Group says NAGPRA bill allows tribes to claim Latinos

Friday, October 5, 2007  

A bill to amend the Native Americans Grave Protection and Repatriation Act would allow tribes to claim ancestors of modern-day Latinos, according to a group that supports the study of ancient remains.

S.2087 changes the definition of "Native American" to make it easier to repatriate ancestors and artifacts of all indigenous groups in the U.S. But the Friends of America's Past says it would allow tribes to claim groups that left no descendants and even the ancestors of Latino people.

Friends of America's Past was part of the Kennewick Man case. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals said the remains of the 9,300-year-old man aren't "Native American" and can't be linked to present-day tribes.

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee approved the amendment on September 27. It's part of the Native American Omnibus Technical Corrections Act of 2007.

Get the Story:
Senate panel sides with tribes, approves more control over study of remains (Medill News Service 10/5)
Senate panel OKs bill that could return Kennewick Man to tribes (AP 10/5)

Get the Bill:
A bill to amend certain laws relating to Native Americans to make technical corrections, and for other purposes (S.2087)

Court Decision:
BONNICHSEN v. US (February 4, 2004)

Relevant Links:
National NAGPRA - http://www.cr.nps.gov/nagpra

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