Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act

Definition

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) is a United States federal law enacted in 1990 that aims to protect Native American burial sites and facilitate the repatriation of cultural items, human remains, and funerary objects to their respective tribes. This act connects cultural property rights with the need for respectful treatment of indigenous heritage, addressing historical injustices related to the acquisition and display of Native American artifacts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. NAGPRA applies to federal agencies and institutions that receive federal funding, requiring them to inventory human remains and cultural items in their collections.
2. The law mandates that if human remains or cultural items are identified as belonging to a specific tribe, they must be repatriated upon request.
3. NAGPRA was created in response to long-standing concerns from Native American tribes regarding the treatment and display of their ancestors' remains and sacred objects.
4. The act also provides a framework for the protection of burial sites, prohibiting the disturbance of graves without proper permissions.
5. NAGPRA encourages collaboration between museums, universities, and Native American tribes to foster mutual respect and understanding regarding cultural heritage.

Review Questions

• How does NAGPRA address historical injustices faced by Native American tribes regarding their cultural property?
  • NAGPRA addresses historical injustices by legally requiring institutions to return Native American human remains and cultural items that were acquired without consent or through unethical means. It acknowledges the painful history of grave robbing and the disrespect shown toward Native American burial practices. By mandating repatriation and offering protections for burial sites, NAGPRA aims to restore dignity to indigenous cultures and promote healing between tribes and institutions.
• Discuss the responsibilities of federal agencies under NAGPRA regarding the management of Native American graves and artifacts.
  • Under NAGPRA, federal agencies are required to conduct inventories of Native American human remains and cultural items in their possession. They must also establish procedures for identifying tribal affiliations and facilitating the return of items to the appropriate tribes upon request. These responsibilities ensure that Native American graves are treated with respect and that their cultural heritage is preserved for future generations, reflecting a shift towards more ethical stewardship practices.
• Evaluate the impact of NAGPRA on museum practices related to Native American collections and how it has transformed the relationship between museums and tribal communities.
  • NAGPRA has significantly transformed museum practices by necessitating transparency and ethical considerations in managing Native American collections. It has led museums to reassess their holdings, engage with tribal communities for repatriation discussions, and develop culturally sensitive exhibition policies. This shift not only fosters trust but also encourages collaborative efforts between museums and tribes to create educational programs that honor indigenous histories, ultimately reshaping how cultural narratives are presented in public spaces.

Related terms

Cultural Property:

Cultural property refers to items, artifacts, or sites that hold significance for a specific culture or community, often including artwork, archaeological findings, and historical objects.

Repatriation: Repatriation is the process of returning cultural items or human remains to their place of origin or to the rightful descendants or cultural groups.

Federal Recognition: Federal recognition is the acknowledgment by the U.S. government that a Native American tribe exists as a distinct political entity, granting them certain rights and protections under federal law.