Sacred Sites and Repatriation

by Watkins, Joe Edward; Echo-Hawk, Walter; Rosier, Paul

• ISBN13: 9780791079690
• ISBN10: 0791079694
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-09-01
• Publisher: Facts on File

Summary

In recent years, the protection of sacred sites and the return-or repatriation-of human remains and cultural objects have been two of the most important issues among Native Americans. Indian tribes and nations have long fought to preserve sites that have religious or spiritual meaning-their protection is important to ensure continued practice of traditional ceremonies. Equally important to preserving Native culture is the repatriation of human remains and cultural objects from museums, universities, and other repositories. With the passage of two congressional acts-the National Museum of the American Indian Act in 1989 and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act in 1990-Native Americans have begun to reclaim some of their material culture and ancestors' remains. Book jacket.

Table of Contents

Foreword	vi
Walter Echo-Hawk
Introduction	xi
Paul Rosier
Introduction to Repatriation Issues	1	(5)
Why Is There Conflict and What Is Repatriation?	6	(9)
Repatriation Legislation	15	(20)
Repatriation and Anthropology	35	(19)
Repatriation and Museums	54	(18)
Summary of Repatriation Issues	72	(12)
Reclaiming Physical Heritage: Sacred Sites	84	(16)
Conclusions and Hopes for the Future	100	(6)
Chronology	106	(2)
Notes	108	(1)
Bibliography	109	(5)
Further Reading/Websites	114	(2)
Index	116

Excerpts

Examine an issue of paramount concern to the Native American community—repatriation—as it relates to sacred sites. This topic is explored in detail from both sides of the ongoing debate.