[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5153]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  RESPECT NATIVE AMERICAN SACRED SITES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BRAD CARSON

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 18, 2002

  Mr. CARSON of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, Native American sacred sites 
usually don't have white-washed siding, a high steeple, or a loud bell. 
Often they are part of the world around us--a mountain, valley, river, 
or even a tree but they deserve to be respected and protected as much 
as any traditional church.
  Native Americans have always respected and honored the land, water, 
and air from which we receive so much. Oral history passed from 
generation to generation will explain to a tribe where they came from 
and the journey taken to arrive.
  Across the country, Native American sacred sites are being threatened 
with destruction and few options exist to halt the damage. Over the 
years Congress has enacted laws to ``consult'' with Indian tribes about 
sacred areas, and to ``accommodate'' Indian religious ceremonies.
  The problem is that we have thousands of sacred sites on public lands 
all across this nation and no firm process to disallow certain 
activities that will harm or destroy the site. We need to find a way to 
protect the sacred sites while permitting needed growth and energy 
development to continue. I know we can find the right balance.

                          ____________________