Oregon State University and nine Oregon tribes have established a unique facility aimed at repatriating ancestral remains and cultural items. The facility is the first of its kind in the U.S. that prioritizes tribal voices in compliance with NAGPRA. It will host consultations, ceremonies, and repatriations, fostering a respectful approach to addressing historical injustices. This initiative is hailed as a model for similar efforts nationwide.
In a historic collaboration, Oregon State University (OSU) and nine federally recognized tribes in Oregon have joined forces to establish a unique facility dedicated to the repatriation of ancestral remains and cultural items. This endeavor marks a pivotal moment as tribal leaders and university officials commenced the transfer of ancestral remains, demonstrating a profound commitment to honoring the history and heritage of Native communities. The facility will serve as a sacred space for consultations, ceremonies, and repatriations, fulfilling OSU’s responsibilities under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The NAGPRA mandates federal institutions to return ancestral remains and certain cultural items to their rightful communities. By creating this facility, OSU aims to lead by example, emphasizing the importance of tribal involvement in the repatriation process. Briece Edwards from the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde articulated this focus: “One of the ways in which institutions are building living relationships and creating repatriation policies that fit the needs of descendant communities is by putting Tribal nations and communities at the forefront of policy development.” This collaborative effort reflects a growing recognition of the deep-seated issues faced by Native communities. Doug Barrett, chief of The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, stressed the importance of this initiative, declaring, “This is a really big deal, and it needs to be a model that is followed across the nation.” The university’s vice president, Scott Vignos, echoed this sentiment, asserting the importance of reconciliation between past harms and future commitments. As Oregon State navigates the complexities of NAGPRA, Dawn Marie Alapisco, the director of NAGPRA at OSU, explained, “We go through this legal repatriation process… but we can do so in a way that is much more congruent with the values and cultural ideals of the Tribes we are in partnership with.” With this facility, OSU aspires to redefine the process of repatriation, prioritizing not just compliance but the honoring of ancestral presence and community significance. Recognizing that repatriation is a journey rather than a race, the facility will serve diverse entities in Oregon, allowing for the reflection and healing needed in this significant undertaking. Vignos encapsulated this thoughtful approach, stating, “It’s less about how quickly we can get this done and more about how respectfully can we get this done.”
The collaboration between Oregon State University and Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes is a remarkable endeavor aimed at addressing the long-standing impact of colonialism on Native American communities. The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), enacted in 1990, mandates the return of ancestral remains and cultural items from federal institutions to Native Americans and Native Hawaiian organizations. This initiative not only adheres to legal compliance but also emphasizes a cultural and respectful approach to repatriation, prioritizing tribal needs and strengthening relationships through collaboration. The effort is seen as a model for other institutions across the nation.
This groundbreaking facility at Oregon State University symbolizes a new chapter in the journey of repatriation, focusing on building respectful relationships with tribes while recognizing and addressing past injustices. By placing tribal voices at the forefront and ensuring meaningful collaboration, the project stands as a beacon of hope and healing. The effort demonstrates a commitment to honoring the humanity of ancestors and serves as a template for institutions nationwide striving to reconcile with Indigenous communities.
Original Source: ktvz.com
