20 USC CHAPTER 3, SUBCHAPTER XIII: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN
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20 USC CHAPTER 3, SUBCHAPTER XIII: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN
From Title 20—EDUCATIONCHAPTER 3—SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, NATIONAL MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES

SUBCHAPTER XIII—NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN

§80q. Findings

The Congress finds that—

(1) there is no national museum devoted exclusively to the history and art of cultures indigenous to the Americas;

(2) although the Smithsonian Institution sponsors extensive Native American programs, none of its 19 museums, galleries, and major research facilities is devoted exclusively to Native American history and art;

(3) the Heye Museum in New York, New York, one of the largest Native American collections in the world, has more than 1,000,000 art objects and artifacts and a library of 40,000 volumes relating to the archaeology, ethnology, and history of Native American peoples;

(4) the Heye Museum is housed in facilities with a total area of 90,000 square feet, but requires a minimum of 400,000 square feet for exhibition, storage, and scholarly research;

(5) the bringing together of the Heye Museum collection and the Native American collection of the Smithsonian Institution would—

(A) create a national institution with unrivaled capability for exhibition and research;

(B) give all Americans the opportunity to learn of the cultural legacy, historic grandeur, and contemporary culture of Native Americans;

(C) provide facilities for scholarly meetings and the performing arts;

(D) make available curatorial and other learning opportunities for Indians; and

(E) make possible traveling exhibitions to communities throughout the Nation;


(6) by order of the Surgeon General of the Army, approximately 4,000 Indian human remains from battlefields and burial sites were sent to the Army Medical Museum and were later transferred to the Smithsonian Institution;

(7) through archaeological excavations, individual donations, and museum donations, the Smithsonian Institution has acquired approximately 14,000 additional Indian human remains;

(8) the human remains referred to in paragraphs (6) and (7) have long been a matter of concern for many Indian tribes, including Alaska Native Villages, and Native Hawaiian communities which are determined to provide an appropriate resting place for their ancestors;

(9) identification of the origins of such human remains is essential to addressing that concern; and

(10) an extraordinary site on the National Mall in the District of Columbia (U.S. Government Reservation No. 6) is reserved for the use of the Smithsonian Institution and is available for construction of the National Museum of the American Indian.

(Pub. L. 101–185, §2, Nov. 28, 1989, 103 Stat. 1336.)


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Short Title of 2013 Amendment

Pub. L. 113–70, §1, Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 1208, provided that: "This Act [amending provisions set out as a note under section 80q–5 of this title] may be cited as the 'Native American Veterans' Memorial Amendments Act of 2013'."

Short Title of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–278, §1(a), Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3355, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 80q–9a of this title and amending sections 80q–3, 80q–9, and 80q–10 of this title] may be cited as the 'National Museum of the American Indian Act Amendments of 1996'."

Short Title

Pub. L. 101–185, §1, Nov. 28, 1989, 103 Stat. 1336, provided that: "This Act [enacting this subchapter] may be cited as the 'National Museum of the American Indian Act'."

§80q–1. National Museum of the American Indian

(a) Establishment

There is established, within the Smithsonian Institution, a living memorial to Native Americans and their traditions which shall be known as the "National Museum of the American Indian".

(b) Purposes

The purposes of the National Museum are to—

(1) advance the study of Native Americans, including the study of language, literature, history, art, anthropology, and life;

(2) collect, preserve, and exhibit Native American objects of artistic, historical, literary, anthropological, and scientific interest;

(3) provide for Native American research and study programs; and

(4) provide for the means of carrying out paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) in the District of Columbia, the State of New York, and other appropriate locations.

(Pub. L. 101–185, §3, Nov. 28, 1989, 103 Stat. 1337.)

§80q–2. Authority of Board of Regents to enter into agreement providing for transfer of Heye Foundation assets to Smithsonian Institution

The Board of Regents is authorized to enter into an agreement with the Heye Foundation, to provide for the transfer to the Smithsonian Institution of title to the Heye Foundation assets. The agreement shall—

(1) require that the use of the assets be consistent with section 80q–1(b) of this title; and

(2) be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.


The United States District Court for the Southern District of New York shall have original and exclusive jurisdiction over any cause of action arising under the agreement.

(Pub. L. 101–185, §4, Nov. 28, 1989, 103 Stat. 1337.)

§80q–3. Board of Trustees of National Museum of the American Indian

(a) In general

The National Museum shall be under a Board of Trustees with the duties, powers, and authority specified in this section.

