Native America Calling: Frustration and skepticism over slow repatriation efforts

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Monday, August 5, 2024

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Frustration and skepticism over slow repatriation efforts

The American Museum of Natural History in New York just announced it’s repatriating remains of 124 relatives and almost 100 Native cultural items from its collection.

The museum continues to hold onto remains of some 12,000 other individuals from North America and beyond. It’s among institutions re-examining practices after new rules enacted this year forced museums to consider tribal views more seriously when it comes to remains and public displays.

While some tribes are seeing progress, others are expressing frustration over institutions’ lack of compliance with federal law.

NAGPRA enforcement enters new era after more than 30 years

Museums and educational institutions are facing new pressures to comply with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act amid high-level attention to the decades-old law.

Indianz.Com

Guests on Native America Calling

Shannon O’Loughlin (Choctaw), chief executive and attorney for the Association on American Indian Affairs

Beth Wright (Laguna Pueblo), staff attorney for the Native American Rights Fund

Duane Reid (member of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians), NAGPRA and tribal historic preservation officer for Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians, headquartered in Montana