What is the American Indian Religious Freedom Act?
The American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA) was passed in 1978 to protect the rights of Native Americans to practice their traditional religious and cultural practices. It was established by the United States Congress to ensure that the federal government could not interfere with individuals and tribes who wish to exercise their right to practice their religion. AIRFA explicitly recognizes that Native Americans have the right to practice their religion freely and without the interference of the federal government. Some of the rights guaranteed under the law include the right to use sacred sites, the right to practice traditional ceremonies, and the right to possess and use sacred objects. AIRFA also protects the rights of Native Americans to keep and use traditional plants and herbs in traditional religious and cultural practices. For example, the law prohibits the federal government from interfering with the gathering and use of eagle feathers for religious ceremonies. In addition, AIRFA ensures that all federal agencies abide by the law, requiring them to take into account the religious freedom rights of Native American tribes when they plan for their programs and activities. The law has had a significant impact on the ability of Native Americans to practice their religion without the interference of the federal government. Without AIRFA, many sacred sites could have been destroyed or access denied to Native Americans. The law also enables Native Americans to preserve their culture and religions in the face of changing economic and cultural forces that could otherwise have destroyed them.
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