Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act

Definition

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) is a U.S. law enacted in 1990 aimed at addressing the rights of Native American tribes regarding the repatriation of their cultural items, human remains, and funerary objects. This law marks a significant recognition of Native American sovereignty and cultural heritage, fostering a process for tribes to reclaim ancestral remains and sacred items that have been taken from them, thus impacting long-term cultural preservation and identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. NAGPRA applies to federal agencies and institutions that receive federal funding, requiring them to return Native American human remains and cultural items to lineal descendants or culturally affiliated tribes.
2. The act promotes the collaboration between Native American tribes and museums or institutions holding their cultural items, fostering respect for tribal sovereignty.
3. NAGPRA was a response to decades of dispossession and exploitation of Native American grave sites and artifacts, highlighting the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples.
4. The implementation of NAGPRA has led to numerous successful repatriations, allowing tribes to reclaim sacred items and ensure proper burial practices for their ancestors.
5. Challenges remain in the enforcement of NAGPRA, particularly regarding the identification of culturally affiliated groups and disputes over ownership of certain artifacts.

Review Questions

• How does NAGPRA reflect long-term impacts on Native American cultural heritage and identity?
  • NAGPRA reflects long-term impacts on Native American cultural heritage by recognizing the importance of repatriating ancestral remains and sacred items to their rightful tribes. This act allows tribes to reclaim aspects of their cultural identity that were stripped away through historical injustices. By returning these items, NAGPRA facilitates healing and cultural revitalization, helping tribes preserve their traditions and strengthen their community ties.
• In what ways does NAGPRA contribute to resistance against assimilation efforts directed towards Native American communities?
  • NAGPRA serves as a form of resistance against assimilation efforts by affirming the rights of Native American tribes to their cultural heritage and ancestral remains. By enabling tribes to reclaim their artifacts, NAGPRA empowers Indigenous communities to maintain their cultural practices and resist pressures to conform to mainstream society. This act not only validates their identities but also reinforces the importance of preserving unique cultural traditions that assimilation seeks to undermine.
• Evaluate the significance of NAGPRA in the broader context of contemporary sovereignty issues faced by Native American tribes.
  • NAGPRA holds significant importance in the context of contemporary sovereignty issues as it acknowledges the rights of Native American tribes over their cultural heritage and ancestral remains. This act represents a legal framework that empowers tribes in asserting their sovereignty and control over cultural items taken without consent. As tribes navigate ongoing challenges related to land rights and self-determination, NAGPRA is a critical tool in advocating for their rights, reinforcing their status as sovereign nations capable of managing their own cultural resources.

Related terms

Cultural Heritage:

The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society inherited from past generations, which is vital for maintaining cultural identity.

Repatriation: The process of returning cultural property to its country of origin or to the descendants of its original creators, often involving sacred items or ancestral remains.

Sovereignty: The authority of a state or tribe to govern itself, including making decisions regarding its own affairs and cultural practices.