American Indian Religious Freedom Act
Why It Matters
Made it federal policy to protect access to sacred sites, possession of sacred objects, and traditional worship, after a century in which the government suppressed ceremonies such as the Sun Dance and the Potlatch.
Official Text
§1996. Protection and preservation of traditional religions of Native Americans
On and after August 11, 1978, it shall be the policy of the United States to protect and preserve for American Indians their inherent right of freedom to believe, express, and exercise the traditional religions of the American Indian, Eskimo, Aleut, and Native Hawaiians, including but not limited to access to sites, use and possession of sacred objects, and the freedom to worship through ceremonials and traditional rites.
(Pub. L. 95–341, §1, Aug. 11, 1978, 92 Stat. 469.)
Provenance
Original Source
Source Note
The American Indian Religious Freedom Act as codified at 42 U.S.C. § 1996, from the GPO edition of the U.S. Code.
License
Public domain (U.S. Government work, 17 U.S.C. § 105)
Length
88 words
Retrieved
Mon, 03 Aug 2026 19:26:58 GMT
SHA-256
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