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 process for museums and federal agencies to return certain Native American cultural items, including human remains, funerary objects, and sacred items, to their respective tribes. This act recognizes the rights of Native American tribes to reclaim their ancestors' remains and cultural heritage, while also addressing the historical injustices faced by these communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. NAGPRA applies to federal agencies and institutions that receive federal funding, requiring them to inventory human remains and cultural items in their possession.
2. The act mandates that tribes must be consulted when cultural items are determined to be affiliated with them, promoting collaboration between tribes and institutions.
3. NAGPRA has led to the repatriation of thousands of Native American remains and artifacts since its enactment, restoring important cultural heritage to tribes.
4. The law also addresses issues related to the protection of sacred sites, as repatriation often involves returning items of spiritual significance.
5. NAGPRA has spurred ongoing discussions about ethical practices in archaeology and museum collections management, highlighting the importance of respecting indigenous rights.

Review Questions

• How does the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act address historical injustices faced by Native American communities?
  • The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act directly addresses historical injustices by allowing tribes to reclaim their ancestors' remains and cultural items that were taken without consent. By providing a legal framework for repatriation, NAGPRA acknowledges the trauma experienced by Native Americans due to the loss of their heritage. This act not only restores physical objects but also facilitates healing within communities, affirming their cultural identity and rights.
• Discuss the implications of NAGPRA for Cultural Resource Management practices in museums and federal agencies.
  • NAGPRA has significant implications for Cultural Resource Management by enforcing strict guidelines on how museums and federal agencies handle Native American remains and artifacts. Institutions are now required to conduct inventories of their collections, consult with tribes, and facilitate repatriation when applicable. This shift emphasizes ethical stewardship of cultural heritage and encourages collaboration between institutions and Native communities, ultimately transforming how cultural resources are managed.
• Evaluate the role of NAGPRA in promoting tribal sovereignty and protecting sacred sites in contemporary society.
  • NAGPRA plays a crucial role in promoting tribal sovereignty by affirming the rights of Native American tribes to control their ancestral remains and cultural heritage. The act empowers tribes to engage in meaningful dialogue with museums and federal agencies about their cultural resources, thus enhancing their self-determination. Additionally, NAGPRA's focus on protecting sacred sites underscores the importance of cultural preservation in contemporary society, advocating for a respectful approach towards indigenous beliefs and practices in an increasingly globalized world.

Related terms

Cultural Resource Management:

The practice of managing and protecting cultural resources, including archaeological sites and artifacts, often involving compliance with federal laws like NAGPRA.

Tribal Sovereignty: The inherent authority of indigenous tribes to govern themselves within the borders of the United States, including making decisions about their cultural resources.

Federal Indian Policy: A set of laws and regulations that have historically governed the relationship between the U.S. government and Native American tribes, influencing issues like land rights and cultural protection.