(b) General duties and powers

The Board of Trustees shall—

(1) recommend annual operating budgets for the National Museum to the Board of Regents;

(2) advise and assist the Board of Regents on all matters relating to the administration, operation, maintenance, and preservation of the National Museum;

(3) adopt bylaws for the Board of Trustees;

(4) designate a chairman and other officers from among the members of the Board of trustees; 1 and

(5) report annually to the Board of Regents on the acquisition, disposition, and display of Native American objects and artifacts and on other appropriate matters.

(c) Sole authority

Subject to the general policies of the Board of Regents, the Board of Trustees shall have the sole authority to—

(1) lend, exchange, sell, or otherwise dispose of any part of the collections of the National Museum, with the proceeds of such transactions to be used for additions to the collections of the National Museum or additions to the endowment of the National Museum, as the case may be;

(2) purchase, accept, borrow, or otherwise acquire artifacts and other objects for addition to the collections of the Natural Museum; and

(3) specify criteria for use of the collections of the National Museum for appropriate purposes, including research, evaluation, education, and method of display.

(d) Authority

Subject to the general policies of the Board of Regents, the Board of Trustees shall have authority to—

(1) provide for restoration, preservation, and maintenance of the collections of the National Museum;

(2) solicit funds for the National Museum and determine the purposes to which such funds shall be applied; and

(3) approve expenditures from the endowment of the National Museum for any purpose of the Museum.

(e) Initial appointments to Board of Trustees

(1) Membership

The initial membership of the Board of Trustees shall consist of—

(A) the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution;

(B) an Assistant Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution appointed by the Board of Regents;

(C) 8 individuals appointed by the Board of Regents; and

(D) 15 individuals, each of whom shall be a member of the board of trustees of the Heye Museum, appointed by the Board of Regents from a list of nominees recommended by the board of trustees of the Heye Museum.

(2) Special rule

At least 7 of the 23 members appointed under subparagraphs (C) and (D) of paragraph (1) shall be Indians.

(3) Terms

The trustee appointed under paragraph (1)(B) shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Regents. The terms of the trustees appointed under subparagraph (C) or (D) of paragraph (1) shall be 3 years, beginning on the date of the transfer of the Heye Foundation assets to the Smithsonian Institution.

(4) Vacancies

Any vacancy shall be filled only for the remainder of the term involved. Any vacancy appointment under paragraph (1)(D) shall not be subject to the source and recommendation requirements of that paragraph, but shall be subject to paragraph (2).

(f) Subsequent appointments to Board of Trustees

(1) Membership

Upon the expiration of the terms under subsection (e), the Board of Trustees shall consist of—

(A) the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution;

(B) a senior official of the Smithsonian Institution appointed by the Board of Regents; and

(C) 23 individuals appointed by the Board of Regents from a list of nominees recommended by the Board of Trustees.

(2) Special rule

A 2 least 12 of the 23 members appointed under paragraph (1)(C) shall be Indians.

(3) Terms

The trustee appointed under paragraph (1)(B) shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Regents. Except as otherwise provided in the next sentence, the terms of members appointed under paragraph (1)(C) shall be 3 years. Of the members first appointed under paragraph (1)(C)—

(A) 7 members, 4 of whom shall be Indians, shall be appointed for a term of one year, as designated at the time of appointment; and

(B) 8 members, 4 of whom shall be Indians, shall be appointed for a term of 2 years, as designated at the time of appointment.

(4) Vacancies

Any vacancy shall be filled only for the remainder of the term involved.

(g) Quorum

A majority of the members of the Board of Trustees then in office shall constitute a quorum.

(h) Expenses

Members of the Board shall be entitled (to the same extent as provided in section 5703 of title 5 with respect to employees serving intermittently in the Government service) to per diem, travel, and transportation expenses for each day (including travel time) during which they are engaged in the performance of their duties.

(Pub. L. 101–185, §5, Nov. 28, 1989, 103 Stat. 1337; Pub. L. 104–278, §2, Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3355.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

1996—Subsec. (f)(1)(B). Pub. L. 104–278 substituted "a senior official" for "an Assistant Secretary".

1 So in original. Probably should be capitalized.

2 So in original. Probably should be "At".

§80q–4. Director and staff of National Museum

(a) In general

The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution shall appoint—

(1) a Director who, subject to the policies of the Board of Trustees, shall manage the National Museum; and

(2) other employees of the National Museum, to serve under the Director.

(b) Offer of employment to Heye Foundation employees

Each employee of the Heye Museum on the day before the date of the transfer of the Heye Foundation assets to the Smithsonian Institution shall be offered employment with the Smithsonian Institution—

(1) under the usual terms of such employment; and

(2) at a rate of pay not less than the rate applicable to the employee on the day before the date of the transfer.

