Educational Resources & Events
What is NAGPRA?
NAGPRA is the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, a federal law enacted by congress in 1990. NAGPRA sets the criteria for Native American Tribes to reclaim human remains (ancestors), funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony that are wrongfully held by Universities and museums that receive federal funds.
The federal NAGPRA website has more information about the law and its legislative history.
National NAGPRA and KU
The National NAPGRA Program helps administer the 1990 law and offer education to support repatriation efforts. Review their YouTube channel for a variety of educational videos and NAGPRA trainings. Watch Repatriation Program Manager, Tom Torma, explain more about his role, the repatriation process, and further insights.
What is Repatriation?
Repatriation is the process of returning human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony to the tribal nations from which they originated.
Repatriation in Lawrence: Iⁿ ‘zhúje ‘waxóbe/Sacred Red Rock Project
There is currently a repatriation project happening in the Lawrence community in returning Iⁿ ‘zhúje ‘waxóbe, or Sacred Red Rock, to the Kaw Nation. This project is lead by and in service of the Kaw Nation, in collaboration with the KU Spencer Museum of Art, the City of Lawrence, Douglas County, Kanza Heritage Society, and the Mellon Foundation.KU Repatriation Series
The University of Kansas hosts an ongoing series to provide learning opportunities on topics surrounding repatriation and NAGPRA.
Tom Torma: NAGPRA and Tribal Consultations
Tom Torma, KU Repatriation Program Manager, provided participants with a view into tribal consultations as part of the NAGPRA process.
Repatriation from a Tribal and Museums Perspective
March 31, 2023 - 3:00-4:00 PM, Zoom and In-PersonJoin the KU NAGPRA Committee, Native American Initiatives, and Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging in our next installment in the KU Repatriation Series. Experts will discuss repatriation from both tribal and museum perspectives.
