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Cited by 1Digital and Traditional Archives ManagementIndigenous Cultures and HistoryCultural Heritage Management and Preservation

Perspectives, Policies, and Practices: Challenges and Pathways for Culturally Sensitive Collections Care

Open access
Bowers, Kellie J., Elmore, John Robert·2025·Advances in Archaeological Practice
DOI 10.1017/aap.2025.10098
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Abstract

Since 2018 the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH) has actively engaged in Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) compliance work. During this time, the agency developed new perspectives and policies on NAGPRA and Indigenous collections care through consultation with Tribal partners and participation in the NAGPRA Community of Practice. Based on experiences at the ADAH, the authors identify challenges in implementing culturally sensitive collections care and suggest pathways forward. Topics of discussion include building institutional commitment and capacity, identifying and implementing culturally sensitive practices, stewarding sensitive information, and navigating a variety of stakeholder positions on NAGPRA and repatriation. We conclude that prioritizing the integration of Indigenous perspectives into collections care can positively affect the culture of our workplaces and disciplines at large., ResumenDesde que el Departamento de Archivos e Historia de Alabama (ADAH) creó su programa NAGPRA (Legislación para la Protección y Repatriación de Sepulturas Indígenas) en 2018, el Departamento ha estado comprometido con su trabajo de cumplimiento. Desde entonces, la agencia ha desarrollado nuevas perspectivas y políticas acerca de NAGPRA y el cuido de colecciones indígenas en consulta con colaboradores tribales y participación en la comunidad de práctica de NAGPRA. De acuerdo con las experiencias que hemos tenido en el ADAH, identificamos dificultades que se enfrentan cuando se implementa el cuido culturalmente sensible de colecciones y sugerimos caminos a seguir. Abordaremos los siguientes temas: la creación de capacidad institucional, cómo implementar prácticas que son culturalmente sensibles, cómo gestionar documentos y datos que contienen información confidencial y cómo navegar una variedad de puntos de vista hacia NAGPRA y hacia la repatriación dentro de la comunidad de partes interesadas. Concluimos que dar prioridad a la integración de perspectivas indígenas en el cuido de colecciones indígenas podría afectar positivamente nuestros entornos laborales y la disciplina en general.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

Since 2018 the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH) has rebuilt its NAGPRA compliance work through Tribal consultation, new institutional commitments, and revised collections-care practices. The authors present ADAH’s experience as a reflective case study and practical guide for non-Native institutions seeking culturally sensitive care for Indigenous collections.

Key findings

  • ADAH’s governing board adopted seven repatriation-positive desired outcomes and approved one full-time NAGPRA compliance staff position plus one additional part-time position, establishing high-level institutional capacity and commitment.
  • Consultation changed collections practices: ADAH halted work that gathered more data than necessary for NAGPRA, prohibited new photography of funerary objects except at Tribal request, reconfigured storage, and limited access; in-person Tribal visits were found to be irreplaceable for information-sharing.
  • Data stewardship remains difficult because the 2024 NAGPRA duty of care provisions cover NAGPRA cultural items but not all associated data or compliance documents; ADAH developed an interim “flagged” archival access policy reviewed case-by-case, relying on resources such as the Protocols for Native American Archival Materials.
  • After Tribal partners raised concerns about funerary objects in exhibits, ADAH closed one gallery and obstructed the view of objects in another; it also accepted Ancestral remains and funerary objects for repatriation, including reuniting remains transferred to the University of Alabama in 1986 and accepting two additional private donations for repatriation.

Methods

  • Reflective case study and “start from scratch” guide based on the authors’ experience as NAGPRA staff at ADAH, a non-Native state agency.
  • Draws on ADAH’s NAGPRA compliance work since 2018, consultation with Tribal partners (Table 1 lists federally recognized Tribes), participation in the NAGPRA Community of Practice, and review of the 2024 NAGPRA regulations and professional guidance.
  • No formal sampling or quantitative analysis; the paper synthesizes institutional practices, policies, successes, failures, and proposed pathways forward.

Limitations

  • The authors state their experiences are not a “one-size-fits-all” solution or the only pathway to success, and that their work is not complete; Indigenous collections care is described as ongoing and based in continuous collaboration and transparency.
  • Evident from the text: this is a single-institution, self-reported reflective case study without systematic comparison or measured outcomes, limiting generalizability.
  • Evident from the text: many ADAH strategies were created “as needed” as interim policies, and long-term formalized policy remains a goal; determinations of sensitive information depend on case-by-case Tribal consultation.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1017/aap.2025.10098

Cites

11 of 11 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 41 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingnone given

    During its NAGPRA compliance work since 2018, ADAH developed new perspectives and policies on NAGPRA and Indigenous collections care through consultation with Tribal partners and participation in the NAGPRA Community of Practice.

