NAGPRA stands for the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. It is a United States federal law enacted in 1990 to address the rights of Native American tribes, lineal descendants, and Native Hawaiian organizations with respect to the repatriation and protection of Native American cultural items, including human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony.
Under NAGPRA, it is required that cultural items affiliated with Native American tribes and Indigenous communities be inventoried by museums, federal agencies, and institutions that receive federal funding. It mandates the return of these items to their rightful owners for repatriation, which includes Native American tribes, lineal descendants, and Native Hawaiian organizations. The law recognizes the significance of these cultural items in indigenous traditions, beliefs, and cultural practices.
NAGPRA also emphasizes the consultation and collaboration between museums and Native American tribes or communities in decision-making processes regarding the repatriation of cultural items. It ensures that tribes and communities are provided with an opportunity to claim and repatriate their cultural items, preserving their cultural heritage and protecting their human rights.
The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee was established to assist the implementation of NAGPRA. This committee provides advice and recommendations to federal agencies and the public regarding NAGPRA-related matters. It plays a crucial role in overseeing the compliance and enforcement of the law.
Overall, NAGPRA serves as a significant legal framework for the repatriation and protection of Native American cultural items, enabling tribes and Indigenous communities to assert their rights and maintain the integrity of their cultural heritage.
