Who must be notified immediately if a Native American Indian burial ground is discovered?

When a Native American Indian burial ground is discovered, the appropriate entity that must be notified immediately is the Native American Indian Affairs Commission. This commission is responsible for overseeing the affairs related to Native American populations in the state and has the authority to address issues concerning cultural heritage and burial practices.

Prompt notification is essential because it allows for the appropriate cultural protocols to be followed, ensures the respectful treatment of the remains, and facilitates any necessary archaeological assessments or consultations. The involvement of the commission helps to preserve the integrity of the burial site and upholds the legal and ethical considerations surrounding Native American heritage.

While notifying local government, cemetery owners, or state officials may be relevant in some contexts, they do not hold the specialized mission or authority related to Native American cultural resources that the commission does. Thus, the commission is the correct and immediate point of contact for such discoveries.