    “During this time, the agency developed new perspectives and policies on NAGPRA and Indigenous collections care through consultation with Tribal partners and participation in the NAGPRA Community of Practice.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingnone given

    In 2018, inquiries from multiple federally recognized Tribes led ADAH staff to reevaluate the ADAH's standing.

    “In 2018, inquiries from multiple federally recognized Tribes led staff to reevaluate the ADAH's standing.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The ADAH's greatest concern was that these Ancestors and their belongings would remain in private hands or be disposed of if the ADAH did not act.

    “Our greatest concern was that these Ancestors and their belongings would remain in private hands or be disposed of if we did not act.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingreasoning

    As staff began to directly interact and develop relationships with Tribal partners and participate in the NAGPRA Community of Practice, it became apparent that the ADAH's best practices were not necessarily the preferences of Tribes.

    “As staff began to directly interact and develop relationships with Tribal partners and participate in the NAGPRA Community of Practice, it became apparent that our “best practices” were not necessarily the preferences of Tribes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The ADAH's collections management strategies have developed significantly over the years because of consultation with Tribal Nations.

    “This has been particularly applicable to our collections management strategies, which have developed significantly over the years because of consultation with Tribal Nations.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 49
  • May combine two claims. 30
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingnone given

    Since 2018, the Alabama Department of Archives and History has actively engaged in Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act compliance work.

    “Since 2018 the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH) has actively engaged in Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) compliance work.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingreasoning

    Building on the ethos set by the desired outcomes, and with support from an informed governing board and administrators, the ADAH has been able to shift gears and adjust its approach as necessary.

    “Building on the ethos set by the desired outcomes, and with support from an informed governing board and administrators, we have been able to shift gears and adjust our approach as necessary.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    The ADAH has since accepted two additional private donations of Ancestral remains and funerary objects for the express purpose of repatriation.

    “We have since accepted two additional private donations of Ancestral remains and funerary objects for the express purpose of repatriation.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    The ADAH has sought and accepted control of Ancestral remains to facilitate repatriation.

    “For example, the ADAH has sought and accepted control of Ancestral remains to facilitate repatriation.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In preparation for the transfer, the ADAH consulted with Tribal representatives and worked with UA staff to appropriately rehouse the Ancestors.

    “In preparation for the transfer, we consulted with Tribal representatives and worked with UA staff to appropriately rehouse the Ancestors.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    The ADAH made NAGPRA compliance efforts in the 1990s but unknowingly did not fully meet the agency's legal obligations.

    “The ADAH made NAGPRA compliance efforts in the 1990s but unknowingly did not fully meet the agency's legal obligations.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingreasoning

    The ADAH did not realize the unintentional disrespect and harm the exhibits communicated to Indigenous communities until Tribal partners raised concerns.

    “However, we did not realize the unintentional disrespect and harm the exhibits communicated to Indigenous communities.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Over time, ADAH staff recognized that additional archival holdings contained a wealth of information regarding southeastern Indigenous communities and regional archaeology.

    “Over time, staff recognized that additional archival holdings contained a wealth of information regarding southeastern Indigenous communities and regional archaeology.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    The ADAH saw the need to reevaluate access policies and prioritize compliance tasks because its understanding of the sensitive nature of collections subject to NAGPRA would continue to develop with time.

    “Keeping this in mind, and realizing that our understanding of the sensitive nature of collections subject to NAGPRA would continue to develop with time, we saw the need to reevaluate access policies and prioritize compliance tasks.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The archaeological collections had been catalogued and properly stored as part of a National Science Foundation grant project in the 1980s, but not much had been done since then to update or maintain the collections.

    “The archaeological collections had been catalogued and properly stored as part of a National Science Foundation grant project in the 1980s (Waselkov and Sheldon 1987), but not much had been done since then to update or maintain the collections.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Waselkov and Sheldon 1987

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Collections management data and documentation for archaeological collections at the ADAH typically include catalog information, provenance documentation, archaeological provenience information, and research/analysis data and results.

    “For archaeological collections these often include catalog information (descriptions of objects and sometimes photographs or drawings), provenance documentation (or donor/acquisition information), archaeological provenience information (spatial data and specifics about archaeological sites), and research/analysis data and results.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    At the same time as adopting the desired outcomes, the agency approved the creation of one full-time NAGPRA compliance staff position and an additional part-time position.

