Chapter 12 PROTECTION OF NATIVE AMERICAN SACRED PLACES ON FEDERAL LANDS

摘要

The traditional religions of American Indian and Alaska Native tribes differ from most of the mainstream religions in certain ways, including ihe ways in which traditional tribal religions are tied to the land. Many natural features are considered sacred; some such places are the only places where certain religious ceremonies can be performed. Some sacred places are locations where medicine plants or other items used in traditional ceremonies are gathered. Places where ancestors are buried are also considered sacred. Many of the places that hold sacred significance for tribes are outside the boundaries of present-day Indian reservations, and many such places are now on federal public lands. This chapter discusses the legal principles and recent case law relevant to efforts to protect the sanctity of tribal sacred places on federal public lands.