Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act

Definition

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1990 that provides a process for museums and federal agencies to return Native American cultural items, including human remains and sacred objects, to their respective tribes. This act recognizes the rights of Native Americans to their ancestral remains and cultural heritage, reflecting broader issues of sovereignty, identity, and cultural preservation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. NAGPRA applies to all federal agencies and institutions that receive federal funding, requiring them to inventory Native American cultural items in their possession.
2. The act establishes a legal framework for tribes to claim ownership of ancestral remains and sacred objects, ensuring they are returned to the appropriate communities.
3. NAGPRA was influenced by the activism of Native American groups who sought recognition of their rights to their cultural heritage after years of dispossession and disrespect.
4. Under NAGPRA, tribes must demonstrate a relationship between their culture and the items being claimed to successfully initiate repatriation efforts.
5. The implementation of NAGPRA has led to increased awareness and respect for Native American cultural practices and the importance of burial sites.

Review Questions

• How does NAGPRA impact the social and economic conditions on reservations?
  • NAGPRA directly impacts social conditions on reservations by fostering a sense of identity and community among Native Americans as they reclaim their ancestors' remains and sacred items. Economically, repatriation can lead to opportunities for tourism and educational programs centered on cultural heritage, thereby enhancing reservation economies. The act also encourages investment in preserving cultural practices which can provide new job opportunities related to cultural education and restoration projects.
• What role did the Red Power movement play in shaping NAGPRA and its objectives?
  • The Red Power movement significantly influenced the development of NAGPRA by amplifying the voices of Native Americans who fought for civil rights, cultural preservation, and sovereignty. Activists highlighted injustices related to the treatment of Native American remains and artifacts, pushing for legislative changes that would protect their rights. The movement's emphasis on self-determination laid the groundwork for NAGPRA as it acknowledged the need for institutional accountability regarding Native American cultural heritage.
• Evaluate the significance of NAGPRA within the broader context of tribal sovereignty and cultural preservation in contemporary society.
  • NAGPRA is crucial in affirming tribal sovereignty as it acknowledges Native American tribes' rights to control their cultural heritage, which is vital for preserving their identities. The act also fosters dialogue between museums, federal agencies, and tribes, promoting mutual respect and understanding. In an increasingly globalized world where cultures face threats from modernization, NAGPRA serves as a model for how Indigenous rights can be upheld while encouraging cultural preservation initiatives that empower tribes to maintain their traditions.

Related terms

Repatriation:

The process of returning cultural property or human remains to their original place of origin or to the people from whom they were taken.

Cultural Heritage: The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations and maintained in the present.

Tribal Sovereignty: The right of Native American tribes to govern themselves and maintain authority over their lands, resources, and cultural practices without interference from external authorities.