Smithsonian Institution

Definition

The Smithsonian Institution is a group of museums and research centers in the United States, established in 1846, which aims to promote knowledge and education in the arts, sciences, and culture. It plays a significant role in the repatriation of cultural artifacts and human remains, especially those belonging to Native American tribes, addressing the historical injustices surrounding their collection and preservation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Smithsonian Institution has over 19 museums and galleries, which house millions of artifacts, including those related to Native American history and culture.
2. Under NAGPRA, the Smithsonian works with Native American tribes to identify and return culturally significant items and ancestral remains to their communities.
3. The institution has made efforts to create partnerships with tribal leaders to ensure that repatriation processes respect tribal sovereignty and cultural values.
4. Smithsonian museums conduct extensive research on their collections, promoting education about the importance of repatriation and cultural heritage preservation.
5. The Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian is dedicated to showcasing Native American history and culture while also serving as a hub for discussions about repatriation.

Review Questions

• How does the Smithsonian Institution facilitate the repatriation process for Native American tribes?
  • The Smithsonian Institution facilitates the repatriation process by collaborating with Native American tribes under NAGPRA. This involves identifying artifacts and remains that are culturally significant to tribes, ensuring that proper legal protocols are followed for their return. The institution also engages in dialogue with tribal leaders to foster mutual understanding and respect during this process.
• What role does NAGPRA play in shaping the policies of the Smithsonian Institution regarding cultural artifacts?
  • NAGPRA significantly shapes the policies of the Smithsonian Institution by mandating that federal agencies, including museums, work with Native American tribes to return human remains and cultural items. This law creates a legal framework that obligates the Smithsonian to assess its collections for items that may belong to tribes and sets forth procedures for repatriation. As a result, it emphasizes accountability in addressing historical injustices regarding indigenous cultural heritage.
• Evaluate the impact of the Smithsonian Institution's efforts on Native American communities and cultural preservation in recent years.
  • The Smithsonian Institution's efforts have had a profound impact on Native American communities by fostering relationships built on trust and respect through its repatriation initiatives. These efforts have not only returned valuable cultural artifacts but have also enabled tribes to reclaim their heritage and strengthen their identities. By promoting awareness about indigenous history through exhibitions and educational programs, the Smithsonian has contributed significantly to the ongoing dialogue about cultural preservation, reconciliation, and healing within Native communities.

Related terms

NAGPRA: The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act is a federal law that establishes the rights of Native American tribes to reclaim human remains and cultural items from federal agencies and institutions, including the Smithsonian.

Cultural Heritage: Cultural heritage refers to the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society, which includes traditions, customs, and sites of historical significance.

Repatriation: Repatriation is the process of returning cultural artifacts or human remains to their place of origin or to the rightful descendants, often involving legal and ethical considerations.