NAGPRA Training

Past National NAGPRA Webinars:

April 12, 2:00 – 4:00pm (EDT) – Ask Your NAGPRA Questions: An Open Forum
Do you have a specific question you would like to ask National NAGPRA Program staff or legal counsel?  Do you seek clarification of a particular NAGPRA issue? This webinar provides you with an opportunity to hear about any new developments in the National NAGPRA Program, and to have your questions or concerns addressed.  In order to ensure that this forum thoughtfully considers your queries, please include your questions along with your registration. Registration deadline is April 9.

March 22, 2012, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. (EDT) -- What Difference Does It Make?: NAGPRA Inventories, Summaries, and Federal Register Notices

Under NAGPRA, Federal agencies and museums must complete inventories and summaries for the Native American human remains, funerary objects, scared objects, and objects of cultural patrimony under their control, and must submit these documents to Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations, as appropriate, as well as to the National NAGPRA Program. Inventories and summaries form the basis for Notices of Inventory Completion and Notices of Intent to Repatriate Cultural Items. Publication of notices in the Federal Register, in turn, satisfies the process required in order for the disposition of such human remains and cultural items to occur. Inventories and summaries, thus, are directly linked to notices. Yet, while they share similar content, inventories and summaries are neither identical to nor interchangeable with notices. In this webinar, we will examine the NAGPRA inventory -- its form and purpose -- and demonstrate how to navigate the National NAGPRA Program's Inventory Database. Then, with a thorough understanding of inventories, we will examine the notice format, demonstrate how to prepare a conforming notice from an inventory, and explain the process of getting a notice to publication in the Federal Register. Similarly, we will spend some time looking at the connections between NAGPRA summaries and Notices of Intent to Repatriate. This webinar is especially targeted at NAGPRA practitioners whose responsibilities include the completion of inventories and summaries, and Federal Register notices. Time will be allocated for discussion and questions; however, participants are encouraged to send their questions at the time they register for the webinar.

Presenters: Mariah Soriano, Database and Website Coordinator, National NAGPRA Program; and Alayna Rasile, Contractor, National NAGPRA Program

February 2, 2012, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. (EST) -- Complying with Section 3 of NAGPRA on Tribal Land

Section 3 of NAGPRA (25 U.S.C. § 3002) addresses the disposition of human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony found on Federal and tribal lands after November 16, 1990. If discovered on tribal land, the excavation or removal of human remains and cultural items requires the consent of the Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization on whose tribal land the discovery is made, and ownership or control of the remains and cultural items is in the tribe or NHO (where a lineal descendant of human remains and associated funerary objects cannot be ascertained). What is tribal land under NAGPRA? How does the excavating party know with whom to consult? What is the NAGPRA compliance process? These questions and more will be the focus of this webinar. Time will be allocated for discussion and questions, however, participants are encouraged to send in any questions they have when they register.

Presenters: Marvin Keller, Archaeologist/FPO/ NEPA Coordinator, IA-DECRM, Indian Affairs; Annie Pardo, Museum Program Manager/National Curator/NAGPRA Coordinator, Indian Affairs; and Stephen Simpson, Senior Attorney, Office of the Solicitor, Division of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior

December 6, 2011,2:00 – 4:00 p.m. (EST) -- Applying for a FY 2012 NAGPRA Grant

Section 10 of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make grants to museums, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations for the purposes of assisting in consultation, documentation, and repatriation of Native American human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony. The National NAGPRA Program offers two types of grants -- Consultation/Documentation grants and Repatriation grants. Consultation/Documentation grants are project-based grants that support the efforts of museums, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations to consult on and document human remains and cultural items. These grants are competitive; the maximum allowable award is $90,000. Repatriation grants are non-competitive awards for up to $15,000. These awards defray costs associated with the packaging, transportation, contamination removal, reburial, and/or storage of human remains and/or cultural items. In this webinar you will learn more about the NAGPRA Grants program, review the FY 2012 Consultation/Documentation grant application, and find out about new resources available on the NAGPRA Program’s website to assist you in preparing your grant request.

Presenters: Sangita Chari, NAGPRA Grants Coordinator, National NAGPRA Program; and Kelsea Raether, Intern, National NAGPRA Program

October 25, 2011, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. ( EDT) -- NAGPRA Grants Administration

This webinar is a must for FY 2011 NAGPRA Consultation/Documentation and Repatriation grantees, and especially grant administrators. In this webinar we will review the administrative and programmatic requirements of NAGPRA grants. Attendees will learn how to file reports, request funds, and submit requests to modify or extend their grant. As spaces in this webinar are limited, you must be a NAGPRA grant recipient in order to be automatically admitted, though former grantees may request to attend. FY 2011 grantees are strongly recommended to attend this webinar.

