues, particularly burial issues.
(7) “Indian tribe” means any tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community of Indians, including any Alaska Native village (as defined in, or established pursuant to, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.]), which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.
(8) “museum” means any institution or State or local government agency (including any institution of higher learning) that receives Federal funds and has possession of, or control over, Native American cultural items. Such term does not include the Smithsonian Institution or any other Federal agency.
(9) “Native American” means of, or relating to, a tribe, people, or culture that is indigenous to the United States.
(10) “Native Hawaiian” means any individual who is a descendant of the aboriginal people who, prior to 1778, occupied and exercised sovereignty in the area that now constitutes the State of Hawaii.
(11) “Native Hawaiian organization” means any organization which—
(A) serves and represents the interests of Native Hawaiians,
(B) has as a primary and stated purpose the provision of services to Native Hawaiians, and
(C) has expertise in Native Hawaiian Affairs, and
shall include the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and Hui Malama I Na Kupuna O Hawai’i Nei.
(12) “Office of Hawaiian Affairs” means the Office of Hawaiian Affairs established by the constitution of the State of Hawaii.
(13) “right of possession” means possession obtained with the voluntary consent of an individual or group that had authority of alienation. The original acquisition of a Native American unassociated funerary object, sacred object or object of cultural patrimony from an Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization with the voluntary consent of an individual or group with authority to alienate such object is deemed to give right of possession of that object, unless the phrase so defined would, as applied in section 3005(c) of this title, result in a Fifth Amendment taking by the United States as determined by the United States Court of Federal Claims pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1491 in which event the “right of possession” shall be as provided under otherwise applicable property law. The original acquisition of Native American human remains and associated funerary objects which were excavated, exhumed, or otherwise obtained with full knowledge and consent of the next of kin or the official governing body of the appropriate culturally affiliated Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization is deemed to give right of possession to those remains.
(14) “Secretary” means the Secretary of the Interior.
(15) “tribal land” means—
(A) all lands within the exterior boundaries of any Indian reservation;
(B) all dependent Indian communities; 2
2 So in original. Probably should be followed by “and”.
(C) any lands administered for the benefit of Native Hawaiians pursuant to the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, 1920, and section 4 of Public Law 86–3.
(Pub. L. 101–601, § 2, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3048; Pub. L. 102–572, title IX, § 902(b)(1), Oct. 29, 1992, 106 Stat. 4516.)

