Number: RL33031
Title: Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA): Legal and Legislative Developments
Authors: Douglas Reid Weimer, American Law Division 
Abstract: Currently pending legislation, S. 536, the Native American Omnibus Act of 2005, would amend NAGPRA. Section 108 would amend the definition of "Native American," within the context of NAGPRA, so as to include a tribe, people, or a culture, that is or was indigenous to the United States (italics added). It would further amend NAGPRA to include the phrase "any geographic area that is now located within the boundaries of" the United States. If enacted, it is not certain what precise impact this amendment may have on the disposition of the Kennewick Man and on the disposition of other ancient human remains which may be discovered in the future. However, if enacted, the amendment may bring such remains into the purview of NAGPRA. The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held a hearing on S. 536 on July 28, 2005. The statutory provisions of NAGPRA and the related regulations are outlined below. The factual circumstances concerning the discovery and custody of the Kennewick Man are summarized and the litigation and its conclusions are analyzed. Currently pending legislation, and its possible impact on the application of NAGPRA are considered.
Pages: 14
Date: August 10, 2005