§ 470aa. Congressional findings and declaration of purpose
(a)
The Congress finds that—
(1)
archaeological resources on public lands and Indian lands are an accessible and irreplaceable part of the Nation’s heritage;
(b)
The purpose of this chapter is to secure, for the present and future benefit of the American people, the protection of archaeological resources and sites which are on public lands and Indian lands, and to foster increased cooperation and exchange of information between governmental authorities, the professional archaeological community, and private individuals having collections of archaeological resources and data which were obtained before October 31, 1979.