((a)) ** Native American human remains and objects** The ownership or control of Native American cultural items which are excavated or discovered on Federal or tribal lands after , shall be (with priority given in the order listed)—

((1)) in the case of Native American human remains and associated funerary objects, in the lineal descendants of the Native American; or

((2)) in any case in which such lineal descendants cannot be ascertained, and in the case of unassociated funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony—

((A)) in the Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization on whose tribal land such objects or remains were discovered;

((B)) in the Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization which has the closest cultural affiliation with such remains or objects and which, upon notice, states a claim for such remains or objects; or

((C)) if the cultural affiliation of the objects cannot be reasonably ascertained and if the objects were discovered on Federal land that is recognized by a final judgment of the Indian Claims Commission or the United States Court of Claims as the aboriginal land of some Indian tribe—

((b)) ** Unclaimed Native American human remains and objects** Native American cultural items not claimed under subsection (a) shall be disposed of in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary in consultation with the review committee established under , Native American groups, representatives of museums and the scientific community.section 3006 of this title

((c)) ** Intentional excavation and removal of Native American human remains and objects** The intentional removal from or excavation of Native American cultural items from Federal or tribal lands for purposes of discovery, study, or removal of such items is permitted only if—

((1)) such items are excavated or removed pursuant to a permit issued under which shall be consistent with this chapter;

((2)) such items are excavated or removed after consultation with or, in the case of tribal lands, consent of the appropriate (if any) Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization;

((3)) the ownership and right of control of the disposition of such items shall be as provided in subsections (a) and (b); and

((4)) proof of consultation or consent under paragraph (2) is shown.

((d)) ** Inadvertent discovery of Native American remains and objects**

((1)) Any person who knows, or has reason to know, that such person has discovered Native American cultural items on Federal or tribal lands after , shall notify, in writing, the Secretary of the Department, or head of any other agency or instrumentality of the United States, having primary management authority with respect to Federal lands and the appropriate Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization with respect to tribal lands, if known or readily ascertainable, and, in the case of lands that have been selected by an Alaska Native Corporation or group organized pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 [ et seq.], the appropriate corporation or group. If the discovery occurred in connection with an activity, including (but not limited to) construction, mining, logging, and agriculture, the person shall cease the activity in the area of the discovery, make a reasonable effort to protect the items discovered before resuming such activity, and provide notice under this subsection. Following the notification under this subsection, and upon certification by the Secretary of the department or the head of any agency or instrumentality of the United States or the appropriate Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization that notification has been received, the activity may resume after 30 days of such certification.

((2)) The disposition of and control over any cultural items excavated or removed under this subsection shall be determined as provided for in this section.

((3)) If the Secretary of the Interior consents, the responsibilities (in whole or in part) under paragraphs (1) and (2) of the Secretary of any department (other than the Department of the Interior) or the head of any other agency or instrumentality may be delegated to the Secretary with respect to any land managed by such other Secretary or agency head.

((e)) ** Relinquishment** Nothing in this section shall prevent the governing body of an Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization from expressly relinquishing control over any Native American human remains, or title to or control over any funerary object, or sacred object.