New Jersey § 52:16a-56

§ 52:16a-56.

The commission shall: a. develop programs and projects relating to the cultural, educational and social

development of New Jersey's American Indian communities; b. develop programs and projects which further understanding of New Jersey's American Indian history and culture; c. promote increased cooperation among all American Indian communities in the State; d. serve as a Statewide reference and resource center to increase public knowledge

of New Jersey's American Indian heritage; e. act as a liaison among American Indian communities, the State and federal governments, and educational, social and cultural

institutions ; f. be authorized to raise funds, through direct solicitation or other fund raising

events, alone or with other groups, and accept gifts, grants and bequests from individuals,

corporations, foundations, governmental agencies, public and private organizations

and institutions, to defray the commission's administrative expenses and carry out

the purposes of P.L.1995, c. 295 ( C.52:16A-53 et seq. ), as amended and supplemented; and g. when requested by the Governor, assist the Legislature and Governor to investigate

the authenticity of any organization, tribe, nation or other group seeking official

recognition by the State as an American Indian tribe and submit a report of its findings

to the Legislature and Governor within 180 days of the completion of an investigation. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as authorizing the commission to recognize

the authenticity of any organization, tribe, nation or other group as an American

Indian tribe, which recognition shall require specific statutory authorization, nor

shall this subsection be construed as in any way limiting the scope of information

that may be considered in determining whether to grant such statutory recognition .