NAGPRA - Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act

Definition

NAGPRA is a federal law enacted in 1990 that aims to protect Native American graves and ensures the repatriation of cultural items to their rightful tribal owners. This act addresses the need for collaboration with indigenous communities, recognizes their cultural property rights, and highlights the power dynamics often seen in archaeology and museum practices. By requiring museums and federal agencies to return Native American remains and sacred objects, NAGPRA aims to rectify historical injustices and foster more equitable relationships between Native Americans and institutions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. NAGPRA applies to all federal agencies and museums that receive federal funding, requiring them to inventory Native American human remains and cultural items.
2. Under NAGPRA, tribes can claim ownership of items based on cultural affiliation, leading to discussions about identity and heritage.
3. The act was a response to decades of unauthorized excavations and the collection of Native American artifacts without consent.
4. NAGPRA also mandates that institutions consult with tribes when human remains or sacred items are discovered, ensuring that indigenous voices are heard in decision-making processes.
5. The success of NAGPRA relies heavily on the willingness of museums to engage with indigenous communities and adhere to the principles of transparency and respect.

Review Questions

• How does NAGPRA foster collaboration between indigenous communities and museums or federal agencies?
  • NAGPRA fosters collaboration by mandating that museums and federal agencies consult with Native American tribes when handling human remains or cultural items. This requirement encourages dialogue and partnership between institutions and indigenous communities, allowing tribes to express their views on the significance of these items and their rightful ownership. The act also provides a legal framework for tribes to reclaim their cultural heritage, emphasizing mutual respect and understanding in these collaborations.
• Discuss the implications of NAGPRA on cultural property rights for Native Americans compared to previous practices in archaeology.
  • Before NAGPRA, many Native American artifacts were collected without the consent of tribes, leading to significant losses in cultural heritage. NAGPRA shifted this paradigm by recognizing the rights of Native Americans over their cultural property, ensuring they have a say in the disposition of ancestral remains and sacred objects. This legal acknowledgment not only empowers indigenous communities but also compels museums and archaeologists to reconsider their practices regarding excavation, storage, and display of Native American materials.
• Evaluate how NAGPRA impacts the power dynamics between indigenous peoples and archaeological institutions in terms of representation and agency.
  • NAGPRA significantly alters power dynamics by granting indigenous peoples agency over their cultural heritage, challenging the traditional authority that archaeological institutions held over these narratives. This act compels museums to recognize tribal sovereignty and engage directly with native voices when discussing cultural representations. The shift from a predominantly Eurocentric perspective to a more inclusive approach allows for a richer understanding of Native American history while empowering tribes to reclaim their stories and legacies in a way that aligns with their cultural values.

Related terms

Cultural Heritage:

The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes inherited from past generations, including traditions, customs, and objects of significance.

Repatriation:

The process of returning cultural property or human remains to their country or community of origin, often tied to historical claims of ownership or cultural significance.

Ethnography: The study of cultures through direct observation and participation, often resulting in documentation that can impact how indigenous cultures are represented in museums.