Historic legislation to protect Tribal heritage

Dear Friend,

It's long past time for Congress to pass a deal that supports our health care workers and the many Americans who are struggling to make ends meet. So many New Mexicans are relying on Congress to extend unemployment insurance, rental assistance, and small business loans. Our communities are also counting on us to provide all the resources necessary to distribute vaccines and finally put an end to this pandemic. I refuse to let them down.

While Republicans and Democrats work to get to a final agreement on the next major relief package, I wanted to take a moment to let you know that, last night, the Senate passed my bipartisan legislation to prohibit the exporting of sacred Native American items and increase penalties for stealing and illegally trafficking Tribal cultural patrimony.

I first introduced the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony (STOP) Act in 2016 after I was alerted by Acoma Pueblo that a sacred ceremonial shield that had been stolen from the Pueblo was up for auction to the highest bidder in Paris, France. While Acoma Pueblo was eventually successful in recovering its ceremonial shield late last year, it's clear that we need stronger federal laws to effectively crack down on the illegal trade of sacred Tribal objects.

In New Mexico, we all recognize the incredible beauty of American Indian art--from the ancient wonders that we can explore and admire in places like Chaco Canyon and the Gila Cliff Dwellings to the traditional and modern art masterpieces created to this day by Native artists. But there is a clear difference between supporting American Indian art ethically and legally as opposed to dealing or exporting items that Tribes have identified as essential and sacred pieces of their cultural heritage.

As I drafted the STOP Act, I worked closely with New Mexico's Pueblos, the Jicarilla and Mescalero Apache Nations, and the Navajo Nation. I'm proud that the legislation earned strong support from Tribes across Indian Country and across party lines in both the House and Senate. Over these last years, we have built momentum to pass the STOP Act and halt the trade of culturally significant items and repatriate stolen pieces to their rightful owners. Now that the Senate has passed the STOP Act, I will continue fighting to get it across the finish line.

Sincerely,

MARTIN HEINRICH

United States Senator