Guiding the Next Generation of NAGPRA Practitioners: Formalized NAGPRA Educational Opportunities at Arizona State University

Summary

This is an abstract from the "Four Decades of NAGPRA, Part 1: Accomplishments and Challenges" session, at the 90th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

Expertise in NAGPRA has been traditionally gained through hands-on experience. Personal reflections published in books, lectures, webinars, workshops, the NAGPRA community of practice, and National NAGPRA all provided insights, but the process is often mystifying for those starting out. Recognizing the need for more substantial training opportunities, the School of Human Evolution and Social Change at Arizona State University launched an educational program focused on museum NAGPRA compliance in 2022. Over four semesters, undergraduate students learn how to collaborate with tribal partners and other stakeholders to move an unknown archaeological collection to repatriation. During their time in this learning track, students hear from tribal partners and NAGPRA practitioners at different career stages, gain experience leading a repatriation project, and practice skills they learn at a partner federal agency or museum. Students complete the learning track with two years of practical experience and a good foundation for leading NAGPRA projects. We will also discuss the forthcoming Museum Studies MA focusing on NAGPRA offered at ASU.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 90th Annual Meeting, Denver, CO (2025)   •
• Four Decades of NAGPRA, Part 1: Accomplishments and Challenges

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 52089