Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act

Definition

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) is a federal law enacted in 1990 that provides a framework for the return of Native American cultural items, including human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony, to their respective tribes. This act addresses historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples regarding the excavation and display of their ancestral remains and artifacts, promoting cultural preservation and recognizing Indigenous rights to their heritage.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. NAGPRA applies to federal agencies and institutions that receive federal funding, requiring them to inventory Native American human remains and cultural items in their collections.
2. The act establishes a process for tribes to claim ownership of these items, allowing them to reclaim their ancestral remains and culturally significant artifacts.
3. Under NAGPRA, institutions are required to consult with Native American tribes when dealing with items of cultural significance to those tribes.
4. NAGPRA has led to the repatriation of thousands of Native American remains and artifacts back to tribes, helping to restore cultural heritage and promote healing.
5. The implementation of NAGPRA has also raised awareness about the importance of ethical practices in archaeology and the respectful treatment of Indigenous cultures.

Review Questions

• How does the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act facilitate the return of cultural items to Indigenous tribes?
  • The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act facilitates the return of cultural items by mandating that federal agencies and institutions receiving federal funds inventory their collections for Native American human remains and cultural items. The act outlines a clear process for tribes to claim ownership over these items, requiring institutions to consult with tribes during this process. This legal framework empowers Indigenous peoples by recognizing their rights to reclaim significant elements of their heritage.
• Discuss the implications of NAGPRA on the relationship between Indigenous communities and museums or educational institutions.
  • NAGPRA has significantly impacted the relationship between Indigenous communities and museums or educational institutions by fostering dialogue and collaboration on issues related to cultural heritage. The act compels these institutions to take responsibility for their collections containing Native American artifacts and remains, leading to more respectful practices in dealing with Indigenous materials. This shift has encouraged museums to engage in community consultations, developing programs that honor Indigenous knowledge systems while creating pathways for reconciliation.
• Evaluate the broader significance of NAGPRA in terms of Indigenous rights and cultural preservation in contemporary society.
  • The broader significance of NAGPRA lies in its role as a landmark legislation that not only addresses historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples but also sets a precedent for recognizing Indigenous rights within contemporary society. By facilitating the repatriation of cultural items, NAGPRA reinforces the idea that Indigenous communities have a right to control their heritage and narratives. This act contributes to ongoing movements for cultural preservation and self-determination among Indigenous peoples, highlighting the importance of respecting their identities while promoting social justice in a multicultural society.

Related terms

Cultural Patrimony: Cultural patrimony refers to objects that have ongoing historical, traditional, or cultural importance to a specific group or community, particularly Indigenous peoples.

Repatriation:

Repatriation is the process of returning cultural property or human remains to their rightful owners, often focused on Indigenous communities and their heritage.

Indigenous Rights: Indigenous rights are the rights that recognize and protect the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples to maintain their cultures, languages, lands, and identities.