Presenters: Sangita Chari, NAGPRA Grants Coordinator, National NAGPRA Program; Vedet Coleman, Grants Management Specialist, Historic Preservation Grants Division; and Hampton Tucker, Chief, Historic Preservation Grants Division

September 15, 2011, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. (EDT) -- Coordinating Compliance with Section 3 of NAGPRA and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act

Since November 16, 1990, whenever a project carried out, approved, or funded by a Federal agency is to occur on Federal land or tribal land, both Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA, 16 U.S.C. 470f) and Section 3 of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA, 25 U.S.C. 3002) are implicated. Under NHPA Section 106, if the project has the potential to affect historic properties on tribal land, or historic properties of significance to one or more Indian tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations on Federal land, then prior to beginning the project, the Federal agency must consult with officials of the appropriate Native Hawaiian organization(s) or federally recognized Indian tribe(s) on measures to avoid or reduce harm to the historic properties in the area of potential effect. Successful completion of Section 106 review, though, is no guarantee that the project may proceed uninterrupted, for Section 3 of NAGPRA will temporarily halt the project if Native American human remains or other cultural items are discovered and no plan is in place that addresses their excavation or removal, and disposition. Instead of putting such a project at risk of being suspended for lack of a plan to address its NAGPRA responsibilities, one course of action for the Federal agency would be to conduct consultation with (or, in the case of tribal lands, obtain the consent of) the appropriate Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization on a contingency plan ("Plan of Action") to address the excavation or removal, and disposition of any NAGPRA cultural items discovered during the project. In this webinar, the presenters will briefly review NHPA Section 106 and NAGPRA Section 3 responsibilities; explain why Federal agencies might wish to integrate NAGPRA Section 3 contingency planning in their NHPA Section 106 review; and demonstrate how, as a practical matter, this work may be accomplished.

Presenters: Valerie Hauser, Director, Office of Native American Affairs, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; and Chuck Smythe, Ethnography Program Manager, Northeast Region, National Park Service

July 20, 2011, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. (EDT) - Integrating 43 CFR 10.11, Final Rule - The Disposition of Culturally Unidentifiable Human Remains Into the NAGPRA Process

The Final Rule became effective May 14, 2010. Review the key elements of the CUI Rule. The webinar will be an opportunity for tribal, museum and federal agency officials as well as interested members of the public to review the CUI Rule with NAGPRA staff and attorneys and ask questions regarding its implementation. Time will be allocated for discussion and questions, however, participants are encouraged to send in any questions they have about the CUI Rule when they register.

May 18, 1:30 -2:30pm (EDT) NAGPRA Databases: Culturally Unidentifiable and Culturally Affiliated Inventories

This webinar focuses on the culturally unidentifiable and culturally affiliated inventories databases. Participants will learn how to navigate through the databases and use the search and download features. Webinar is full.

Presenter: Mariah Soriano, Database Coordinator, National NAGPRA Program

April 13, 2:00 – 4:00pm (EDT) – NAGPRA Open Forum

Have a burning question you would like to ask the NAGPRA staff?  Need clarification on a particular NAGPRA topic? This webinar is an opportunity to hear about the latest developments at the National NAGPRA Program and to have staff answer questions or concerns you may have.  In order to ensure that this forum adequately addresses your question or concerns, please include your questions along with your registration.

March 23, 1:30-2:30 pm (EDT) - NAGPRA Databases: An Overview

Learn about the National NAGPRA online databases which are designed to provide access to information on a variety of NAGPRA-related topics.

Presenter: Mariah Soriano, Database Coordinator, National NAGPRA Program

February 24, 2011 2:00-4:00 pm (EST) - NAGPRA Notices: Types, Process & Content

The notice process, Notices of Inventory Completion (including the similarities and differences between culturally affiliated and culturally unidentifiable notices), and Notices of Intent to Repatriate Cultural Items will be explained. In addition, Notices of Intended Disposition, Summaries and Inventories will be briefly discussed. This webinar is designed for Federal agency and museum staff working on NAGPRA compliance issues, and NAGPRA practitioners interested in better understanding the notice process.

Presenter: Jaime Lavallee, Notice Coordinator, National NAGPRA Program

October 28, 2:00-4:30 pm (EST) - International Repatriation: Points of Return for Native American Ancestors and Cultural Items Situated Outside of the United States

In recent years, Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations have been actively pursuing the repatriation of ancestors and cultural items situated in foreign repositories. In some cases, NAGPRA has been used to effect their return, but most often, consultation and negotiation were conducted outside the scope of NAGPRA. This webinar has three parts. In the first segment, participants will develop an understanding of the extent to which NAGPRA applies to human remains and cultural items in the physical custody of a foreign repository. Next, they will hear first-hand from Indian tribe and Native Hawaiian organization practitioners about their repatriation work with foreign institutions. These presenters will provide insights into best practices in international repatriation learned during the course of their work. Topics to be covered during this segment will include: locating human remains and cultural items in foreign repositories; cultivating working relationships with foreign institutions; and negotiating the terms and logistics of repatriation across international borders. The last segment will be devoted to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Declaration and its relevance for international repatriation will be discussed, and participants will learn about the current review by the United States of its position on the Declaration, and the role that they can play in that review.

