What is the American Indian Religious Freedom Act?
The American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA) is a federal law created in 1978 to protect Native American religious traditions, practices, and sites. AIRFA established that the government must grant Native American tribes access to sites that are necessary for the practice and observance of their religion. AIRFA also granted Native American tribes the right to practice their spiritual ceremonies without government interference and to use certain objects in their religious observances, such as sacred plants and eagle feathers. AIRFA also grants Native American tribes the right to access other sacred sites located on federal land, with permission from the government. This access must not interfere with other activities, such as mining or logging, unless there is a significant concern regarding the health or safety of the tribal members. Furthermore, it may be required that the site be closed to public access when its use by the tribe is necessary for religious observances. In New Jersey, AIRFA has been instrumental in protecting the religious rights of the Native American communities in the state. For example, a tribe in New Jersey was granted the right to practice traditional religious ceremonies, access sacred sites, use sacred plants and objects, and ensure the protection of artifacts and other historic resources. AIRFA was also instrumental in protecting ancient sites and artifacts that are considered to be of spiritual importance to Native American tribes in the state.
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