Counter-NAGPRA legislation to be introduced again

Thursday, October 4, 2007  

Rep. Doc Hastings (R-Washington) is expected to introduce legislation to counter a proposed amendment to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.

Hastings represents the district where the remains of the 9,300-year-old Kennewick Man was found. His bill would ensure that scientists can continue to study ancestors and artifacts found on federal land.

The bill would counter S.2087, which would amend NAGPRA by changing the definition of "Native American." The goal is to ensure repatriation of ancestors and artifacts that can't be linked to present-day tribes.

S.2087, which contains amendments to other bills, was approved by the Senate Indian Affairs Committee on September 27.

Get the Story:
Senate bill could untie Kennewick Man bones (The Mid Columbia Tri City Herald 10/4)

Get the Bill:
A bill to amend certain laws relating to Native Americans to make technical corrections, and for other purposes (S.2087)

Court Decision:
BONNICHSEN v. US (February 4, 2004)

Relevant Links:
National NAGPRA - http://www.cr.nps.gov/nagpra

Related Stories:
Senate bill revives disputed NAGPRA amendment (10/1)
Judge faults BLM for decision on ancient remains (09/25)
Column: Fine tuning of Native repatriation act (08/28)
Bill allows study of ancient remains on federal land (08/10)
Bush administration opposes NAGPRA amendment (07/29)
Listening Lounge: Senate hearing on repatriation (07/28)
Editorial: Science trumps Native repatriation (7/27)
Editorial: McCain should drop NAGPRA amendment (7/20)
NAGPRA amendment up for hearing in Senate (07/06)
Column: Hearing slated on two-word change to NAGPRA (06/24)
Tribe says NAGPRA amendment will right a wrong (04/19)
Opinion: McCain bill will block study of ancient remains (04/14)
Scientists oppose McCain bill to change NAGPRA (04/08)
Panel approves Native Hawaiian, NAGPRA changes (03/10)
NAGPRA change up for Senate consideration again (3/9)
Campbell-backed bill adds two words to NAGPRA (10/1)