American Indian Religious Freedom Act

The American Indian Religious Freedom Act, passed in 1978, is a law that aims to protect and preserve the religious practices and cultural traditions of Native American tribes. It recognizes their rights to access sacred sites, use traditional symbols, and perform ceremonies without government interference. Although it does not grant absolute rights, it signifies a federal commitment to respecting and safeguarding indigenous spiritual practices, which had often been restricted or suppressed in the past. The Act promotes religious freedom for Native peoples as an essential part of their cultural identity and heritage.