CITE AS: 25 USC 3001

§ 3002. Ownership
(a) Native American human remains and objectsThe ownership or control of Native American cultural items which are excavated or discovered on Federal or tribal lands after November 16, 1990, shall be (with priority given in the order listed)—
(1) in the case of Native American human remains and associated funerary objects, in the lineal descendants of the Native American; or
(2) in any case in which such lineal descendants cannot be ascertained, and in the case of unassociated funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony—
(A) in the Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization on whose tribal land such objects or remains were discovered;
(B) in the Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization which has the closest cultural affiliation with such remains or objects and which, upon notice, states a claim for such remains or objects; or
(C) if the cultural affiliation of the objects cannot be reasonably ascertained and if the objects were discovered on Federal land that is recognized by a final judgment of the Indian Claims Commission or the United States Court of Claims as the aboriginal land of some Indian tribe—
(1) in the Indian tribe that is recognized as aboriginally occupying the area in which the objects were discovered, if upon notice, such tribe states a claim for such remains or objects, or
(2) if it can be shown by a preponderance of the evidence that a different tribe has a stronger cultural relationship with the remains or objects than the tribe or organization specified in paragraph (1), in the Indian tribe that has the strongest demonstrated relationship, if upon notice, such tribe states a claim for such remains or objects.
(b) Unclaimed Native American human remains and objects
(c) Intentional excavation and removal of Native American human remains and objectsThe intentional removal from or excavation of Native American cultural items from Federal or tribal lands for purposes of discovery, study, or removal of such items is permitted only if—
(1) such items are excavated or removed pursuant to a permit issued under section 470cc of title 16 which shall be consistent with this chapter;
(2) such items are excavated or removed after consultation with or, in the case of tribal lands, consent of the appropriate (if any) Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization;
(3) the ownership and right of control of the disposition of such items shall be as provided in subsections (a) and (b); and
(4) proof of consultation or consent under paragraph (2) is shown.
(d) Inadvertent discovery of Native American remains and objects
(1) Any person who knows, or has reason to know, that such person has discovered Native American cultural items on Federal or tribal lands after November 16, 1990, shall notify, in writing, the Secretary of the Department, or head of any other agency or instrumentality of the United States, having primary management authority with respect to Federal lands and the appropriate Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization with respect to tribal lands, if known or readily ascertainable, and, in the case of lands that have been selected by an Alaska Native Corporation or group organized pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 [43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.], the appropriate corporation or group. If the discovery occurred in connection with an activity, including (but not limited to) construction, mining, logging, and agriculture, the person shall cease the activity in the area of the discovery, make a reasonable effort to protect the items discovered before resuming such activity, and provide notice under this subsection. Following the notification under this subsection, and upon certification by the Secretary of the department or the head of any agency or instrumentality of the United States or the appropriate Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization that notification has been received, the activity may resume after 30 days of such certification.
(2) The disposition of and control over any cultural items excavated or removed under this subsection shall be determined as provided for in this section.
(3) If the Secretary of the Interior consents, the responsibilities (in whole or in part) under paragraphs (1) and (2) of the Secretary of any department (other than the Department of the Interior) or the head of any other agency or instrumentality may be delegated to the Secretary with respect to any land managed by such other Secretary or agency head.
(e) Relinquishment
(Pub. L. 101–601, § 3, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3050.)

CITE AS: 25 USC 3002

§ 3003. Inventory for human remains and associated funerary objects
(a) In general
(b) Requirements
(1) The inventories and identifications required under subsection (a) shall be—
(A) completed in consultation with tribal government and Native Hawaiian organization officials and traditional religious leaders;
(B) completed by not later than the date that is 5 years after November 16, 1990, and
(C) made available both during the time they are being conducted and afterward to a review committee established under section 3006 of this title.
(2) Upon request by an Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization which receives or should have received notice, a museum or Federal agency shall supply additional available documentation to supplement the information required by subsection (a) of this section. The term “documentation” means a summary of existing museum or Federal agency records, including inventories or catalogues, relevant studies, or other pertinent data for the limited purpose of determining the geographical origin, cultural affiliation, and basic facts surrounding acquisition and accession of Native American human remains and associated funerary objects subject to this section. Such term does not mean, and this chapter shall not be construed to be an authorization for, the initiation of new scientific studies of such remains and associated funerary objects or other means of acquiring or preserving additional scientific information from such remains and objects.
(c) Extension of time for inventory
(d) Notification
(1) If the cultural affiliation of any particular Native American human remains or associated funerary objects is determined pursuant to this section, the Federal agency or museum concerned shall, not later than 6 months after the completion of the inventory, notify the affected Indian tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations.
(2) The notice required by paragraph (1) shall include information—
(A) which identifies each Native American human remains or associated funerary objects and the circumstances surrounding its acquisition;
(B) which lists the human remains or associated funerary objects that are clearly identifiable as to tribal origin; and
(C) which lists the Native American human remains and associated funerary objects that are not clearly identifiable as being culturally affiliated with that Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization, but which, given the totality of circumstances surrounding acquisition of the remains or objects, are determined by a reasonable belief to be remains or objects culturally affiliated with the Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization.
(3) A copy of each notice provided under paragraph (1) shall be sent to the Secretary who shall publish each notice in the Federal Register.
(e) Inventory
(Pub. L. 101–601, § 5, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3052.)

