Cole introduces bipartisan, bicameral bill to safeguard Native American artifacts

U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) is cosponsoring bipartisan, bicameral legislation to improve protections for sacred Native American cultural heritage.

“I am proud to join with my colleagues in the introduction of the STOP Act, which would preserve and safeguard the precious cultural property of Native Americans,” said Rep. Cole.

Rep. Cole on July 18 introduced the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony (STOP) Act, H.R. 3846, with members including U.S. Reps. Paul Cook (R-CA) and Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) to prohibit the exporting of sacred Native American items and to increase penalties for stealing and illegally trafficking such items.

“Just as the United States helps protect and return foreign cultural property, it is only right for other countries to respect ownership of the sacred treasures, artifacts and other items belonging to Native Americans,” Rep. Cole said. “I am encouraged that this legislation would combat trafficking of Native American artifacts and help preserve the priceless history and culture of tribal nations.”

U.S. Sens. Steve Daines (R-MT), Martha McSally (R-AZ) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) last week also introduced the same-named S. 2165.

If enacted, the proposed measure specifically would bolster penalties under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Cole’s office.

Among several provisions, the bill also would create an export certification system where an exporter seeking to export an item that qualifies as a Native American cultural item, archaeological resource, or object of antiquity under NAGPRA and related laws must apply for a certification, and only items legally obtained would be eligible for a certification.

Additionally, the bill would confirm the president’s authority to enter into agreements under a 1970 international treaty to request that other countries return tribal cultural heritage, the summary says, and would establish a federal framework to support the voluntary return of such items.

The Navajo Nation, the Sealaska Heritage Institute, the All Pueblo Council of Governors, the Association on American Indian Affairs, the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, and the Association of Village Council Presidents, among others, support the legislation.