Protecting Cultural and Tribal Heritage

I strongly support federal policies that prioritize the preservation of historic and culturally significant sites, particularly those vital to local Indigenous tribes. Legislation like the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) play crucial roles in ensuring that federally-funded projects account for the historic and cultural importance of these locations. These laws provide tribes, and citizens as a whole, with the opportunity to have input into the decision-making process through Section 106 reviews.

As we implement transformative projects funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, it’s essential that we don’t overlook the cultural and historical significance of the land. The process of evaluating potential impacts on tribal lands and culturally important sites must be thorough, transparent, and, most importantly, respectful. By protecting these sites, we honor the history, culture, and sovereignty of our Indigenous communities.

I pledge to work toward strengthening these review processes, ensuring they are fully supported and funded, so that the voices of our tribal nations are heard and their heritage is preserved for future generations. Federal planning should never sacrifice cultural integrity for development, and I will continue to push for policies that protect these invaluable resources.