(c) Applicability of certain civil service laws

The Secretary may—

(1) appoint the Director, 2 employees under subsection (a)(2), and the employees under subsection (b) without regard to the provisions of title 5, governing appointments in the competitive service;

(2) fix the pay of the Director and such 2 employees without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title, relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates; and

(3) fix the pay of the employees under subsection (b) in accordance with the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title, relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates, subject to subsection (b)(2).

(Pub. L. 101–185, §6, Nov. 28, 1989, 103 Stat. 1339.)

§80q–5. Museum facilities

(a) National Museum mall facility

The Board of Regents shall plan, design, and construct a facility on the area bounded by Third Street, Maryland Avenue, Independence Avenue, Fourth Street, and Jefferson Drive, Southwest, in the District of Columbia to house the portion of the National Museum to be located in the District of Columbia. The Board of Regents shall pay not more than 2/3 of the total cost of planning, designing, and constructing the facility from funds appropriated to the Board of Regents. The remainder of the costs shall be paid from non-Federal sources.

(b) National Museum Heye Center facility

(1) Lease of space from GSA

(A) Terms

Notwithstanding section 586(a) and (b) of title 40, the Administrator of General Services may lease, at a nominal charge, to the Smithsonian Institution space in the Old United States Custom House at One Bowling Green, New York, New York, to house the portion of the National Museum to be located in the city of New York. The lease shall be subject to such terms as may be mutually agreed upon by the Administrator and the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. The term of the lease shall not be less than 99 years.

(B) Reimbursement of Federal buildings fund

The Administrator of General Services may reimburse the fund established by section 592 of title 40 for the difference between the amount charged to the Smithsonian Institution for leasing space under this paragraph and the commercial charge under section 586(a) and (b) of title 40 which, but for this paragraph, would apply to the leasing of such space. There are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator such sums as may be necessary to carry out this subparagraph for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 1990.

(2) Construction

(A) Museum facility

The Board of Regents shall plan, design, and construct a significant facility for the National Museum in the space leased under paragraph (1).

(B) Auditorium and loading dock facility

The Administrator of General Services shall plan, design, and construct an auditorium and loading dock in the Old United States Custom House at One Bowling Green, New York, New York, for the shared use of all the occupants of the building, including the National Museum.

(C) Square footage

The facilities to be constructed under this paragraph shall have, in the aggregate, a total square footage of approximately 82,500 square feet.

(3) Repairs and alterations

After construction of the facility under paragraph (2)(A), repairs and alterations of the facility shall be the responsibility of the Board of Regents.

(4) Reimbursement of GSA

The Board of Regents shall reimburse the Administrator for the Smithsonian Institution's pro rata share of the cost of utilities, maintenance, cleaning, and other services incurred with respect to the space leased under paragraph (1) and the full cost of any repairs or alterations made by the General Services Administration at the request of the Smithsonian Institution with respect to the space.

(5) Cost sharing

(A) General rules

The Board of Regents shall pay 1/3 of the costs of planning, designing, and constructing the facility under paragraph (2)(A) from funds appropriated to the Board of Regents. The remainder of the costs shall be paid from non-Federal sources.

(B) Responsibilities of New York City and State

Of the costs which are required to be paid from non-Federal sources under this paragraph, the city of New York, New York, and the State of New York have each agreed to pay $8,000,000 or an amount equal to 1/3 of the costs of planning, designing, and constructing the facility under paragraph (2)(A), whichever is less. Such payments shall be made to the Board of Regents in accordance with a payment schedule to be agreed upon by the city and State and the Board of Regents.

(C) Limitation on obligations of Federal funds

Federal funds may not be obligated for actual construction of a facility under paragraph (2)(A) in a fiscal year until non-Federal sources have paid to the Board of Regents the non-Federal share of such costs which the Board of Regents estimates will be incurred in such year.

(6) Designation

The facility to be constructed under paragraph (2)(A) shall be known and designated as the "George Gustav Heye Center of the National Museum of the American Indian".

(c) Museum Support Center facility

The Board of Regents shall plan, design, and construct a facility for the conservation and storage of the collections of the National Museum at the Museum Support Center of the Smithsonian Institution.

(d) Minimum square footage

The facilities to be constructed under this section shall have, in the aggregate, a total square footage of at least 400,000 square feet.

(e) Authority to contract with GSA

The Board of Regents and the Administrator of General Services may enter into such agreements as may be necessary for planning, designing, and constructing facilities under this section (other than subsection (b)(2)(B)). Under such agreements, the Board of Regents shall transfer to the Administrator, from funds available for planning, designing, and constructing such facilities, such amounts as may be necessary for expenses of the General Services Administration with respect to planning, designing, and constructing such facilities.

