Contributed by Ryan Wheeler
The Association on American Indian Affairs, helmed by Shannon O’Loughlin, hosted the 9th annual repatriation conference at the grand resort of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The Peabody Institute was one of fifteen organizations that helped sponsor the three-day conference. Much of the focus was on compliance with the Native American Graves Protection & Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), federal legislation passed in 1990 that made it possible for Tribal Nations to reclaim their ancestors, funerary belongings, as well as several other types of cultural items from museums and federal agencies. About 300 people attended in person, with another 300 online.
This year’s theme–Building a New Fire–focused participants on how museums, agencies, and Tribal Nations could prepare for the new repatriation regulations promulgated by the Department of the Interior, the implications of the passage of the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony (STOP) Act and international repatriation, as well as numerous case studies and panel discussions. Highlights include conversations with some of the journalists that have been covering NAGPRA compliance this year from ProPublica and other news outlets, a keynote talk by Angeline Boulley, author of Warrior Girl Unearthed and Firekeeper’s Daughter, as well as training on NAGPRA compliance by Melanie O’Brien, manager of the National Park Service’s repatriation program.
I was happy to participate in the session “Well That is What it Says, But…: A Policy Focused Discussion of NAGPRA and its Application in Medical Examiner and Coroner Offices,” organized by Megan Kleeschulte, Doctoral Candidate at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and featuring Dr. Ellen Lofaro, Director of Repatriation at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and William Johnson, Saginaw Chippewa, Curator and Operations Manager for the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture & Lifeways. Megan’s work focuses on medical examiner and coroner compliance with NAGPRA, which varies as much as the local and state structures that govern these forensically focused offices.
The conference was also a great opportunity to connect with old friends and make new connections. Since the Covid pandemic, a lot of consultation has happened over the phone or on Zoom, so being in the same place with friends and colleagues was a blessing. Shannon hinted that future conferences might be focused regionally, with even greater emphasis on connecting Tribal Nations with the institutions and agencies that are holding their ancestors and belongings. Whatever the future holds, I’m looking forward to participating. It’s special to be able to gather with others all working on repatriation and build on that shared experience.
The Peabody 