NAGPRA

Definition

NAGPRA stands for the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, a federal law enacted in 1990 that aims to protect Native American burial sites and facilitate the repatriation of human remains and cultural artifacts to their respective tribes. This legislation addresses historical injustices by recognizing the rights of Native American tribes over their ancestral remains and cultural heritage, and it underscores the importance of ethical standards in archaeology and museum practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. NAGPRA applies to federal agencies and institutions receiving federal funding, requiring them to identify and return Native American human remains and cultural items to their respective tribes.
2. The act establishes a process for tribes to claim artifacts and remains that are culturally affiliated with them, promoting dialogue between Native American communities and institutions.
3. NAGPRA recognizes the rights of Native Americans to control access to their ancestral remains, thus promoting ethical standards in archaeological research.
4. The law has led to significant repatriation efforts, with many institutions returning thousands of remains and artifacts to tribes since its enactment.
5. Failure to comply with NAGPRA can result in legal consequences for institutions, including loss of federal funding.

Review Questions

• How does NAGPRA influence the practices of museums and archaeological institutions regarding the treatment of Native American remains and artifacts?
  • NAGPRA requires museums and archaeological institutions that receive federal funding to adhere to strict guidelines about the treatment of Native American remains and artifacts. This includes conducting inventories, notifying tribes about culturally affiliated materials, and facilitating repatriation processes. As a result, institutions must prioritize ethical considerations and engage in collaborative relationships with Native American communities, fostering greater respect for their cultural heritage.
• Discuss the implications of NAGPRA on bioarchaeological research, particularly regarding the study of human remains from Native American contexts.
  • NAGPRA significantly impacts bioarchaeological research by mandating that researchers consider the legal and ethical ramifications associated with studying human remains from Native American contexts. Researchers must seek permission from tribes before conducting studies on ancestral remains, ensuring that they respect cultural beliefs and practices surrounding death and burial. This creates a more collaborative environment in which Native American perspectives are valued, promoting mutual understanding between scientists and indigenous communities.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of NAGPRA in addressing historical injustices faced by Native American communities regarding their ancestral remains and cultural heritage.
  • NAGPRA has been effective in addressing historical injustices by providing a legal framework for the repatriation of ancestral remains and cultural artifacts to Native American tribes. It has led to significant returns of items that had previously been held in museums or collected without consent. However, challenges remain in fully implementing the law across all institutions, as some continue to resist repatriation efforts. Overall, while NAGPRA has made strides towards justice, ongoing advocacy is necessary to ensure its principles are upheld consistently.

Related terms

Repatriation: The process of returning cultural artifacts and human remains to their original communities or descendants, often in relation to indigenous peoples.

Bioarchaeology: A subfield of archaeology that studies human skeletal remains to understand past populations' health, diet, and cultural practices.

Cultural Heritage: The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society inherited from past generations.