Sacred Sites and Repatriation

In recent years, the protection of sacred sites and the return-or repatriation-of human remains and cultural objects have been two of the most important issues among Native Americans. Indian tribes and nations have long fought to preserve sites that have religious or spiritual meaning-their protection is important to ensure continued practice of traditional ceremonies. Equally important to preserving Native culture is the repatriation of human remains and cultural objects from museums, universities, and other repositories. With the passage of two congressional acts-the National Museum of the American Indian Act in 1989 and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act in 1990-Native Americans have begun to reclaim some of their material culture and ancestors' remains. Book jacket.