Congressman Pearce, Chairman Goodlatte, and Chairman Sensenbrenner Initiate Investigation into Illegal Theft and Sale of Tribal Artifacts

Press Release

Last week, Congressman Steve Pearce (R-NM), Chairman Bob Goodlatte, and Chairman James Sensenbrenner, initiated a request with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine how the federal government currently investigates the theft and sale of tribal items and what reforms can be made to further prevent this practice in the future. This letter follows Congressman Pearce's introduction of H. Con. Res. 122, the Protection of the Right of Tribes to Stop the Export of Cultural and Traditional Patrimony (PROTECT Patrimony) Resolution, which was introduced in early March:

"The protection, education, and promotion of our culture and heritage are vital to the survival to the way of life and civilizations. Deeply embedded into what it means to be New Mexican are the cultures, religions, and histories of the tribal people that called our state home long before the United States existed. Unfortunately, all too often, Native American remains, religious symbols, and artifacts are stolen and lost to the black market. It is a practice that is not well known, but one that must stop.

"This is why I introduced the PROTECT Patrimony Resolution, which called for the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine how we can overhaul the way we currently protect these sacred items and make them more successful in their mission. Last week, Chairman Goodlatte, Chairman Sensenbrenner, and I sent a letter to the GAO to do just this. The study will shed light on what methods will work best to protect these items. We must avoid blindly introducing legislation that will only add to the bureaucracy or possibly duplicate current efforts. Rather, we should look at how to make this system as efficient as possible. I look forward to having the report back by the end of the year.

"I greatly appreciate the support of my colleagues in this fight. Of equal significance, has been tribal leaders' work throughout the nation, that have come together to raise greater awareness about this issue. They are a true example of how Washington can and will react when the people demand it," said Congressman Pearce.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA): "It is important that we preserve America's heritage, including valuable Native American artifacts. I thank Representative Pearce for his work on this issue and look forward to reviewing the GAO's report to see if more can be done to protect these cultural items."

Congressman Sensenbrenner: "Knowing and preserving a culture's history is vital to its future. That's why it's important to stand with our nation's Native American tribes as they fight to reclaim their heritage and preserve the artifacts that show their long and rich history."

Acoma Governor Kurt Riley: "The Pueblo of Acoma thanks Congressmen Stevan Pearce, and Chairmen Bob Goodlatte and F. James Sensenbrenner for requesting that the Comptroller General of the United States investigate the illegal removal and trafficking of Native American cultural objects. These objects are central to the cultural identity and practices of Indian tribes across America. A GAO report will not only provide valuable information for combatting this illegal activity, but also is consistent with House Concurrent Resolution 122, otherwise known as the PROTECT Patrimony Resolution, which Congressman Pearce sponsored and which condemns such illegal activities. Acoma looks forward to continuing to work closely with Congressman Pearce and Chairman Goodlatte and Chairman Sensenbrenner to identify further how the Federal government can assist tribes in addressing this ongoing concern."

NCAI Executive Director Jackie Johnson Pata: NCAI is appreciative that Chairmen Goodlatte and Sensenbrenner, along with Congressman Pearce have requested that the General Accountability Office review the federal government's actions in relation to the trafficking of illegally obtained Native American cultural items. This report will provide a roadmap for how the federal government can fulfill its trust responsibility in a way that preserves and protects the tribal cultural items that are such a fundamental part of our history and are core to the well-being of future generations.

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