CITE AS: 25 USC 3003

§ 3004. Summary for unassociated funerary objects, sacred objects, and cultural patrimony
(a) In general
(b) Requirements
(1) The summary required under subsection (a) shall be—
(A) in lieu of an object-by-object inventory;
(B) followed by consultation with tribal government and Native Hawaiian organization officials and traditional religious leaders; and
(C) completed by not later than the date that is 3 years after November 16, 1990.
(2) Upon request, Indian Tribes 1
1 So in original. Probably should not be capitalized.
and Native Hawaiian organizations shall have access to records, catalogues, relevant studies or other pertinent data for the limited purposes of determining the geographic origin, cultural affiliation, and basic facts surrounding acquisition and accession of Native American objects subject to this section. Such information shall be provided in a reasonable manner to be agreed upon by all parties.
(Pub. L. 101–601, § 6, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3053.)

CITE AS: 25 USC 3004

§ 3005. Repatriation
(a) Repatriation of Native American human remains and objects possessed or controlled by Federal agencies and museums
(1) If, pursuant to section 3003 of this title, the cultural affiliation of Native American human remains and associated funerary objects with a particular Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization is established, then the Federal agency or museum, upon the request of a known lineal descendant of the Native American or of the tribe or organization and pursuant to subsections (b) and (e) of this section, shall expeditiously return such remains and associated funerary objects.
(2) If, pursuant to section 3004 of this title, the cultural affiliation with a particular Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization is shown with respect to unassociated funerary objects, sacred objects or objects of cultural patrimony, then the Federal agency or museum, upon the request of the Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization and pursuant to subsections (b), (c) and (e) of this section, shall expeditiously return such objects.
(3) The return of cultural items covered by this chapter shall be in consultation with the requesting lineal descendant or tribe or organization to determine the place and manner of delivery of such items.
(4) Where cultural affiliation of Native American human remains and funerary objects has not been established in an inventory prepared pursuant to section 3003 of this title, or the summary pursuant to section 3004 of this title, or where Native American human remains and funerary objects are not included upon any such inventory, then, upon request and pursuant to subsections (b) and (e) and, in the case of unassociated funerary objects, subsection (c), such Native American human remains and funerary objects shall be expeditiously returned where the requesting Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization can show cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence based upon geographical, kinship, biological, archaeological, anthropological, linguistic, folkloric, oral traditional, historical, or other relevant information or expert opinion.
(5) Upon request and pursuant to subsections (b), (c) and (e), sacred objects and objects of cultural patrimony shall be expeditiously returned where—
(A) the requesting party is the direct lineal descendant of an individual who owned the sacred object;
(B) the requesting Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization can show that the object was owned or controlled by the tribe or organization; or
(C) the requesting Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization can show that the sacred object was owned or controlled by a member thereof, provided that in the case where a sacred object was owned by a member thereof, there are no identifiable lineal descendants of said member or the lineal descendants, upon notice, have failed to make a claim for the object under this chapter.
(b) Scientific study
(c) Standard of repatriation
(d) Sharing of information by Federal agencies and museums
(e) Competing claims
(f) Museum obligation
(Pub. L. 101–601, § 7, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3054.)

