There are actually two different, federal entities that operate "repatriation" programs. One is operated by the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service (NPS) National NAGPRA Program and the other other applies exclusively to the Smithsonian Institution. NPS NAGPRA does not apply within the Smithsonian and vice versa.
* National Park Service NAGPRA program was created by Public Law 101-601 on November 16, 1990. (25 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.; Final Regulations at 43 CFR 10 as amended January 13, 1997, August 7, 1997, and May 5, 2003, and published in the Code of Federal Regulations October 1, 2003)
* Public Law 101-185 was signed into law on November 28, 1989 and established the National Museum of the American Indian within the Smithsonian Institution (20 USC 80q). In addition to creating NMAI and the transfer of collections, the Act required the Smithsonian to create and carry out an institution-wide repatriation policy regarding Native American and certain cultural materials. The NMAI Act Amendment of 1996 (Public Law 104-278) added specific repatriation provisions.
NPS National NAGPRA Program
NPS NAGPRA Grants to Tribes & Museums
NPS NAGPRA Review Committee
NPS Civil Penalties Procedures
The Smithsonian Institution
- National Museum
of the American Indian
The National Museum of the American Indian, established by Congress in 1989, is dedicated to the preservation, exhibition and study of the life and culture of Native Americans. It is one of the museums of the Smithsonian Institution, an independent trust of the United States. The website offers information about exhibits, events, educational programs, repatriation and has extensive links to other resources related to Native Americans. - National Museum
of the Natural History
Information on repatriation at this museum.