Senator Brian Schatz Demands Faster Repatriation of Native American Ancestral Remains

Inquiry into NAGPRA Compliance

Senator Brian Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, has launched a formal oversight effort targeting 15 prominent museums and universities across the United States. The inquiry demands detailed information regarding their progress in returning Native American ancestral remains and cultural items to their rightful tribal nations, as mandated by the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).

Addressing Persistent Delays

Despite the law being enacted in 1990, many institutions continue to hold significant collections of ancestral remains and funerary objects. Senator Schatz has expressed frustration over the pace of these returns, noting that the continued retention of these items causes ongoing harm to tribal communities. In his correspondence, Schatz emphasized that 'the law is clear' and that institutions must prioritize the repatriation process to rectify historical injustices.

Institutions Under Review

The list of 15 institutions includes major universities and museums that have historically reported large holdings of Native American remains. The Senator's office is seeking specific data from these entities, including:

• Current inventories of unrepatriated ancestral remains.
• Timelines for the completion of repatriation consultations.
• Barriers currently preventing the expedited return of these items.

This oversight action is part of a broader effort to ensure that federal law is being followed and that tribal sovereignty is respected in the management of cultural heritage.

Next Steps for Repatriation

The inquiry serves as a significant pressure point for institutions that have been slow to comply with updated NAGPRA regulations, which were recently strengthened to empower tribes in the repatriation process. Senator Schatz has indicated that the committee will review the responses closely to determine if further legislative or administrative actions are necessary to ensure full compliance and the respectful return of all ancestral remains and cultural patrimony.