As used in sections 10-382 to 10-391, inclusive:

(1) “Native American” means people who occupied Connecticut prior to European settlement and their historic descendants, Indians as defined by section 47-63, who are residents of this state and all members of other tribes recognized by the United States or by Canada or its Provinces who are residents of this state;

(2) “Archaeological site” means a location where there exists material evidence that is not less than fifty years old of the past life and culture of human beings in the state;

(3) “Archaeological artifact” means material evidence that is not less than fifty years old of past life and culture in the state that is found in connection with an archaeological site;

(4) “Archaeological investigation” means any subsurface tests or excavation or other activity resulting in the disturbance or removal of artifacts or data from an archaeological site;

(5) “Sacred site” or “sacred land” means any space, including an archaeological site, of ritual or traditional significance in the culture and religion of Native Americans that is listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (16 USC 470a, as amended) or the state register of historic places defined in section 10-410, including, but not limited to, marked and unmarked human burials, burial areas and cemeteries, monumental geological or natural features with sacred meaning or a meaning central to a group's oral traditions; sites of ceremonial structures, including sweat lodges; rock art sites, and sites of great historical significance to a tribe native to this state;

(6) “Sacred object” means any archaeological artifact or other object associated with a sacred site;

(7) “State lands” mean lands owned, leased, or administered by the state or in the custody or control of any state agency, department or instrumentality of the state.

(P.A. 89-368, S. 1.)