NAGPRA

Definition

NAGPRA, or the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, is a federal law enacted in 1990 that addresses the rights of Native American tribes to reclaim their ancestral remains and cultural items held by federal agencies and institutions that receive federal funding. This legislation underscores the importance of sacred sites and landscapes, as it emphasizes the connection between Native American identity, cultural heritage, and the land where these items were traditionally used or buried.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. NAGPRA applies to all federally recognized Native American tribes and ensures they can claim cultural items and human remains from museums and federal agencies.
2. The law mandates that institutions inventory their collections and consult with tribes regarding the potential repatriation of items.
3. NAGPRA aims to address historical injustices faced by Native Americans concerning the treatment of their dead and their sacred items.
4. The act has facilitated the return of thousands of ancestral remains and cultural artifacts to tribes across the United States since its passage.
5. Enforcement of NAGPRA requires collaboration between tribes, institutions, and federal agencies to ensure compliance and respect for Native American cultural rights.

Review Questions

• How does NAGPRA empower Native American tribes in reclaiming their cultural heritage?
  • NAGPRA empowers Native American tribes by providing a legal framework that allows them to reclaim ancestral remains and cultural items from federal agencies and federally funded institutions. This act recognizes the cultural significance of these items and affirms the rights of tribes to protect their heritage. By facilitating the return of these important objects, NAGPRA helps restore connections to sacred sites and landscapes that are integral to Native American identity.
• Discuss the role of NAGPRA in addressing historical injustices related to Native American remains and artifacts.
  • NAGPRA plays a critical role in addressing historical injustices by acknowledging the past mistreatment of Native American communities concerning their sacred items and remains. Before NAGPRA, many tribal artifacts were removed without consent and displayed in museums, contributing to cultural disconnection. By allowing tribes to reclaim these items, NAGPRA not only rectifies past wrongs but also fosters healing and strengthens cultural ties, enabling tribes to honor their ancestors appropriately.
• Evaluate the impact of NAGPRA on the preservation of sacred sites and landscapes among Native American communities.
  • The impact of NAGPRA on the preservation of sacred sites and landscapes is significant as it reinforces the connection between cultural heritage and physical locations tied to tribal identities. By facilitating the return of ancestral remains and associated artifacts, NAGPRA enhances awareness about the importance of these sites, leading to increased efforts for their protection. This act encourages collaboration between tribes and governmental bodies in conservation efforts, ultimately supporting broader initiatives to safeguard culturally significant landscapes that hold spiritual meaning for Native communities.

Related terms

Repatriation: The process of returning cultural property to its rightful owner, particularly concerning the return of Native American remains and artifacts to tribes.

Cultural Heritage: The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society inherited from past generations, important for maintaining cultural identity.

Sacred Sites: Locations that hold spiritual significance for Native American tribes, often linked to their historical traditions and cultural practices.