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.

Sacred Red Rock in shadow against a yellow and blue sunset. Trees and traffic lights frame the rock in the center of the photo.

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.

Sacred Red Rock Curriculum

KU Repatriation Series

The University of Kansas hosts an ongoing series to provide learning opportunities on topics surrounding repatriation and NAGPRA.

Dark blue bars at top and bottom of image include the event hosts, date, and time. Grey bar in middle has dark blue and red text that has the event title.

Repatriation from a Tribal and Museums Perspective

March 31, 2023 - 3:00-4:00 PM, Zoom and In-Person

Join 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.

Details on Past Event


Chief Duane Hollow Horn Bear speaks to the KU community at the Lied Center.

Re-Membering & Connecting

On November 4, 2022, Chief Duane Hollow Horn Bear (Sicangu Lakota from the Aske Gluwipi Tiospay) shared his wisdom and experience with repatriation to the KU community.

Details on Past Event

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