NAGPRA

Definition

NAGPRA stands for the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, a United States federal law enacted in 1990 that addresses the rights of Native American tribes to reclaim their cultural heritage. The law mandates the return of certain Native American cultural items, including human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony, to their respective tribes, fostering a process of decolonization in museum practices and curatorial ethics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. NAGPRA was passed in response to the historical injustices faced by Native American communities regarding the collection and display of their ancestral remains and cultural artifacts.
2. The law requires museums and federal agencies to inventory their collections for items that may be subject to repatriation under NAGPRA.
3. NAGPRA applies specifically to Native American cultural items as defined in the act, providing legal frameworks for their repatriation.
4. The implementation of NAGPRA has led to collaborative relationships between museums and Native tribes, enhancing understanding and respect for cultural heritage.
5. Challenges in the application of NAGPRA include proving lineal descent or cultural affiliation, often requiring extensive research and negotiation between tribes and institutions.

Review Questions

• How does NAGPRA influence curatorial practices in museums regarding Native American cultural items?
  • NAGPRA significantly influences curatorial practices by requiring museums to reassess their collections and engage in ethical considerations surrounding ownership and cultural sensitivity. Curators must now consider the rightful claims of Native American tribes when dealing with artifacts and human remains, leading to more transparent policies that prioritize repatriation. This shift fosters a collaborative approach that respects the wishes and needs of Native communities while also promoting educational opportunities about Indigenous histories.
• Discuss the impact of NAGPRA on the relationship between Native American tribes and museums. What are some positive outcomes and challenges?
  • NAGPRA has positively impacted the relationship between Native American tribes and museums by fostering dialogue and collaboration on matters of cultural heritage. Many tribes have successfully reclaimed significant items, allowing for the revitalization of traditions and identities. However, challenges remain, such as proving cultural affiliation, which can lead to disputes over ownership. Some museums struggle with reconciling their historical roles in collecting these items with the current ethical standards established by NAGPRA.
• Evaluate the broader implications of NAGPRA on issues of cultural sovereignty for Native American communities in the context of decolonizing curatorial practices.
  • The implications of NAGPRA extend beyond just repatriation; they represent a crucial step toward acknowledging Indigenous rights and sovereignty over their cultural heritage. By facilitating the return of ancestral remains and sacred objects, NAGPRA supports the decolonization of museum practices by challenging institutional narratives that historically marginalized Native voices. This act empowers communities to reclaim their stories, practices, and identities while promoting greater accountability within museums regarding their role in preserving or exploiting Indigenous cultures.

Related terms

Repatriation: The process of returning cultural artifacts and human remains to their communities of origin, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage and identity.

Cultural Patrimony: Objects that have ongoing historical, traditional, or cultural importance to a group or culture, which must be preserved and returned under NAGPRA.

Curation: The management and organization of collections in museums or galleries, which includes ethical considerations regarding the representation and care of culturally significant items.