The Good and The Bad of NAGPRA
with. I know of one or two cases where claims of ‘cultural affiliation’ by tribes to remains are causing controversy. Kennewick Man is a thorny issue that is mired in politics. I’m sympathetic to both sides. Obviously, NAGPRA can hinder archaeology. I’m sure many people would say Kennewick Man is a case in point.”
The effect of NAGPRA on the future of archaeology remains to be seen, but you can be certain both sides have definite opinions.
“It will only make it better – this is evidenced by the increase in cooperation between tribes and archaeologists that has already improved the science,” said Kathy Roxlau, Cultural Resource Specialist at Tetra Tech NUS, Inc., in a recent e-mail interview.
“NAGPRA is open-ended, so we will always keep our collections open to consultation and potential NAGPRA claims,” commented Michael Lewis. “NAGPRA has encouraged Native Americans to become involved in the process of anthropology and archaeology so as to speak in their own voice in the anthropological world. More and more tribes and villages are building their own culture and heritage centers as places of learning for their own people and visitors. Anthropologists continue to question their own motivations for scientific research of people who are not their own ancestors, and how this research will serve the subjects of their investigations.”
Robert York also commented on the impact NAGPRA may have on the future of archaeology.
“Tough to know. I am a believer in the principle of whatever we predict, though, will not be what happens. I am optimistic that archaeologists will return to and defend scientific principles just as Native Americans stick to their principles. And, that we can keep working toward accommodations.”
It is clear NAGPRA has already made its friends and enemies, and while I do believe you can’t necessarily ever take back the evil deeds done in the past, I also believe some steps have to be taken to rectify injustices and prevent them from occurring in the future. Is NAGPRA written too broadly to achieve these goals?
Who really knows? But, it certainly leaves the door open for anyone with an overzealous interpretation to take a stab at it.
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