Repatriation Progress in 2023: A Step Toward Restoring What Was Stolen

This week’s recommendation is shared by Bill Tammeus.

As we continue to grapple with the long and painful history of colonialism and racial injustice, one of the most important conversations we must have is about the return of cultural and human remains to Indigenous peoples. In ProPublica’s "Repatriation Progress in 2023," journalist [Author's Name] provides a thorough and timely examination of the state of repatriation efforts in the United States, tracking the return of Indigenous artifacts and human remains that were taken without consent during the colonial and post-colonial periods. This article invites us to reflect on how far we've come—and how much further we still need to go—in rectifying centuries of harm.

Summary of the Article

The ProPublica piece focuses on the progress that has been made since the passage of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) in 1990, which mandates that institutions such as museums, universities, and federal agencies return Native American human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and cultural patrimony to the tribes from which they were taken. The law was groundbreaking, yet its implementation has often been slow and inconsistent. While some institutions have worked to comply, others have delayed or avoided returning items that rightfully belong to Native communities.

The article details the specific case of the Smithsonian, which has made significant strides in returning Native remains and artifacts, but also reveals the ongoing challenges that remain in repatriating these items. Many tribal nations are still waiting for the return of sacred objects and ancestral remains. The piece highlights both the tangible successes—such as the repatriation of human remains from European museums—and the frustrating roadblocks that continue to thwart justice.

One of the key takeaways from the article is the recognition that repatriation is not simply about returning physical objects, but about restoring dignity, identity, and connection to history. As many Native communities continue to work through the process of repatriation, it becomes clear that this work is not only legal or political—it is profoundly personal and spiritual.

Why This Matters

The process of repatriation represents one of the most visible ways in which we can acknowledge and confront the racial injustices that continue to affect Indigenous communities. The theft of human remains, sacred objects, and cultural items has left a deep wound in Indigenous communities that remains open to this day. For these communities, the return of such items is not just an act of legal compliance; it is an act of cultural healing.

The article also emphasizes the importance of Indigenous leadership in the repatriation process. Native nations have long been the stewards of their cultures, and as such, they are best positioned to decide what is rightfully theirs and how it should be treated. The efforts of tribal leaders, activists, and scholars have been crucial in pushing for the return of stolen artifacts and human remains, and their work continues to shine a light on the urgency of this issue.

The author also brings attention to the role that public awareness and media coverage play in amplifying these calls for justice. By engaging with stories like this one, we are invited to ask ourselves: What can we do to support these efforts? How can we become allies in the fight for justice and dignity for Indigenous peoples?

A Call to Action

While the article shows that there has been significant progress, it also reminds us that there is still much work to be done. Many objects remain in the hands of institutions that are either unwilling or unable to return them. As individuals and as a society, we must continue to pressure these institutions to fulfill their obligations under NAGPRA and support the ongoing efforts of Native nations to reclaim their cultural heritage.

One important action we can take is to educate ourselves further about the history of repatriation, the ongoing struggles of Indigenous communities, and the importance of cultural preservation. Supporting Indigenous-led organizations, reading works by Indigenous authors and scholars, and advocating for policy change are all important steps we can take in the fight for justice.

In the words of the author, the journey toward true repatriation is "an act of reconciliation"—one that requires not only the return of stolen objects, but the restoration of relationships that have been severed for centuries. As we reflect on this work, let us remember that justice is not a destination, but an ongoing process. It is one we all must be a part of.