Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA)

Definition

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) is a federal law enacted in 1990 aimed at addressing the rights of Native American tribes regarding the treatment of their ancestral remains and cultural artifacts. NAGPRA mandates the return of Native American human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony from federal agencies and institutions that receive federal funding to the respective tribes. This act highlights ethical considerations by promoting respect for Indigenous cultures and addressing historical injustices related to archaeological practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. NAGPRA applies to federal agencies and institutions that receive federal funding, requiring them to inventory and repatriate Native American cultural items.
2. The act was a response to longstanding grievances among Native American communities regarding the treatment of their ancestors' remains and cultural heritage.
3. NAGPRA establishes a process for tribes to claim their ancestors' remains and associated artifacts, facilitating dialogue between tribes and museums or federal entities.
4. Under NAGPRA, museums must document and publish inventories of Native American human remains and cultural items within five years of its enactment.
5. The act emphasizes collaboration with Native American communities, fostering respect and acknowledgment of their rights in archaeological research.

Review Questions

• How does NAGPRA promote ethical practices in archaeology concerning Indigenous cultures?
  • NAGPRA promotes ethical practices in archaeology by ensuring that Indigenous peoples have a say in the treatment of their ancestral remains and cultural items. By mandating repatriation, it addresses historical injustices faced by Native American tribes, fostering respect for their rights. This legislation encourages archaeologists to engage with Native communities collaboratively, recognizing their sovereignty and cultural significance.
• What are the key responsibilities outlined in NAGPRA for federal agencies and institutions regarding Native American cultural items?
  • Under NAGPRA, federal agencies and institutions are required to inventory their collections of Native American human remains and cultural items within five years. They must then notify tribes about these items, allowing tribes to assert claims for repatriation. This process involves documentation, consultation with tribes, and ultimately returning items deemed culturally significant or associated with specific tribes back to their rightful owners.
• Evaluate the impact of NAGPRA on the relationship between archaeologists and Native American communities in terms of power dynamics and collaborative efforts.
  • NAGPRA has significantly transformed the relationship between archaeologists and Native American communities by shifting power dynamics towards greater recognition of Indigenous rights. It encourages collaboration by requiring archaeologists to involve tribes in discussions about cultural items and ancestral remains. This change fosters mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation in archaeological practices, allowing for more ethically sound research that acknowledges Indigenous perspectives and heritage.

Related terms

Cultural Patrimony: Cultural patrimony refers to the collective cultural identity of a group, including items that hold significant meaning or value to a community and are associated with their heritage.

Repatriation:

Repatriation is the process of returning cultural property, such as artifacts or human remains, to their country of origin or rightful owners.

Ethics in Archaeology: Ethics in archaeology involves the moral principles guiding researchers in their work, particularly concerning the treatment of cultural heritage and the rights of Indigenous peoples.