(f) Limitation on obligation of Federal funds

Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, funds appropriated for carrying out this section may not be obligated for actual construction of any facility under this section until the 60th day after the date on which the Board of Regents transmits to Congress a written analysis of the total estimated cost of the construction and a cost-sharing plan projecting the amount for Federal appropriations and for non-Federal contributions for the construction on a fiscal year basis.

(Pub. L. 101–185, §7, Nov. 28, 1989, 103 Stat. 1339.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

"Section 586(a) and (b) of title 40" substituted in subsec. (b)(1)(A) for "section 210(j) of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 490(j))", "section 592 of title 40" substituted in subsec. (b)(1)(B) for "section 210(f) of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 490(f))", and "section 586(a) and (b) of title 40" substituted in subsec. (b)(1)(B) for "section 210(j) of such Act" on authority of Pub. L. 107–217, §5(c), Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1303, the first section of which enacted Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

National Native American Veterans' Memorial

Pub. L. 103–384, Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4067, as amended by Pub. L. 113–70, §2, Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 1208, provided that:

"SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

"This Act may be cited as the 'Native American Veterans' Memorial Establishment Act of 1994'.

"SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

"The Congress finds the following:

"(1) Native Americans across the Nation—Indians, Native Alaskans, and Native Hawaiians—have a long, proud and distinguished tradition of service in the Armed Forces of the United States.

"(2) Native Americans have historically served in the Armed Forces of the United States in numbers which far exceed their representation in the population of the United States.

"(3) Native American veterans count among themselves a number of Medal of Honor recipients. Their numbers are also conspicuous in the ranks of those who have received other decorations for valor and distinguished service.

"(4) Native Americans have lost their lives in the service of their Nation and in the cause of peace.

"(5) The National Museum of the American Indian was established as a living memorial to Native Americans. Its mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of Native American cultures, including art, history, language, and the contributions Native Americans have made to our society.

"(6) The National Museum of the American Indian is an extraordinary site and an ideal location to establish a National Native American Veterans' Memorial.

"(7) A National Native American Veterans' Memorial would further the purposes of the National Museum of the American Indian by giving all Americans the opportunity to learn of the proud and courageous tradition of service of Native Americans in the Armed Forces of the United States.

"SEC. 3. AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH MEMORIAL.

"(a) In General.—The National Museum of the American Indian (established by the National Museum of the American Indian Act (20 U.S.C. 80q et seq.)), in close consultation with the National Congress of American Indians and other Native American groups, is authorized to construct and maintain a National Native American Veterans' Memorial (hereafter in this Act referred to as the 'memorial').

"(b) Location.—The memorial shall be located at a site determined to be suitable by the Museum on property under the jurisdiction of the Museum on the site described in section 7(a) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 80q–5(a)) (relating to housing the portion of the Museum to be located in the District of Columbia).

"(c) Design and Plans.—(1) The National Congress of American Indians and the National Museum of the American Indian are authorized to hold a competition to select the design of the Memorial. Any design so selected shall be compatible with both the purpose of the Museum, as set forth in section 3(b) of the National Museum of the American Indian Act (20 U.S.C. 80q–1 [(b)]), and with any existing design plans for the Museum's structure and its surroundings.

"(2) Any design so selected shall be subject to the approval of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.

"SEC. 4. PAYMENT OF EXPENSES AND USE OF NAME.

"(a) Responsibility of National Congress of American Indians and National Museum of the American Indian.—The National Congress of American Indians and the National Museum of the American Indian shall be responsible for acceptance of contributions for, and payment of the expenses of, the establishment of the memorial. No Federal funds may be used to pay any expense of the establishment of the memorial.

"(b) Use of Name.—Use of the name of the Smithsonian Institution or the National Museum of the American Indian in any material regarding the memorial produced by the National Congress of American Indians, other than in a manner simply describing the location of the memorial, shall be subject to consultation with, and the approval of, the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution."

§80q–6. Custom House office space and auditorium

(a) Repairs and alterations

The Administrator of General Services shall make such repairs and alterations as may be necessary in the portion of the Old United States Custom House at One Bowling Green, New York, New York, which is not leased to the Board of Regents under section 80q–5(b) of this title and which, as of November 28, 1989, has not been altered.

(b) Authorization of appropriation

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator of General Services $25,000,000 from the fund established pursuant to section 592 of title 40 to carry out this section and section 80q–5(b)(2)(B) of this title.

(Pub. L. 101–185, §8, Nov. 28, 1989, 103 Stat. 1341.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

"Section 592 of title 40" substituted in subsec. (b) for "section 210(f) of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 490(f))" on authority of Pub. L. 107–217, §5(c), Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1303, the first section of which enacted Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works.

