Sacred site bill to be introduced

THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2002

National Congress of American Indians President Tex Hall and Quechan Nation President Mike Jackson join members of Congress today to announce the introduction of a bill to protect sacred sites.

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), ranking member of the House Resources Committee, and Rep. Dale Kildee (D-Mich.), co-chair of the Native American Caucus.

NCAI has been part of a broad coalition of Indian and non-Indian groups to protect sacred lands throughout the country. The organization has sponsored forums and Hall has testified on dangers facing burial grounds and tribal areas.

Jackson's tribe is fighting a huge gold mine proposed on land used for ceremonies and other purposes. The Clinton administration in January 2001 denied a permit to a Canadian company for the project but Secretary of Interior Gale Norton is reconsidering.

A press conference for the legislation is being held at the Cannon House Building at 10 a.m.

Today on Indianz.Com:
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