18-6-27: Designation of reburial grounds site.

The department shall facilitate the designation of state or federal land for reburial of unmarked remains not claimed by a descendant group and shall:

A. by September 1, 2007, organize a working group that includes representatives of the department, the Indian affairs department and the tribal-state workgroup on repatriation and sacred places to:

(1) recommend rules for the acquisition of remains and the maintenance and preservation of the reburial grounds;

(2) distinguish between remains that can be reburied and remains that cannot; and

(3) establish procedures and priorities for reburying remains held in state collections;

B. by December 30, 2008, promulgate rules for:

(1) platting remains placed in the reburial grounds and ensuring that the information is confidential pursuant to Section 18-6-11.1 NMSA 1978;

(2) accepting and acquiring remains and coordinating activities with the state historic preservation officer;

(3) preserving the natural environment of the reburial grounds;

(4) distinguishing between remains that can be reburied and those that cannot;

(5) working with descendant groups that request access to the reburial grounds for ceremonies; and

(6) providing for security and confidentiality of the site; and

C. by July 1, 2009:

(1) accept the first remains for reburial, including remains currently at the museum of New Mexico, the museum of Indian arts and culture and the department;

(2) begin platting the reburial grounds so that reburied remains are not disturbed by later burials and so that the plat is confidential pursuant to Section 18-6-11.1 NMSA 1978; and

(3) provide security for the reburial grounds.