Representatives of the Government Accountability Office will discuss the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act report at the 12th annual meeting of the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers

The report found that federal agencies have failed to comply with NAGPRA despite being given more than a decade to do so. As of fiscal year 2009, only 55 percent of tribal ancestors and 68 percent of associated funerary objects have been returned to their rightful places, the GAO said.

Lead auditor Jeff Malcom, the assistant director of the GAO Natural Resources and Environment Team, and other representatives will discuss the report at the conference next week. It takes place August 9-3 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

"Native people from around the country are gathering next week to come together and talk about pressing cultural issues in Indian country, with a focus on the GAO report on NAGPRA," NATHPO General Chairman Reno Franklin said in a press release.

GAO Report Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act: After Almost 20 Years, Key Federal Agencies Still Have Not Fully Complied with the Act:
Summary | Highlights | Full Report | Recommendations

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