Abstract

In the United States the protection of sacred mountains is guaranteed by the First Amendment, at least since 1978, when the American Indian Religious Freedom Act was passed. Subsequent legislative texts have enhanced the right of Native Americans to access sites located on federal land. Moreover tribes argue that the presence of other activities on their sacred sites is often akin to prohibiting their religion. While federal authorities often take Native American requests into account, they also tend to blur the reasons for protecting their sacred sites, arguing that other—often cultural and mainstream—reasons exist warranting the protection. On the other hand, strong mainstream lobbies are also a factor hampering Native American demands. This article is based on three examples of sacred mountains: Devils Tower, Cave Rock, and the San Francisco Peaks

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