§80q–7. Audubon Terrace

(a) In general

The Board of Regents shall—

(1) assure that, on the date on which a qualified successor to the Heye Foundation at Audubon Terrace first takes possession of Audubon Terrace, an area of at least 2,000 square feet at that facility is accessible to the public and physically suitable for exhibition of museum objects and for related exhibition activities;

(2) upon written agreement between the Board and any qualified successor, lend objects from the collections of the Smithsonian Institution to the successor for exhibition at Audubon Terrace; and

(3) upon written agreement between the Board and any qualified successor, provide training, scholarship, technical, and other assistance (other than operating funds) with respect to the area referred to in paragraph (1) for the purposes described in that paragraph.

(b) Determination of charges

Any charge by the Board of Regents for activities pursuant to agreements under paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection (a) shall be determined according to the ability of the successor to pay.

(c) Definition

As used in this section, the terms "qualified successor to the Heye Foundation at Audubon Terrace", "qualified successor", and,1 "successor" mean an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of title 26, and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of title 26, that, as determined by the Board of Regents—

(1) is a successor occupant to the Heye Foundation at Audubon Terrace, 3753 Broadway, New York, New York;

(2) is qualified to operate the area referred to in paragraph (1) for the purposes described in that paragraph; and

(3) is committed to making a good faith effort to respond to community cultural interests in such operation.

(Pub. L. 101–185, §9, Nov. 28, 1989, 103 Stat. 1342.)

1 So in original. The comma probably should not appear.

§80q–8. Board of Regents functions with respect to certain agreements and programs

(a) Priority to be given to Indian organizations with respect to certain agreements

In entering into agreements with museums and other educational and cultural organizations to—

(1) lend Native American artifacts and objects from any collection of the Smithsonian Institution;

(2) sponsor or coordinate traveling exhibitions of artifacts and objects; or

(3) provide training or technical assistance;


the Board of Regents shall give priority to agreements with Indian organizations, including Indian tribes, museums, cultural centers, educational institutions, libraries, and archives. Such agreements may provide that loans or services to such organizations may be furnished by the Smithsonian Institution at minimal or no cost.

(b) Indian programs

The Board of Regents may establish—

(1) programs to serve Indian tribes and communities; and

(2) in cooperation with educational institutions, including tribally controlled colleges or universities (as defined in section 1801(a) of title 25), programs to enhance the opportunities for Indians in the areas of museum studies, management, and research.

(c) Indian Museum Management Fellowships

The Board of Regents shall establish an Indian Museum Management Fellowship program to provide stipend support to Indians for training in museum development and management.

(d) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated $2,000,000 for each fiscal year, beginning with fiscal year 1991, to carry out subsections (b) and (c).

(Pub. L. 101–185, §10, Nov. 28, 1989, 103 Stat. 1342; Pub. L. 105–244, title IX, §901(d), Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1828; Pub. L. 110–315, title IX, §941(k)(2)(B), Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3465.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

2008—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 110–315 substituted "tribally controlled colleges or universities (as defined in section 1801(a) of title 25)" for "tribally controlled community colleges (as defined in section 1801 of title 25)".

1998—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 105–244 made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in text as reference to section 1801 of title 25.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–244 effective Oct. 1, 1998, except as otherwise provided in Pub. L. 105–244, see section 3 of Pub. L. 105–244, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.

§80q–9. Inventory, identification, and return of Indian human remains and Indian funerary objects in possession of Smithsonian Institution

(a) Inventory and identification

(1) The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, in consultation and cooperation with traditional Indian religious leaders and government officials of Indian tribes, shall—

(A) inventory the Indian human remains and Indian funerary objects in the possession or control of the Smithsonian Institution; and

(B) using the best available scientific and historical documentation, identify the origins of such remains and objects.


(2) The inventory made by the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution under paragraph (1) shall be completed not later than June 1, 1998.

(3) For purposes of this subsection, the term "inventory" means a simple, itemized list that, to the extent practicable, identifies, based upon available information held by the Smithsonian Institution, the geographic and cultural affiliation of the remains and objects referred to in paragraph (1).

(b) Notice in case of identification of tribal origin

If the tribal origin of any Indian human remains or Indian funerary object is identified by a preponderance of the evidence, the Secretary shall so notify any affected Indian tribe at the earliest opportunity.

(c) Return of Indian human remains and associated Indian funerary objects

If any Indian human remains are identified by a preponderance of the evidence as those of a particular individual or as those of an individual culturally affiliated with a particular Indian tribe, the Secretary, upon the request of the descendants of such individual or of the Indian tribe shall expeditiously return such remains (together with any associated funerary objects) to the descendants or tribe, as the case may be.