CITE AS: 25 USC 3005

§ 3006. Review committee
(a) Establishment
(b) Membership
(1) The Committee 1
1 So in original. Probably should not be capitalized.
established under subsection (a) shall be composed of 7 members,
(A) 3 of whom shall be appointed by the Secretary from nominations submitted by Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, and traditional Native American religious leaders with at least 2 of such persons being traditional Indian religious leaders;
(B) 3 of whom shall be appointed by the Secretary from nominations submitted by national museum organizations and scientific organizations; and
(C) 1 who shall be appointed by the Secretary from a list of persons developed and consented to by all of the members appointed pursuant to subparagraphs (A) and (B).
(2) The Secretary may not appoint Federal officers or employees to the committee.
(3) In the event vacancies shall occur, such vacancies shall be filled by the Secretary in the same manner as the original appointment within 90 days of the occurrence of such vacancy.
(4) Members of the committee established under subsection (a) shall serve without pay, but shall be reimbursed at a rate equal to the daily rate for GS–18 of the General Schedule for each day (including travel time) for which the member is actually engaged in committee business. Each member shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5.
(c) ResponsibilitiesThe committee established under subsection (a) shall be responsible for—
(1) designating one of the members of the committee as chairman;
(2) monitoring the inventory and identification process conducted under sections 3003 and 3004 of this title to ensure a fair, objective consideration and assessment of all available relevant information and evidence;
(3) upon the request of any affected party, reviewing and making findings related to—
(A) the identity or cultural affiliation of cultural items, or
(B) the return of such items;
(4) facilitating the resolution of any disputes among Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, or lineal descendants and Federal agencies or museums relating to the return of such items including convening the parties to the dispute if deemed desirable;
(5) compiling an inventory of culturally unidentifiable human remains that are in the possession or control of each Federal agency and museum and recommending specific actions for developing a process for disposition of such remains;
(6) consulting with Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations and museums on matters within the scope of the work of the committee affecting such tribes or organizations;
(7) consulting with the Secretary in the development of regulations to carry out this chapter;
(8) performing such other related functions as the Secretary may assign to the committee; and
(9) making recommendations, if appropriate, regarding future care of cultural items which are to be repatriated.
(d) Admissibility of records and findings
(e) Recommendations and report
(f) Access
(g) Duties of SecretaryThe Secretary shall—
(1) establish such rules and regulations for the committee as may be necessary, and
(2) provide reasonable administrative and staff support necessary for the deliberations of the committee.
(h) Annual report
(i) Termination
(Pub. L. 101–601, § 8, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3055.)

CITE AS: 25 USC 3006

§ 3007. Penalty
(a) Penalty
(b) Amount of penalty
The amount of a penalty assessed under subsection (a) shall be determined under regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter, taking into account, in addition to other factors—
(1) the archaeological, historical, or commercial value of the item involved;
(2) the damages suffered, both economic and noneconomic, by an aggrieved party,1
1 So in original. The comma probably should be a semicolon.
and
(3) the number of violations that have occurred.
(c) Actions to recover penalties
(d) Subpoenas
(Pub. L. 101–601, § 9, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3057.)

CITE AS: 25 USC 3007

§ 3008. Grants
(a) Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations
(b) Museums
(Pub. L. 101–601, § 10, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3057.)

CITE AS: 25 USC 3008

§ 3009. Savings provisionNothing in this chapter shall be construed to—
(1) limit the authority of any Federal agency or museum to—
(A) return or repatriate Native American cultural items to Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, or individuals, and
(B) enter into any other agreement with the consent of the culturally affiliated tribe or organization as to the disposition of, or control over, items covered by this chapter;
(2) delay actions on repatriation requests that are pending on November 16, 1990;
(3) deny or otherwise affect access to any court;
(4) limit any procedural or substantive right which may otherwise be secured to individuals or Indian tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations; or
(5) limit the application of any State or Federal law pertaining to theft or stolen property.
(Pub. L. 101–601, § 11, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3057.)

CITE AS: 25 USC 3009

§ 3010. Special relationship between Federal Government and Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations

This chapter reflects the unique relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations and should not be construed to establish a precedent with respect to any other individual, organization or foreign government.

(Pub. L. 101–601, § 12, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3058.)

CITE AS: 25 USC 3010

§ 3011. Regulations

The Secretary shall promulgate regulations to carry out this chapter within 12 months of November 16, 1990.

(Pub. L. 101–601, § 13, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3058.)

CITE AS: 25 USC 3011

§ 3012. Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this chapter.

(Pub. L. 101–601, § 14, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3058.)

CITE AS: 25 USC 3012

§ 3013. Enforcement

The United States district courts shall have jurisdiction over any action brought by any person alleging a violation of this chapter and shall have the authority to issue such orders as may be necessary to enforce the provisions of this chapter.

(Pub. L. 101–601, § 15, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3058.)

CITE AS: 25 USC 3013