Museums Adjust to New NAGPRA Regulations for Repatriation of Native American Items

In response to updated federal rules, major U.S. museums are revising their approaches to the display and repatriation of Native American cultural objects.

• New federal regulations under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) aim to expedite the return of Native American ancestors' remains and sacred objects from museums.
• The American Museum of Natural History and other major U.S. museums have begun covering or removing displays of Native American items in response to the updated rules.
• The revisions require museums to inventory their collections within five years, obtain consent from tribes before conducting research or displaying items, and follow clear timelines for repatriation.
• Some institutions, like the Museum of Us and History Colorado, had already adopted policies addressing Indigenous communities' concerns, showcasing a proactive approach to repatriation and collaboration.
• The new regulations emphasize the importance of museums working directly with Native nations, fostering long-term relationships and ensuring cultural sensitivity in exhibits.

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