NAGPRA

Definition

NAGPRA stands for the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, a United States federal law enacted in 1990 that aims to protect the rights of Native American tribes and their cultural heritage by facilitating the repatriation of human remains and cultural artifacts. This legislation acknowledges the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples regarding the treatment of their ancestors' remains and sacred items, allowing tribes to reclaim items from museums and federal agencies.

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 and assess their collections for Native American cultural items.
2. The act empowers tribes to claim ownership of ancestral remains and cultural artifacts based on the lineal descent from or cultural affiliation with the original occupants of the land.
3. NAGPRA not only addresses human remains but also includes funerary objects, sacred objects, and items of cultural patrimony.
4. Under NAGPRA, museums and federal agencies must consult with tribes to determine appropriate actions for repatriation, fostering collaboration between Indigenous communities and institutions.
5. The implementation of NAGPRA has led to significant repatriation efforts, allowing many tribes to recover artifacts and remains that were taken without consent or proper acknowledgment.

Review Questions

• How does NAGPRA impact the relationship between museums and Native American tribes regarding cultural artifacts?
  • NAGPRA significantly impacts the relationship between museums and Native American tribes by legally requiring museums to return artifacts and human remains to their rightful owners. This law fosters dialogue and cooperation between institutions holding these items and the tribes who seek them back. It acknowledges historical wrongs and empowers tribes in asserting their rights over their cultural heritage, leading to increased sensitivity towards Indigenous perspectives in museum practices.
• Discuss the challenges faced by tribes in enforcing NAGPRA's provisions for repatriation.
  • Tribes face several challenges in enforcing NAGPRA's provisions for repatriation, including bureaucratic hurdles, varying interpretations of the law by different institutions, and disputes over cultural affiliation. Some museums may resist returning items due to concerns about loss of collections or incomplete records. Additionally, smaller tribes with limited resources may struggle to navigate the legal processes involved in claiming their ancestral remains and artifacts, making it difficult for them to fully exercise their rights under NAGPRA.
• Evaluate the broader implications of NAGPRA on Indigenous sovereignty and cultural preservation in the United States.
  • NAGPRA has profound implications for Indigenous sovereignty and cultural preservation by affirming tribal rights to reclaim their heritage and reinforcing their self-determination. The act not only addresses historical injustices but also empowers Indigenous communities to control their narratives and engage in cultural revitalization efforts. By facilitating repatriation, NAGPRA plays a crucial role in healing relationships between Indigenous peoples and institutions while promoting a greater understanding of Indigenous cultures in American society.

Related terms

Repatriation: The process of returning cultural artifacts, human remains, or sacred items to their rightful owners or descendants, often focusing on Indigenous communities.

Cultural Heritage: The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society inherited from past generations, including traditions, languages, and artifacts.

Cultural Sensitivity: The awareness and respect for the cultural differences and values of various groups, especially when it comes to handling their artifacts or remains.