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 aims to protect Native American burial sites and facilitate the repatriation of cultural items, including human remains, artifacts, and sacred objects, to their respective tribes. The act reflects a broader recognition of the rights of Indigenous peoples regarding their cultural heritage and ancestral remains, emphasizing ethical considerations in museum acquisition strategies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. NAGPRA applies to federal agencies and institutions that receive federal funding, requiring them to identify and return Native American cultural items to lineal descendants and culturally affiliated tribes.
2. The act includes provisions for the protection of burial sites on federal and tribal lands, prohibiting unauthorized excavation or removal of remains and artifacts.
3. Under NAGPRA, museums must consult with Native American tribes regarding the handling of cultural items in their collections that may be subject to repatriation.
4. NAGPRA has led to increased collaboration between museums, universities, and Indigenous communities to ensure ethical stewardship of cultural heritage.
5. Violations of NAGPRA can result in significant penalties, including fines and loss of federal funding for institutions that fail to comply with the act's provisions.

Review Questions

• How does NAGPRA influence acquisition strategies in museums regarding Native American artifacts?
  • NAGPRA has a significant impact on how museums acquire Native American artifacts by mandating that they assess the cultural affiliation of items in their collections. Museums must now engage in consultations with Indigenous communities to determine the rightful ownership of artifacts. This shift ensures that acquisition practices are aligned with ethical standards and respect for Indigenous rights, transforming the way institutions view their responsibilities toward Native American cultural heritage.
• Discuss the ethical considerations involved in the repatriation process outlined by NAGPRA.
  • The repatriation process under NAGPRA raises crucial ethical considerations about ownership, respect for Indigenous cultures, and historical injustices. It challenges museums and federal agencies to confront past practices of collecting without consent and to recognize the spiritual significance of human remains and cultural items to Native American tribes. The act encourages a more respectful approach to collaboration with Indigenous peoples as custodians of their heritage, thereby fostering a more equitable relationship between museums and Native American communities.
• Evaluate the broader implications of NAGPRA on cultural heritage management practices within the United States.
  • NAGPRA has transformed cultural heritage management practices by promoting a framework that emphasizes Indigenous rights and participation in decision-making regarding their cultural heritage. This act encourages other countries and institutions to consider similar legislation to address historical grievances related to colonization and cultural appropriation. The ripple effects of NAGPRA are seen not only in how artifacts are managed but also in how museums worldwide are increasingly held accountable for ethical stewardship and collaborative practices with Indigenous communities.

Related terms

Cultural Resource Management: A field that focuses on preserving and managing cultural resources, including archaeological sites, artifacts, and historical structures.

Repatriation:

The process of returning cultural items, human remains, and artifacts to their country or community of origin, particularly in the context of Indigenous peoples.

Cultural Heritage:

The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes inherited from past generations, encompassing art, traditions, and historical sites.