Sacred Objects Returned to Yurok Tribe

More than 200 sacred objects that were in the possession of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian were returned last week to the Yurok Tribe in northern California, as reported in an Associated Press piece published by the Times Leader on Aug. 15.

The collection of items, which includes white deerskins, condor feathers and head dresses of woodpecker scalps, is one of the largest to be repatriated by the museum. Ranging from hundreds to maybe even thousands of years old, the objects were once part of the collection of George Gustav Heye, though the tribe does not know how he obtained them.

“It’s part of the fabric of who we are and why we are,” Javier Kinney, who helped transport the items from the Smithsonian’s facility in Suitland-Silver Hill, Md., told the AP.

The tribe, which has about 5,500 members, plans to use some of the objects in ceremonies, but some will be displayed in its cultural center.

To learn more about the law that requires museums and government agencies to repatriate Native American objects and remains, read Key Federal Agencies Not Fully Complying with NAGPRA, published on AIR on Aug. 6, 2010.

Feds Bust Network Trafficking in Stolen Native Artifacts

Twelve indictments charging 24 defendants with violations of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) were unsealed this morning in Salt Lake City.  The case involves 256 artifacts totaling $335,685.

The indictments were announced this morning in Salt Lake City and are the culmination of a two-year undercover operation targeting a network of individuals allegedly involved in the sale, purchase and exchange of artifacts illegally taken from public or Indian lands in the Four Corners region of the country.  The investigation represents the nation’s largest investigation of archaeological and cultural artifact thefts.

 “These archaeological treasures are precious and protecting them preserves a rich history and heritage. That is why the Justice Department will use all of its tools to vigorously enforce the laws designed to safeguard the cultural heritage of Native Americans,” said Deputy Attorney General David W. Ogden.  “Recommitting resources and focus to criminal justice in Indian Country is of paramount importance to the Justice Department.  We are currently conducting a training initiative with the Interior Department for federal prosecutors and law enforcement personnel on looting, vandalism, and illegal trafficking of cultural heritage, and are planning to reach out to with Indian Country leaders in the near future to engage in an ongoing consultation on these issues.”

Feds Ignoring NAGPRA

The federal government neither assures compliance with or enforcement of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, according to a study released yesterday. In fact, the study says, in some cases federal agencies have withheld or changed information about objects or human remains in their possession. The study was conducted by the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers and is available at its website.