NAGPRA

NAGPRA, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, is a law enacted in 1990 that aims to respectfully return Native American cultural items—such as human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and items of cultural significance—to their rightful tribes or descendants. It requires museums, federal agencies, and institutions receiving federal funds to inventory, document, and consult with Native communities about these items, ensuring respectful treatment and cultural preservation. NAGPRA fosters collaboration between institutions and tribes, promoting recognition, respect, and the restoration of Native American heritage.