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.

L.1995,c.295,s.4; amended 2001, c.417, s.4.