Charles Wilkinson

Definition

Charles Wilkinson is a notable legal scholar and author who has significantly contributed to the discourse surrounding Native American rights, particularly in relation to the repatriation of cultural artifacts and human remains. His work often emphasizes the importance of recognizing indigenous sovereignty and the legal frameworks that support the return of cultural heritage to Native American tribes, which is vital in understanding laws like NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wilkinson's research often critiques existing legal frameworks that hinder the repatriation of Native American artifacts and remains.
2. He argues for a more just legal approach that acknowledges the historical injustices faced by Native Americans in relation to their cultural heritage.
3. Wilkinson has highlighted the significance of NAGPRA in providing a legal pathway for tribes to reclaim their cultural items, showcasing its impact on tribal rights.
4. His work also stresses the need for collaboration between tribes and institutions holding indigenous artifacts to facilitate successful repatriation efforts.
5. Through his publications, Wilkinson has influenced both academic thought and policy discussions regarding Native American rights and heritage protection.

Review Questions

• How does Charles Wilkinson's work relate to the goals of NAGPRA in terms of repatriation efforts?
  • Charles Wilkinson's work directly aligns with the goals of NAGPRA by advocating for the legal recognition and repatriation of Native American cultural artifacts and human remains. He emphasizes the importance of NAGPRA as a means to rectify historical injustices and supports tribes in their efforts to reclaim their heritage. Through his research, Wilkinson underscores the necessity of changing existing legal frameworks that may impede these repatriation efforts, thus fostering a deeper understanding of indigenous rights.
• Evaluate the impact of Charles Wilkinson's contributions on public policy regarding indigenous sovereignty and cultural heritage.
  • Charles Wilkinson has had a significant impact on public policy concerning indigenous sovereignty and cultural heritage by raising awareness about the rights of Native American tribes. His scholarly work and advocacy have informed policymakers about the importance of recognizing indigenous governance in matters related to cultural artifacts. This has led to increased dialogue around legislative reforms that aim to protect tribal rights, making his contributions pivotal in shaping contemporary discussions about repatriation.
• Assess how Charles Wilkinson's viewpoints challenge or reinforce existing narratives about the relationship between museums and Native American communities.
  • Charles Wilkinson's viewpoints challenge existing narratives by critiquing the traditional roles of museums as custodians of cultural heritage without proper representation or respect for Native American communities. He argues for a paradigm shift where museums acknowledge their responsibility towards these communities and engage in ethical repatriation practices. By advocating for indigenous voices in these discussions, Wilkinson reinforces a narrative that promotes collaboration and justice, ultimately working towards a more equitable relationship between museums and Native American tribes.

Related terms

NAGPRA:

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act is a federal law that provides a process for museums and federal agencies to return certain Native American cultural items to their respective tribes.

Cultural Heritage:

Cultural heritage refers to the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society inherited from past generations, including practices, representations, and expressions.

Indigenous Sovereignty: Indigenous sovereignty is the right of indigenous peoples to govern themselves, maintain control over their lands, resources, and cultural heritage, and make decisions regarding their communities.