Presenters include:

Shannon Keller O’Loughlin – Attorney for Indian Nations
Honor Keller
David Tarler - Training, NAGPRA Compliance, and Designated Federal Officer to the Review Committee

September 8, 2:00-4:00 pm (EST) FY10 Grantees – Grants Administration (FY10 Consultation/Documentation and Repatriation Grantees only)
A must for 2010 grants awardees! – Recipients of FY2010 Repatriation or Consultation/Documentation grants will receive additional details closer to the webinar date.

July 28, 2010 – 2:00 - 4:00PM (EST) - NAGPRA for Museums
Under NAGPRA, museums are defined as any institution or state or local government agency (including any institution of higher learning) that receives Federal funds and has possession of, or control over, Native American cultural items.  In this webinar we will review the obligations of museums under NAGPRA, with an emphasis on policies and procedures, consultation, and the NAGPRA notice process. In addition, we will review NAGPRA civil penalties and discuss strategies and best practices for ensuring compliance with NAGPRA. Participants are strongly encouraged to share strategies and tips for success.

Presenters:
Jan Bernstein, President, Bernstein & Assoc.
Sangita Chari, NAGPRA Grants Coordinator
Jaime Lavallee, NAGPRA Notices Coordinator
Bob Palmer, NAGPRA Civil Penalties Investigator

June 23, 2010 – 2:00-4:00PM (EST) -- Starting a Repatriation Program: What Every Tribe Should Know
What do tribes need to consider when starting a NAGPRA repatriation program? In this webinar, we will review the various elements including staff, equipment, volunteers, training and other resources needed to start and maintain a successful repatriation program.  In addition, Eric Hemenway will share strategies for collaboration, working with museums and gaining commitment from a tribe's leadership.  This webinar is designed for both newcomers to NAGPRA as well as staff that have been working with established repatriation programs.  We welcome participants to share best practices, tips and other insights into what makes a successful program. Presented by Sangita Chari, Grants Coordinator, National NAGPRA Program, and Eric Hemenway, NAGPRA Specialist, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.

April 28, 2010 - 2:00 - 4:00PM (EST) - NAGPRA Open Forum
Have a burning question you would like to ask the NAGPRA staff?  Need clarification on a particular NAGPRA topic? This webinar is a chance to hear from NAGPRA staff on the latest developments at the National NAGPRA Program and to answer questions or concerns you may have.  In order to ensure that this forum adequately addresses your question or concerns, please include any questions you may have with your registration.

April 19, 2010 - 2:30 - 4:30PM (EST) - Integrating 43 CFR 10.11, Final Rule - The Disposition of Culturally Unidentifiable Human Remains Into the NAGPRA Process
The Final Rule is effective May 14, 2010.  Review the key elements of the CUI Rule.  The webinar will be an opportunity for tribal, museum and federal agency officials as well as interested members of the public to review the CUI Rule with NAGPRA staff and attorneys and ask questions regarding its implementation.

February 3, 2010, 2:00 – 4:00PM (EST) Understanding the Role of the Review Committee
David Tarler, Designated Federal Officer to the Review Committee, and current Review Committee members - Sonya Atalay and Dan Monroe - will explain the role of the Review Committee. Participants will gain a better understanding of reasons for the creation of the Review Committee, its role, how members are selected and what types of issues they address. In addition, participants will learn how to utilize the Review Committee to support their NAGPRA work.

January 26, 2010, 2:00 – 4:00PM (EST) NAGPRA Notices: Types, Process, Content
Jaime Lavallee, Notice Coordinator will explain the difference between a Notice of Inventory Completion, Notice of Intent to Repatriate, and a Notice of Intended Disposition. Summaries and inventories will be discussed as well as the notice process. Designed for Federal agency and museum staff working on NAGPRA compliance issues and NAGPRA practitioners interested in better understanding the notice process.

October 15, 2009 2:00 – 4:00PM (EST) NAGPRA Databases Learn about the National NAGPRA online databases which are designed to provide access to information on a variety of NAGPRA-related topics. Overview provided by Mariah Soriano, Database Coordinator.

September 23, 2009 2:00 – 4:30PM (EST) FY09 Grantees – Grants Administration (FY09 Consultation/Documentation Grantees only)