The ACHP releases guidance related to its Policy Statement on Burial Sites, Human Remains, and Funerary Objects

On March 1, 2023, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) voted unanimously to adopt its new Policy Statement on Burial Sites, Human Remains, and Funerary Objects. The policy statement establishes a set of standards and guidelines that federal and state agencies, contractors, and other relevant entities should, at a minimum, seek to implement in order to provide burial sites, human remains, and funerary objects the consideration and protection they deserve.  

Consistent with that policy, the ACHP has developed the attached Policy Statement on Burial Sites, Human Remains, and Funerary Objects: Explanation and Discussion guidance document to provide ACHP staff, federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental institutions and private developers with additional context, guidance, and advice on the interpretation and implementation of each principle contained in the policy. This guidance document was informed by the comments provided by consulting parties during its development and references multiple resources that offer further information on the how to best consider burial sites, human remains, and funerary objects in decision making. 

For more information about the policy statement, the guidance document, or to see a summary of comments received during the development of the policy statement please see this webpage. If you have general questions regarding the policy statement or the guidance document please contact Ira L. Matt, Director, Office of Native American Affairs, at imatt@achp.gov. For questions specific to an undertaking please contact the appropriate staff reviewer in the Office of Federal Agency Programs.