"The federal government’s handling of Native American remains and artifacts is being discussed at a week-long conference that starts today in Green Bay.

Tribal historians have much to say on the matter, and those attending the conference are being urged to talk about just how the federal government is upholding the 20-year-old Native American Graves and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), which is intended to help protect Indian burial sites, remains and artifacts.

The Lac du Flambeau’s historic preservation officer, Kelly Jackson, says she’ll discuss how some highway and forestry crews have failed to notify her of unearthed artifacts. She says some agencies have kept such items in file drawers in general office space.

“That reflects the agencies’ inability to see historic preservation or NAGPRA as a priority.”

Some tribes wrestle with bureaucracy. David Grignon, the Menominee tribal historic preservation officer, says he’s frustrated by how slow it is to get bodies repatriated out of museums, back to tribal land. He says the Menominee are “at the forefront” of Wisconsin tribes working with the repatriation process, noting that they’ve worked with the Smithsonian Institution to repatriate the remains of three Menominee tribesmen recently."

Get the Story:
Green Bay conference addresses Native American remains (WPR 8/9)

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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