Seeks to streamline the return of stolen artifacts to Native Hawaiians.
The Department of the Interior announced last week that it had begun a series of conversations with leaders of Tribal and Native Hawaiian communities with the goal of making updates to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The act was put in place in 1990 to return cultural artifacts that had been taken or removed from the sites.
Secretary Deb Haaland said of the modernization, “Changes to NAGPRA regulations are long overdue. It is crucial that as we consider changes, we consult with Tribes and Native Hawaiian communities at each step. I’m hopeful this process will eliminate unnecessary burdens to the repatriation process and allow Indigenous peoples greater access to their ancestors’ remains and sacred items.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Haaland as she leads efforts to return artifacts to Native Hawaiians
- For the Interior Department as policies are updated regarding Native Americans.
- That updates to NAGPRA would bring healing and comfort to local communities.
Sources: Department of the Interior