    “At the same time, the agency also approved the creation of one full-time NAGPRA compliance staff position and an additional part-time position.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    As the ADAH worked to reunite Ancestors and belongings long associated with it, it was approached by a private citizen with a potential donation of Ancestral remains and cultural items, the removal of which predated applicable burial laws.

    “As we worked to reunite Ancestors and belongings long associated with the ADAH, we were approached by a private citizen with a potential donation of Ancestral remains and cultural items (removal of these individuals and items predated applicable burial laws).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The ADAH also reconfigured storage spaces to keep certain materials separate from others and limited access to the collections.

    “We also reconfigured storage spaces to keep certain materials separate from others and limited access to the collections.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    A clear consensus among the gathered NAGPRA practitioners was that the law had finally caught up to best practice standards.

    “A clear consensus among the group was that the law had finally caught up to “best practice” standards, a sentiment also expressed in scholarly discourse (Colwell 2014).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Colwell 2014 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    These physical or digital records typically include site locations and characterize archaeological assemblages at a level of detail that is not appropriate for unfettered public access, as they can pose a threat to site preservation.

    “These physical or digital records typically include site locations and characterize archaeological assemblages at a level of detail that is not appropriate for unfettered public access, as they can pose a threat to site preservation.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Archaeological site data can be used to loot or damage sites, so they are generally inappropriate for unvetted public access.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    While the ADAH had some success discussing collections by sharing digital data and photos, in-person visits are irreplaceable for information-sharing.

    “While we had some success discussing collections by sharing digital data and photos, we found that in-person visits are irreplaceable for information-sharing.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingreasoning

    In consultation with Tribal partners, it was determined that the most ethical and expedient course of action was to reunite the Ancestors with their belongings for consultation and repatriation at the ADAH.

    “In consultation with Tribal partners, it was determined that the most ethical and expedient course of action was to reunite the Ancestors with their belongings for consultation and repatriation at the ADAH.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Staff brought the situation to the attention of Tribal partners and assured them that the ADAH intended to accept the materials for the sole purpose of repatriation via NAGPRA.

    “Staff brought this situation to the attention of our Tribal partners and assured them that we intended to accept the materials for the sole purpose of repatriation via NAGPRA.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Tribal representatives were invited to provide feedback, but the ADAH did not request explicit consent for any work conducted on the collection.

    “Tribal representatives were invited to provide feedback, but the ADAH did not request explicit consent for any work conducted on the collection.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    In 2023, a few months prior to the publishing of a new Final Rule, NAGPRA practitioners from across the country gathered at the Association on American Indian Affairs' 9th Annual Repatriation Conference to receive training on a draft of the revised regulations.

    “In 2023, a few months prior to the publishing of a new Final Rule, NAGPRA practitioners from across the country gathered at the Association on American Indian Affairs' 9th Annual Repatriation Conference to receive training on a draft of the revised regulations.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    These new understandings led the ADAH to halt work that gathered more data than necessary to implement NAGPRA and to prohibit new photography of funerary objects, except at the request of Tribal Nations.

    “These new understandings led us to halt work that gathered more data than necessary to implement NAGPRA and prohibited new photography of funerary objects (except at the request of Tribal Nations).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    As a state agency, the ADAH's research policies have always centered on transparency and providing collections access for scholars and the public.

    “As a state agency, the ADAH's research policies have always centered on transparency and providing collections access for scholars and the public.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingreasoning

    Tribal partners and the donor agreed that the ADAH facilitating repatriation was the best outcome for the situation at hand.

    “Tribal partners and the donor agreed that the ADAH facilitating repatriation was the best outcome for the situation at hand.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Although the potential donation was not associated with the ADAH and would require additional compliance work under NAGPRA, the ADAH recognized that it was in a unique position to facilitate repatriation.

    “Although the potential donation was not associated with the ADAH and would require additional compliance work under NAGPRA, we recognized that we were in a unique position to facilitate repatriation.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingnone given

    In preparation for NAGPRA consultation, the authors realized they needed to relay large amounts of information clearly and succinctly to Tribal partners who were not familiar with their collections.

    “In preparation for NAGPRA consultation, we realized we needed to relay large amounts of information clearly and succinctly to our Tribal partners, who were not familiar with our collections.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    In 1986, lacking facilities and staff trained to steward the remains, the ADAH transferred them to the University of Alabama, where they were curated by staff with osteological expertise.

    “In 1986, lacking facilities and staff trained to steward the remains, the agency transferred them to the University of Alabama (UA), where they were curated by staff with osteological expertise.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingnone given

    Until the 1980s, the ADAH held Ancestral remains as part of its archaeological collection.

