What is the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act?

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) is a federal law passed in 1990 to protect Native American graves and cultural items. The act applies to federal and tribal lands in Washington. NAGPRA requires federal agencies and institutions that receive federal funding to return any Native American human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony to the affiliated tribes of the deceased persons. NAGPRA also grants tribes the right to repatriate the remains and associated funerary objects of their lineal descendants, even if they are held by nonfederal entities. Additionally, NAGPRA requires federal agencies to return Native American cultural items to federally-recognized tribes, if the item was acquired or excavated on or after November 16, 1990. NAGPRA was passed by Congress to protect Native American graves from destruction, desecration and looting, and to ensure the return of remains and other cultural items to their respective tribes. The law also provides for the consultation of affiliated Indian tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations for all Native American burials and certain other items. Such consultations are designed to help ensure that Native American cultural items are properly respected and handled in a respectful manner.

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What is the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act?

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