(d) Return of Indian funerary objects not associated with Indian human remains

If any Indian funerary object not associated with Indian human remains is identified by a preponderance of the evidence as having been removed from a specific burial site of an individual culturally affiliated with a particular Indian tribe, the Secretary, upon the request of the Indian tribe, shall expeditiously return such object to the tribe.

(e) Interpretation

Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as—

(1) limiting the authority of the Smithsonian Institution to return or repatriate Indian human remains or Indian funerary objects to Indian tribes or individuals; or

(2) delaying actions on pending repatriation requests, denying or otherwise affecting access to the courts, or limiting any procedural or substantive rights which may otherwise be secured to Indian tribes or individuals.

(f) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1991 and such sums as may be necessary for succeeding fiscal years to carry out this section and section 80q–9a of this title.

(Pub. L. 101–185, §11, Nov. 28, 1989, 103 Stat. 1343; Pub. L. 104–278, §3, Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3355.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–278, §3(a), designated existing provisions as par. (1), added pars. (2) and (3), and redesignated former pars. (1) and (2) as subpars. (A) and (B), respectively, of par. (1).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 104–278, §3(b), inserted "and section 80q–9a of this title" after "to carry out this section".

§80q–9a. Summary and repatriation of unassociated funerary objects, sacred objects, and cultural patrimony

(a) Summary

Not later than December 31, 1996, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution shall provide a written summary that contains a summary of unassociated funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony (as those terms are defined in subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D), respectively, of section 3001(3) of title 25, based upon available information held by the Smithsonian Institution. The summary required under this section shall include, at a minimum, the information required under section 3004 of title 25.

(b) Repatriation

Where cultural affiliation of Native American unassociated funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony has been established in the summary prepared pursuant to subsection (a), or where a requesting Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization can show cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence based upon geographical, kinship, biological, archaeological, anthropological, linguistic, folkloric, oral traditional, historical, or other relevant information or expert opinion, then the Smithsonian Institution shall expeditiously return such unassociated funerary object, sacred object, or object of cultural patrimony where—

(1) the requesting party is the direct lineal descendant of an individual who owned the unassociated funerary object or sacred object;

(2) the requesting Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization can show that the object was owned or controlled by the Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization; or

(3) the requesting Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization can show that the unassociated funerary object or sacred object was owned or controlled by a member thereof, provided that in the case where an unassociated funerary object or sacred object was owned by a member thereof, there are no identifiable lineal descendants of said member or the lineal descendants, upon notice, have failed to make a claim for the object.

(c) Standard of repatriation

If a known lineal descendant or an Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization requests the return of Native American unassociated funerary objects, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony pursuant to this subchapter and presents evidence which, if standing alone before the introduction of evidence to the contrary, would support a finding that the Smithsonian Institution did not have the right of possession, then the Smithsonian Institution shall return such objects unless it can overcome such inference and prove that it has a right of possession to the objects.

(d) Museum obligation

Any museum of the Smithsonian Institution which repatriates any item in good faith pursuant to this subchapter shall not be liable for claims by an aggrieved party or for claims of fiduciary duty, public trust, or violations of applicable law that are inconsistent with the provisions of this subchapter.

(e) Statutory construction

Nothing in this section may be construed to prevent the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, with respect to any museum of the Smithsonian Institution, from making an inventory or preparing a written summary or carrying out the repatriation of unassociated funerary objects, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony in a manner that exceeds the requirements of this subchapter.

(f) "Native Hawaiian organization" defined

For purposes of this section, the term "Native Hawaiian organization" has the meaning provided that term in section 3001(11) of title 25.

(Pub. L. 101–185, §11A, as added Pub. L. 104–278, §4, Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3355.)

§80q–10. Special committee to review inventory, identification, and return of Indian human remains and Indian funerary objects

(a) Establishment; duties

Not later than 120 days after November 28, 1989, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution shall appoint a special committee to monitor and review the inventory, identification, and return of Indian human remains and Indian funerary objects under section 80q–9 of this title and unassociated funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony under section 80q–9a of this title. In carrying out its duties, the committee shall—

(1) with respect to the inventory and identification, ensure fair and objective consideration and assessment of all relevant evidence;

(2) upon the request of any affected party or otherwise, review any finding relating to the origin or the return of such remains or objects;

(3) facilitate the resolution of any dispute that may arise between Indian tribes with respect to the return of such remains or objects; and

(4) perform such other related functions as the Secretary may assign.

(b) Membership

The committee shall consist of 7 members, of whom—

(1) 4 members shall be appointed from among nominations submitted by Indian tribes and organizations;

(2) at least 2 members shall be traditional Indian religious leaders; and

(3) the Secretary shall designate one member as chairman.


