Sponsored by: AIA-Kentucky Society, University of Louisville
Passed in 1990, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) provides a legal mechanism for the repatriation and return of Native American and Native Hawaiian ancestral remains and cultural items. In addition to the return of collections, consultation with federally recognized tribal nations is one of the most important components of this federal mandate. In 2021, Indiana University completed the Angel Mounds repatriation, the largest in Midwestern history. This project remains a valuable case study which highlights the complexities of working with a large archaeological collection, collaborating with numerous tribal nations, and navigating the challenges of finding respectful reburial lands.