Are Native American burial grounds protected?

Native activists won a landmark victory in 1990 with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. This law protects Native human remains on federal and tribal lands and mandates that federal institutions (or institutions that receive federal funding) must repatriate Native remains in their possession.

What happens when Native American remains are found?

Laws now require protection, excavation, and consultation with tribal governments when native remains are discovered. In all cases the bones and objects of Native American’s ancestors are to be treated with respect and returned to the tribe of origin for proper care and reburial.

What happens if you disturb an Indian burial ground?

Any disturbance to the burial site is considered greatly disrespectful and is said to bring suffering to the descendants of the deceased. The Navajo believe a body must be properly buried so that the spirit can move on. If it is buried improperly, the spirit may remain in the physical world.

Is it illegal to dig up Indian burial grounds?

It took five years, but in 1990, Congress finally passed the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, or NAGPRA, which made it illegal to dig, desecrate or take any Native American remains, funerary objects, sacred objects and objects of cultural patrimony from federal and tribal lands.

How do you identify Native American artifacts?

Native American Artifact Identification Tips

1. In arrowheads and spearheads, look for a clear point and a defined edge and base.
2. For Native American stone artifacts, identify the variety of stone used in the construction.
3. In bone and shell tools, look for irregularities when compared to the original shape of the material.

What are Indian burial grounds called?

The Indian Burial Ground is a historic Native American cemetery on Narrow Lane in Charlestown, Rhode Island. The small (0.1-acre (0.040 ha)) cemetery is believed to have been the burying ground for leaders of the Narragansett and Niantic tribes….

Is it illegal to own Native American artifacts?

Under U.S. law, archaeological materials that are taken from federal or Indian lands without a permit are unlawful. Ancient objects that are found on private land are legal for individuals to own under NAGPRA, although these objects could (very rarely) be subject to a civil claim of superior title by a tribe.

How many Native American remains have been found?

Since the legislation passed, the human remains of approximately 32,000 individuals have been returned to their respective tribes. Nearly 670,000 funerary objects, 120,000 unassociated funerary objects, and 3,500 sacred objects have been returned.

Was the Amityville house built on a burial ground?

Myth – The famed Amityville house resides on an ancient cemetery that was either abandoned or cursed. Fact – In 1913, William A. Eardeley was commissioned by the state of New York to copy down old cemetery and bible records because many of the Amityville cemeteries were either abandoned or neglected.

What is a spirit house Native American?

Spirit houses, an Athabascan tradition, provide a place for the deceased soul to dwell during the 40 days it is believed to linger in this world. When a body is buried, stones are piled on the grave and covered in a blanket to provide symbolic warmth and comfort to the person.

Where do Indian tribes get their money?

Money for tribe’s come in a couple different ways; dividends or gambling revenues. Dividends can come from the government to be distributed to tribes and their members based on the tribes history with government. They can receive compensation for land disputes or things like land rights.

Does the US government have the right to disturb Native American graves?

The U.S. government does not have the right to disturb Native American graves or their dead, because it has not been granted by any treaty. The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act is a law that establishes the ownership of cultural items excavated or discovered on federal or tribal land after November 16, 1990.

What happens if you get caught with Native American remains?

Lastly, NAGPRA makes it a criminal offense to traffic in Native American human remains without right of possession or in Native American cultural items obtained in violation of the Act. Penalties for a first offense may reach 12 months imprisonment and a $100,000 fine.

What is the purpose of the Native American burial act?

The second major purpose of the statute is to provide greater protection for Native American burial sites and more careful control over the removal of Native American human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and items of cultural patrimony on Federal and tribal lands.

Why do they dig up Native American graves?

Native American graves are often dug up during construction projects and university-funded archaeological digs, much to the dismay of Native leaders. But more and more, Native Americans are fighting back against the practice, which they see as highly unjust and contradictory. Sonny Ledford is sharpening his battle axes.