Native American Graves Protection

Definition

Native American Graves Protection refers to a federal law enacted in 1990 that aims to protect the burial sites and cultural heritage of Native American tribes. This legislation mandates the repatriation of Native American remains and cultural items from federal and tribal lands, acknowledging the significance of these sites to Native communities and addressing past injustices in the treatment of Native American remains.

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 human remains and cultural items and return them to the respective tribes.
2. The law recognizes the importance of burial sites for cultural identity and religious practices among Native American communities.
3. NAGPRA was a response to historical grievances regarding the looting and desecration of Native American graves and the display of remains in museums.
4. Tribes must prove their ancestral connection to the remains or items in order to successfully claim repatriation under NAGPRA.
5. NAGPRA has led to increased awareness and collaboration between museums, federal agencies, and Native American tribes regarding the respectful treatment of cultural heritage.

Review Questions

• How does NAGPRA impact the relationship between federal agencies and Native American tribes regarding burial sites?
  • NAGPRA has significantly improved the relationship between federal agencies and Native American tribes by establishing legal requirements for the protection of burial sites and repatriation of remains. It mandates that federal entities inventory their collections and work collaboratively with tribes to identify culturally significant items. This law has fostered dialogue about respect for tribal sovereignty and the cultural importance of ancestral remains.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of NAGPRA in addressing historical injustices related to Native American graves.
  • While NAGPRA has made strides in addressing historical injustices by facilitating the return of remains and cultural items, challenges remain in its implementation. Some institutions have been slow to comply, leading to ongoing disputes over ownership and repatriation. Additionally, proving ancestral connections can be difficult for some tribes, which raises questions about how effectively NAGPRA serves all Native communities.
• Analyze how NAGPRA influences contemporary discussions on cultural heritage preservation among Indigenous peoples.
  • NAGPRA plays a crucial role in contemporary discussions on cultural heritage preservation by emphasizing the rights of Indigenous peoples over their ancestral remains and sacred objects. It highlights the need for ethical practices in archaeology and museum curation, prompting a shift towards greater sensitivity and recognition of Indigenous voices. This law not only fosters repatriation but also encourages broader conversations about sovereignty, identity, and the importance of preserving Indigenous cultural narratives in modern society.

Related terms

NAGPRA: The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) is the official name of the legislation that governs the protection of Native American graves and mandates the return of culturally significant items to tribes.

Repatriation: Repatriation is the process of returning cultural property, including human remains and sacred objects, to their original Native American tribes or communities.

Cultural Heritage: Cultural heritage refers to the traditions, customs, artifacts, and sites that are significant to a specific cultural group, including Native American tribes.