The Secretary may not appoint to the committee any individual who is an officer or employee of the Government (including the Smithsonian Institution) or any individual who is otherwise affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.

(c) Access

The Secretary shall ensure that the members of the committee have full and free access to the Indian human remains and Indian funerary objects subject to section 80q–9 of this title and to any related evidence, including scientific and historical documents.

(d) Pay and expenses of members

Members of the committee shall—

(1) be paid the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay payable for grade GS–18 of the General schedule under section 5332 of title 5; and

(2) be entitled (to the same extent as provided in section 5703 of such title, with respect to employees serving intermittently in the Government service) to per diem, travel, and transportation expenses;


for each day (including travel time) during which they are engaged in the performance of their duties.

(e) Rules and administrative support

The Secretary shall prescribe regulations and provide administrative support for the committee.

(f) Report and termination

At the conclusion of the work of the committee, the Secretary shall be so 1 certify by report to the Congress. The committee shall cease to exist 120 days after the submission of the report.

(g) Nonapplicability of chapter 10 of title 5

Chapter 10 of title 5 shall not apply to the committee.

(h) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated $250,000 for fiscal year 1991 and such sums as may be necessary for succeeding fiscal years to carry out this section.

(Pub. L. 101–185, §12, Nov. 28, 1989, 103 Stat. 1344; Pub. L. 104–278, §5, Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3357; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(145), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4321.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted "chapter 10 of title 5" for "the Federal Advisory Committee Act" in heading and "Chapter 10 of title 5" for "The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.)" in text.

1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–278, §5(1), in first sentence, inserted "and unassociated funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony under section 80q–9a of this title" before period.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–278, §5(2)(A), substituted "7 members" for "five members" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 104–278, §5(2)(B), substituted "4 members" for "three members" and struck out "and" at end.

Subsec. (b)(2), (3). Pub. L. 104–278, §5(2)(C), (D), added par. (2) and redesignated former par. (2) as (3).


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

References in Other Laws to GS–16, 17, or 18 Pay Rates

References in laws to the rates of pay for GS–16, 17, or 18, or to maximum rates of pay under the General Schedule, to be considered references to rates payable under specified sections of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, see section 529 [title I, §101(c)(1)] of Pub. L. 101–509, set out in a note under section 5376 of Title 5.

1 So in original. Probably should be "shall so".

§80q–11. Inventory, identification, and return of Native Hawaiian human remains and Native Hawaiian funerary objects in possession of Smithsonian Institution

(a) In general

The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution shall—

(1) in conjunction with the inventory and identification under section 80q–9 of this title, inventory and identify the Native Hawaiian human remains and Native Hawaiian funerary objects in the possession of the Smithsonian Institution;

(2) enter into an agreement with appropriate Native Hawaiian organizations with expertise in Native Hawaiian affairs (which may include the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Malama I Na Kupuna O Hawai'i Nei) to provide for the return of such human remains nd 1 funerary objects; and

(3) to the greatest extent practicable, apply, with respect to such human remains and funerary objects, the principles and procedures set forth in sections 80q–9 and 80q–10 of this title with respect to the Indian human remains and Indian funerary objects in the possession of the Smithsonian Institution.

(b) Definitions

As used in this section—

(1) the term "Malama I Na Kupuna O Hawai'i Nei" means the nonprofit, Native Hawaiian organization, incorporated under the laws of the State of Hawaii by that name on April 17, 1989, the purpose of which is to provide guidance and expertise in decisions dealing with Native Hawaiian cultural issues, particularly burial issues; and

(2) the term "Office of Hawaiian Affairs" means the Office of Hawaiian Affairs established by the Constitution of the State of Hawaii.

(Pub. L. 101–185, §13, Nov. 28, 1989, 103 Stat. 1345.)

1 So in original. Probably should be "and".

§80q–12. Grants by Secretary of the Interior to assist Indian tribes with respect to agreements for return of Indian human remains and Indian funerary objects

(a) In general

The Secretary of the Interior may make grants to Indian tribes to assist such tribes in reaching and carrying out agreements with—

(1) the Board of Regents for the return of Indian human remains and Indian funerary objects under section 80q–9 of this title; and

(2) other Federal and non-Federal entities for additional returns of Indian human remains and Indian funerary objects.

(b) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000 for fiscal year 1991 and such sums as may be necessary for succeeding fiscal years for grants under subsection (a).

(Pub. L. 101–185, §14, Nov. 28, 1989, 103 Stat. 1345.)

