Overview

• 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.