Day 1 – 11/7 NAGPRA Regulations Training
For almost 33 years, the NAGPRA process for repatriation has been defined by institutions. The practice that has been built over the last three decades has benefitted institutions and burdened Native Nations, the opposite of Congress’ intent for passing the law. With the new NAGPRA regulations set to be published any day, it is time for all of us to build a new fire regarding how to repatriate under NAGPRA. The new regulations seek to clear a path where lineal descendants, Native Nations, and Native Hawaiian Organizations, rather than museums or federal agencies, define what “expeditious” repatriation means. This will be a comprehensive training on the NAGPRA regulations and will walk through the repatriation process from start to finish and highlight what is required, what is not required, and where there is discretion. This training will provide practical knowledge and necessary tools to improve repatriation in line with Congress’ intent.
Melanie O’Brien, Program Manager, National NAGPRA Program, National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior
