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Overview
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The Native American Graves and Repatriation Act, 25 USC 3001 et seq.
(1990), or NAGPRA, provides for the protection of Native American graves,
archaeological sites, and other living sites. It also defines ownership of
human remains, cultural items, and cultural property to Native American
tribes, groups, or individuals.
Since its inception, the law has been
instrumental in preventing the theft of Native property as well as providing for the
return of sacred items long lost to museums and other institutions throughout the
United States.
Due to its wide reach and legal significance, the law also has been subject to controversy. The
findings of Kennewick Man in Washington state have drawn attention to the
limitations of the law defining what is and what is not "Native." As
the scientific community comes to terms with these limitations, the protection of
our Native history remains an important goal for the millenium.
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Primary Materials
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NAGPRA
The text of the law, in parts. From ArchNet at the University of Connecticut.
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