Bruce Museum NAGPRA Compliance Statement

Since 1990, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) has provided for the protection and return of Native American human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony.

The Bruce Museum is committed to full compliance with both the letter and intent of NAGPRA, maintaining utmost respect for the beliefs and values of the cultures represented in its holdings of Native American objects and materials.

Through meaningful, transparent, and impartial consultation in accordance with Federal and Town of Greenwich laws, the Bruce continues to develop mutually beneficial partnerships with Native peoples, leading to repatriation when requested by Native Nations and tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, Native Alaskan villages, and Native American lineal descendants. The staff of the Bruce Museum will care for all Native American sacred objects, objects of cultural patrimony, funerary objects, and/or human remains with the appropriate dignity and respect.

In further deference to NAGPRA legislation, the Bruce will seek all necessary permissions from the appropriate tribal representatives or lineal descendants for planned displays of any Native American objects.

While historical injustices cannot be fully redressed through the process of repatriation, the Bruce is committed to expanding our collaboration and cooperation with Native peoples to the benefit of all.

For more information on the Bruce Museum’s repatriation efforts, for consultation inquiries, or to submit a repatriation claim, please email NAGPRA@brucemuseum.org.

Additional NAGPRA Resources:

National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nagpra/index.htm

Bureau of Indian Affairs – U.S. Department of the Interior: https://www.bia.gov/service/nagpra

NAGPRA Community of Practice: https://www.nagpracommunityofpractice.com/

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