Statement By Vernon Maayesva

Statement By Vernon Maayesva

This document gives insight to the American Indian Religious Freedom Act. "AIRFA was passed by Congress to force federal agencies to protect Indian religious rights on federal lands. Federal agencies and federal courts have given AIRFA such a narrow reading that it is practically meaningless."

Vice Chairman of the Hopi Tribe: Vernon Maayesva

Humboldt State Special Collections

04/09/1988

21.59cm x 27.94cm

English

3 Pages

D-334 David Risling Papers 7274
Box 31

"AIRFA has been largely construed to require only that procedural steps be taken. Federal agencies will generally say that AIRFA does not command any result, only process. AIRFA is different, therefore, from laws which protect endangered fish and animal species, or laws which protect water quality. Those laws require actual protection of fish, birds or water results. AIRFA, as federal agencies apply it, only requires procedure."

"Federal agencies and courts should consider past, preset, and future actions as affecting Indian religion before approving any particular project. Direct and indirect effects of both federal and private action should be considered."

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