    “Until the 1980s, the ADAH held Ancestral remains as part of its archaeological collection.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Tribal responses to the consultation workbook have largely been positive, with representatives commenting on its effectiveness as a communication tool, its clarity, and its demonstration of the agency's desire to be transparent.

    “Tribal responses to the workbook have largely been positive.”
    • Also stated in: § Research and Access: Museum Collections Documentation and Archival Collections · boosted
      “Representatives have commented on its effectiveness as a communication tool, its clarity, and its demonstration of our agency's desire to be transparent.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    While the ADAH's Tribal partners have been appreciative of its efforts to remove Ancestral remains from the private sector, the ADAH has also encountered perspectives held by other Tribal Nations that found its actions, made in consultation, to be highly controversial.

    “While our Tribal partners have been appreciative of our efforts to remove Ancestral remains from the private sector, we have also encountered perspectives held by other Tribal Nations that found our actions, made in consultation, to be highly controversial.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    In the years since 2018, the particulars of the ADAH's action plan and project timeline have changed.

    “In the years since 2018, the particulars of our action plan and project timeline have changed.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingreasoning

    The ADAH board of trustees' desired outcomes provide a foundation for staff to continue to educate themselves, the broader administration, and the board itself.

    “The ADAH board of trustees' desired outcomes provide a foundation for staff to continue to educate themselves, the broader administration, and the board itself.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    The conversation with Tribal partners resulted in new understanding of Tribal perspectives, which ultimately led the ADAH to close one gallery and obstruct the view of objects in another.

    “The conversation resulted in new understanding of Tribal perspectives, which ultimately led the ADAH to close one gallery and obstruct the view of objects in another.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    The 2024 NAGPRA regulations include two areas that pertain to collections management and data stewardship.

    “The 2024 NAGPRA regulations include two areas that pertain to collections management and data stewardship.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Prioritizing the integration of Indigenous perspectives into collections care can positively affect the culture of workplaces and disciplines at large.

    “We conclude that prioritizing the integration of Indigenous perspectives into collections care can positively affect the culture of our workplaces and disciplines at large.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationnone given

    Indigenous collections care is an ongoing practice based in continuous collaboration and transparency with Tribal Nations.

    “Indigenous collections care is an ongoing practice based in continuous collaboration and transparency with Tribal Nations.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The required changes to institutional policies and practice from the 2024 NAGPRA regulations have clear potential to create a long-term ripple effect, underscoring the authority of Tribal stakeholders.

    “The required changes to institutional policies and practice have clear potential to create a long-term ripple effect, underscoring the authority of Tribal stakeholders.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Two integral steps for receiving guidance on appropriate care included familiarizing Tribal partners with the collection and developing mutual respect.

    “Two integral steps for receiving guidance on appropriate care included familiarizing Tribal partners with the collection and developing mutual respect.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    A larger challenge faced by institutions trying to implement culturally sensitive collections care is identifying and applying policies and procedures that implement culturally sensitive care and comply with NAGPRA's duty of care provisions.

    “(2) identifying and applying policies and procedures that implement culturally sensitive care and comply with NAGPRA's duty of care provisions,”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Culturally sensitive information is determined by Tribal representatives on a case-by-case basis and may include NAGPRA-related information, traditional knowledge, oral histories, or descriptions of ceremonies, songs, and similar material.

    “Culturally sensitive information is determined by Tribal representatives on a case-by-case basis and may include NAGPRA-related information, such as photos of or information regarding cultural items, but can also include traditional knowledge, oral histories, or descriptions of ceremonies, songs, et cetera.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites NAGPRA regulations [43 CFR 10.9(g)[1](iii)]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Protocols for Native American Archival Materials

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Northern Arizona University 2006

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    A core problem underlying many ongoing delays in implementing culturally sensitive collections management is the need for more education of decision-makers aimed at bolstering institutional capacity and commitment to NAGPRA compliance and culturally sensitive care.

    “• the need for more education of decision-makers aimed at bolstering institutional capacity and commitment to NAGPRA compliance and culturally sensitive care”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Prioritizing the integration of Indigenous perspectives into collections care can effectively change the culture of workplaces and disciplines at large.

    “We argue that prioritizing the integration of Indigenous perspectives into collections care can effectively change the culture of our workplaces and our disciplines at large.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The NAGPRA 2024 duty of care provisions have mandated a baseline of culturally sensitive collections care for NAGPRA collections.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The briefing established staff's understanding of the law, outlined the resources necessary for building capacity to complete compliance goals, and set a precedent of transparency and trust between staff and the board.

