Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) at Auburn University
Overview
The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) was enacted in 1990 to provide a process for museums and federal agencies to return Native American human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony to their respective lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations.
Mission
Auburn University is committed to the respectful and lawful repatriation of Native American cultural items and human remains. Our mission is to collaborate with Native Tribes, museums, and other institutions to ensure the proper handling and return of these items and human remains.
Repatriation Efforts
Auburn University has been actively working towards repatriation and has published the following notices of inventory completion:
- Notice of Inventory Completion: Auburn University 6/03/2024
- Notice of Inventory Completion: Auburn University 2/15/2023
- Notice of Inventory Completion: Auburn University 3/3/2020
NAGPRA Staff
Auburn University has a dedicated team to work towards NAGPRA compliance.
Michael Walters, NAGPRA Manager
Nickolas Long, NAGPRA Assistant
Hallie Sampson, NAGPRA Assistant
The NAGPRA Manager serves as Auburn University's main NAGPRA point of contact. They are responsible for:
- Building relationships with Native Tribes and coordinating repatriation efforts
- Submitting Notices of Inventory Completion and supporting documents to National NAGPRA
- Managing NAGPRA employees, interns and volunteers
- Educating faculty, staff and students about NAGPRA and its importance
Contact Us
To submit a claim for repatriation or schedule a consultation, please email NAGPRA@auburn.edu.
To request more information about NAGPRA at Auburn University or to set up a consultation, please contact the NAGPRA Manager via email at mcw0121@auburn.edu or call (334) 844-8300.
Per NAGPRA regulations Auburn University can only discuss a specific NAGPRA matter with someone who has been authorized to represent their Tribe or Native Hawaiian Organization in NAGPRA consultations (Tribal Historic Preservation Officers THPOs, NAGPRA Managers/Officers).