Repatriation and NAGPRA
... They protested the display of Indian human remains and they began acknowledging their desire for repatriation. ... The development and passage of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) in 1990 changed the underlying structures upon which the relationships between Native Americans and archaeologists were based. NAGPRA outlines the conditions for the repatriation of Native American remains and artifacts from archeological projects, museums and agencies. ... Many people consider that NAGPRA is a human rights legislation that’s aim is to provide equal treatment for all human remains without considering race or cultural background. ... NAGPRA achieves two main objectives. ... The older generation of archaeologists remember a time of no limits, and now, repatriation sets limits. ... There seems to be a generation gap in archaeology and it is a good thing because even some Indians are getting involved and that will be a good thing for repatriation issues. For Indians the repatriation movement is an attempt to be recognized as human beings who have children, relatives and ancestors. ... ” The political aspect of repatriation is simple, until the demand to be recognized as living breathing human beings is met, none of their other problems like crimes and indignities that they suffer can be addressed. ... The cultural importance of repatriation is twofold. ... Repatriation provides a chance for Native and non-Native individuals to communicate in new ways. NAGPRA demands that we confront our country’s history of conquest, genocide, and racism and offers an opportunity to review and acknowledge and to change and to heal.