“AMNH Repatriates Native Ancestors and Cultural Items in Response to NAGPRA

The Potential Future Trends in Repatriation Efforts of Native Ancestors and Cultural Items

Repatriation efforts in museums have gained significant attention and momentum in recent years. The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York has taken a notable step by repatriating the remains of 124 Native ancestors and 90 Native cultural items. This action is in response to the major revisions of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) that came into effect on January 12, 2023. These repatriations signal a potential shift in the museum industry towards greater recognition and respect for indigenous cultures and their ancestral remains.

Background on the Repatriation Efforts

The AMNH has been actively engaging in consultation processes with various stakeholders, including indigenous delegations, as part of their repatriation efforts. So far, the museum has completed eight repatriations, including the ancestral remains of three individuals that were sold to the museum by James Terry in 1891 and Felix von Luschan in 1924. James Terry, an early curator in the AMNH’s anthropology department, and Felix von Luschan, who sold his entire collection of skulls and skeletons to the institution, are notable figures in the history of the museum’s acquisition practices.

Revisions to NAGPRA and Criticisms

The repatriations by the AMNH come after major revisions to NAGPRA, which established processes and procedures for museums and institutions to return human remains, funerary objects, and other items to “Indian tribes” and “Native Hawaiian organizations.” These revisions have been long-awaited and aim to streamline the repatriation process, addressing criticisms that institutions can easily resist the act’s restrictions, causing repatriation efforts to drag on for decades. Tribal representatives have been critical of NAGPRA, demanding stronger enforcement to ensure the timely and respectful return of ancestral remains and cultural items.

An investigation conducted by ProPublica in January 2023 shed light on institutions that held the most items under NAGPRA jurisdiction and the methods they used to repeatedly thwart the repatriation process, such as labeling items as “culturally unidentifiable.” This investigation highlighted the need for clearer guidelines and stricter enforcement to prevent institutions from circumventing their responsibilities.

The Impact on the Museum Industry

The AMNH’s repatriation efforts and the closure of its galleries in response to the new NAGPRA regulations reflect a broader trend in the museum industry. Institutions are increasingly acknowledging the importance of indigenous voices and taking steps towards decolonizing their collections. This includes reassessing the acquisition practices that have perpetuated harm and recognizing the rights of indigenous communities over their ancestral remains and cultural heritage.

With approximately 25% of the AMNH’s collection of human remains being ancestral to Native Americans from within the United States, the repatriation efforts signify a significant shift towards rectifying past injustices and fostering stronger relationships with indigenous communities.

Potential Future Trends and Predictions

Based on the current trajectory of repatriation efforts and the growing demands for stronger enforcement of NAGPRA, several future trends can be predicted:

1. Increased Focus on Transparency: Museums will face increasing pressure to disclose their collections’ provenance, provide clear documentation, and ensure transparency in their repatriation efforts. This will help build trust with indigenous communities and ensure that ancestral remains and cultural items are returned to their rightful owners.
2. Collaboration and Consultation: The importance of consultation with indigenous communities and collaboration in decision-making processes will become paramount. Museums will need to actively engage with indigenous stakeholders throughout the repatriation process, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.
3. Advancements in Technology: Technological advancements, such as DNA analysis and advanced imaging techniques, will aid in the identification and repatriation of culturally unidentifiable remains and items. These tools can provide crucial evidence and contribute to the successful return of ancestral heritage to indigenous communities.
4. Educational Programming and Cultural Storytelling: Museums will invest in educational programming that highlights the history and impact of NAGPRA and emphasizes changes in their approach to cultural storytelling. Collaboration with indigenous advisers and communities will be essential in developing accurate, respectful, and inclusive narratives.
5. Policy Reforms and Stricter Enforcement: The criticisms directed towards NAGPRA will drive further policy reforms and stricter enforcement to ensure the timely and respectful repatriation of ancestral remains and cultural items. The involvement of tribal representatives and indigenous organizations in shaping these reforms will be critical.

Recommendations for the Industry

Building on these trends and predictions, the following recommendations can be made for the museum industry:

1. Develop Clear Guidelines: Museums should work collaboratively with indigenous communities, tribal representatives, and experts to develop clear guidelines for the repatriation process. These guidelines should address the principles of transparency, consultation, and accountability while recognizing the diversity of indigenous cultures and their specific needs.
2. Invest in Research and Technology: Institutions should invest in research and technological advancements that aid in the identification and repatriation of ancestral remains and cultural items. This will require funding for DNA analysis, imaging technologies, and other scientific tools to enhance the identification process.
3. Implement Comprehensive Education Programs: Museums should prioritize the development and implementation of comprehensive education programs that highlight the history and impact of NAGPRA and promote cultural sensitivity. These programs should be co-created with indigenous advisers and communities to ensure accuracy and inclusivity.
4. Ensure Representation and Inclusivity: Institutions must work towards diversifying their staff and decision-making processes. Hiring indigenous professionals, creating advisory committees, and incorporating indigenous perspectives at all levels will promote greater representation and inclusivity within the museum industry.
5. Advocate for Policy Reforms: Museums should actively engage in advocacy efforts to support policy reforms that strengthen NAGPRA and ensure stricter enforcement. Collaborating with tribal representatives, indigenous organizations, and advocacy groups will be essential in shaping these reforms effectively.

By embracing these recommendations, museums can contribute to the healing and reconciliation process with indigenous communities. Repatriation efforts are not only about returning ancestral remains and cultural items but also about acknowledging historical injustices, fostering cultural understanding, and building meaningful relationships based on respect and collaboration.

References:

1. New York Times: [Link]
2. ProPublica: [Link]