§80q–13. Grants by Secretary of the Interior to assist Indian organizations with respect to renovation and repair of museum facilities and exhibit facilities

(a) Grants

The Secretary of the Interior may make grants to Indian organizations, including Indian tribes, museums, cultural centers, educational institutions, libraries, and archives, for renovation and repair of museum facilities and exhibit facilities to enable such organizations to exhibit objects and artifacts on loan from the collections of the Smithsonian Institution or from other sources. Such grants may be made only from the Tribal Museum Endowment Fund.

(b) Indian organization contribution

In making grants under subsection (a), the Secretary may require the organization receiving the grant to contribute, in cash or in kind, not more than 50 percent of the cost of the renovation or repair involved. Such contribution may be derived from any source other than the Tribal Museum Endowment Fund.

(c) Tribal Museum Endowment Fund

(1) Establishment

There is established in the Treasury a fund, to be known as the "Tribal Museum Endowment Fund" (hereinafter in this subsection referred to as the "Fund") for the purpose of making grants under subsection (a). The Fund shall consist of (A) amounts deposited and credited under paragraph (2), (B) obligations obtained under paragraph (3), and (C) amounts appropriated pursuant to authorization under paragraph (5).

(2) Deposits and credits

The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to accept contributions to the Fund from non-Federal sources and shall deposit such contributions in the Fund. The Secretary of the Treasury shall credit to the Fund the interest on, and the proceeds from sale and redemption of, obligations held in the Fund.

(3) Investments

The Secretary of the Treasury may invest any portion of the Fund in interest-bearing obligations of the United States. Such obligations may be acquired on original issue or in the open market and may be held to maturity or sold in the open market. In making investments for the Fund, the Secretary of the Treasury shall consult the Secretary of the Interior with respect to maturities, purchases, and sales, taking into consideration the balance necessary to meet current grant requirements.

(4) Expenditures and capital preservation

Subject to appropriation, amounts derived from interest shall be available for expenditure from the Fund. The capital of the Fund shall not be available for expenditure.

(5) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Fund $2,000,000 for each fiscal year beginning with fiscal year 1992.

(Pub. L. 101–185, §15, Nov. 28, 1989, 103 Stat. 1345.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

Subsec. (d) of this section, which required the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, to submit an annual report to Congress on activities under this section, terminated, effective May 15, 2000, pursuant to section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance. See, also, page 108 of House Document No. 103–7.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Native American Cultural Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Feasibility Study and Report

Pub. L. 102–196, Dec. 9, 1991, 105 Stat. 1620, directed Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study and make a report to Congress on the feasibility of establishing a Native American Cultural Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and made appropriations for that purpose.

§80q–14. Definitions

As used in this subchapter—

(1) the term "Board of Regents" means the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution;

(2) the term "Board of Trustees" means the Board of Trustees of the National Museum of the American Indian;

(3) the term "burial site" means a natural or prepared physical location, whether below, on, or above the surface of the earth, into which, as a part of a death rite or ceremony of a culture, individual human remains are deposited;

(4) the term "funerary object" means an object that, as part of a death rite or ceremony of a culture, is intentionally placed with individual human remains, either at the time of burial or later;

(5) the term "Heye Foundation assets" means the collections, endowment, and all other property of the Heye Foundation (other than the interest of the Heye Foundation in Audubon Terrace) described in the Memorandum of Understanding between the Smithsonian Institution and the Heye Foundation, dated May 8, 1989, and the schedules attached to such memorandum;

(6) the term "Heye Museum" means the Museum of the American Indian, Heye Foundation;

(7) the term "Indian" means a member of an Indian tribe;

(8) the term "Indian tribe" has the meaning given that term in section 5304 of title 25;

(9) the term "National Museum" means the National Museum of the American Indian established by section 80q–1 of this title;

(10) the term "Native American" means an individual of a tribe, people, or culture that is indigenous to the Americas and such term includes a Native Hawaiian; and

(11) the term "Native Hawaiian" means a member or descendant of the aboriginal people who, before 1778, occupied and exercised sovereignty in the area that now comprises the State of Hawaii.

(Pub. L. 101–185, §16, Nov. 28, 1989, 103 Stat. 1346.)

§80q–15. Authorization of appropriations

(a) Funding

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Board of Regents to carry out this subchapter (other than as provided in sections 80q–5(b)(1)(B), 80q–6, 80q–8, 80q–9, 80q–10, 80q–12, and 80q–13(c)(5) of this title)—

(1) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 1990; and

(2) such sums as may be necessary for each succeeding fiscal year.

(b) Period of availability

Funds appropriated under subsection (a) shall remain available without fiscal year limitation for any period prior to the availability of the facilities to be constructed under section 80q–5 of this title for administrative and planning expenses and for the care and custody of the collections of the National Museum.

(Pub. L. 101–185, §17, Nov. 28, 1989, 103 Stat. 1347.)