Religious Freedom
For most of United States history, the federal government actively discouraged and even outlawed the exercise of traditional Native religions. The efforts to destroy traditional religion and culture failed because of the determination of Native peoples to continue their traditions, belief systems and ways of life.
Today, official federal policy is “to protect and preserve for American Indians their inherent right…to believe, express and exercise [their] traditional religions…” Yet, in practice, the activities of the federal government (and other government and private entities) can interfere with the exercise of these religions.
Today, official federal policy is “to protect and preserve for American Indians their inherent right…to believe, express and exercise [their] traditional religions…” Yet, in practice, the activities of the federal government (and other government and private entities) can interfere with the exercise of these religions.
