Senate Indian Affairs Committee Advances Udall's Resolution to Protect Native American Cultural Items

Statement

Today, the Senate Indian Affairs Committee unanimously passed U.S. Senator Tom Udall's S. Con. Res. 49, the Protection of the Rights of Tribes to stop the Export of Cultural and Traditional (PROTECT) Patrimony Resolution. Udall's bipartisan PROTECT Patrimony Resolution, which is cosponsored by Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), expresses Congress' condemnation of the theft, illegal possession or sale, transfer, and export of Tribal cultural items and calls for the implementation of several measures to identify and stop the illegal trafficking of Tribal cultural patrimony and secure repatriation of exported items to the rightful Native American owners. The resolution now goes to the full Senate for a vote.

"The theft of sacred Tribal cultural items is unconscionable. These items, which hold great significance in the history, traditions, and cultures of Native Americans, are essential to maintaining the Native American way of life, and they deserve respect at all levels of government," Udall continued. "I am pleased that the Indian Affairs Committee passed my PROTECT Patrimony Resolution to stop the illegal theft and sale of Tribal cultural items, and will continue to work with anyone willing to help end trafficking of stolen Tribal cultural items and ensure that they are returned to their rightful owners."

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