20 USC 80q-9 - Inventory, identification, and return of Indian human remains and Indian funerary objects in possession of Smithsonian Institution

U.S Code last checked for updates: May 02, 2024

§ 80q–9.

Inventory, identification, and return of Indian human remains and Indian funerary objects in possession of Smithsonian Institution

(a)

Inventory and identification

(1)

The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, in consultation and cooperation with traditional Indian religious leaders and government officials of Indian tribes, shall—

(A)

inventory the Indian human remains and Indian funerary objects in the possession or control of the Smithsonian Institution; and

(B)

using the best available scientific and historical documentation, identify the origins of such remains and objects.

(2)

The inventory made by the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution under paragraph (1) shall be completed not later than June 1, 1998.

(3)

For purposes of this subsection, the term “inventory” means a simple, itemized list that, to the extent practicable, identifies, based upon available information held by the Smithsonian Institution, the geographic and cultural affiliation of the remains and objects referred to in paragraph (1).

(b)

Notice in case of identification of tribal origin

(c)

Return of Indian human remains and associated Indian funerary objects

(d)

Return of Indian funerary objects not associated with Indian human remains

(e)

Interpretation

Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as—

(1)

limiting the authority of the Smithsonian Institution to return or repatriate Indian human remains or Indian funerary objects to Indian tribes or individuals; or

(2)

delaying actions on pending repatriation requests, denying or otherwise affecting access to the courts, or limiting any procedural or substantive rights which may otherwise be secured to Indian tribes or individuals.

(f)

Authorization of appropriations

(Pub. L. 101–185, § 11, Nov. 28, 1989, 103 Stat. 1343; Pub. L. 104–278, § 3, Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3355.)

cite as: 20 USC 80q-9