Native American graves protection

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) is a law that safeguards Native American burial sites, ancestral remains, and sacred objects. It establishes procedures for museums and federal agencies to return these items to the tribes they originate from. The law aims to respect Native cultural heritage, prevent illegal excavations, and promote collaboration between Native communities and institutions. Importantly, it balances archaeological interests with the rights of tribes to preserve their ancestors’ graves and cultural items, recognizing their significance and sovereignty.