    “This briefing established staff 's understanding of the law, outlined the resources necessary for building capacity to complete compliance goals, and set a precedent of transparency and trust between staff and the board-a critical element moving forward.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The interim access policy for flagged collections allows research to continue while protecting data from being accessed inappropriately.

    “This allows research to continue while protecting data from being accessed inappropriately.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Archaeological site data can be used to loot or damage sites, so they are generally inappropriate for unvetted public access.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Issues surrounding repatriation are polarizing.

    “Issues surrounding repatriation are polarizing (Angeletti 2022; Guillory-Lacy and Visintainer 2024; Rooney 2022), partially because of repatriation's inseparable connection to a human rights movement and activism (Robenalt et al. 2022).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Angeletti 2022

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Guillory-Lacy and Visintainer 2024

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Rooney 2022

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    This approach highlights the importance of consultation and the diversity of Tribal perspectives.

    “This approach highlights the importance of consultation and the diversity of Tribal perspectives.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationnone given

    Codifying a repatriation-positive ethos at a high institutional level encourages capacity and commitment to meet NAGPRA requirements and a desire to build and maintain productive and collaborative relationships with Tribal Nations.

    “First, codifying a repatriation-positive ethos at a high institutional level encourages not only capacity and commitment to meet the requirements of NAGPRA but also a desire to build and maintain productive and collaborative relationships with Tribal Nations.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    A core problem underlying many ongoing delays in implementing culturally sensitive collections management is the need for a practical process to aid collections managers in identifying and applying culturally sensitive collections care.

    “• the need for a practical process to aid collections managers in identifying and applying culturally sensitive collections care”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Collections visits with Tribal partners can quickly turn the notion of who the experts in the room are on its head.

    “As others have described (Shannon 2017), collections visits with Tribal partners can quickly turn the notion of who the “experts” in the room are on its head.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Shannon 2017 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    A larger challenge faced by institutions trying to implement culturally sensitive collections care is understanding the protections and guidance for stewarding documentation and data containing sensitive information.

    “(3) understanding the protections and guidance for stewarding documentation and data containing sensitive information,”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    The duty of care provisions have made Tribal consent for research on NAGPRA cultural items a requirement.

    “The duty of care provisions have made Tribal consent for research on NAGPRA cultural items a requirement.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    These issues are complex, and the further refinement of best practice in the coming years will depend on a great deal of additional work in considering stakeholders, perspectives, and pathways.

    “These issues are complex, and the further refinement of best practice in the coming years will depend on a great deal of additional work in considering stakeholders, perspectives, and pathways.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The origins of most of the ADAH's archaeological collections were deeply problematic and disrespectful of Alabama's Indigenous community.

    “Now, we recognize that the origins of most of our archaeological collections were deeply problematic and disrespectful of Alabama's Indigenous community.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Alabama Department of Archives and History 2022

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    There are few explicitly prescriptive actions that institutions should take when approaching decision-making surrounding cultural items, with perhaps the only exception being that institutions should consult to determine appropriate pathways forward.

    “This affirms the notion that there are few explicitly prescriptive actions that institutions should take when approaching decision-making surrounding cultural items-with perhaps the only exception being that institutions should consult to determine appropriate pathways forward.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    This model has been guided by the desire to hear and include Tribal voices and has ensured that policies and practices can continue to be flexible to accommodate and incorporate culturally sensitive care.

    “While not the norm for a state agency, this model has been guided by the desire to hear and include Tribal voices and has ensured that policies and practices can continue to be flexible to accommodate and incorporate culturally sensitive care.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    By prioritizing communication and transparency with Tribal partners, and by respecting Tribal knowledge and guidance, the ADAH met the requirements of the 2024 duty of care before the provisions became law.

    “However, by prioritizing communication and transparency with Tribal partners, and by respecting Tribal knowledge and guidance, the ADAH met the requirements of the 2024 duty of care before the provisions became law.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Education on NAGPRA and repatriation issues that accompany regular project updates to the board and administrative leadership builds and bolsters institutional capacity and support to achieve project goals.

    “Education on NAGPRA and repatriation issues that accompany regular project updates to the board and administrative leadership builds and bolsters institutional capacity and support to achieve project goals.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The American Alliance of Museums Code of Ethics for Museums states that the unique and special nature of human remains and funerary and sacred objects is recognized as the basis of all decisions concerning such collections.

    “For example, the American Alliance of Museums Code of Ethics for Museums states that “the unique and special nature of human remains and funerary and sacred objects is recognized as the basis of all decisions concerning such collections” (American Alliance of Museums 2000).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites American Alliance of Museums 2000

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Repatriation's connection to social justice issues can result in the fear that changes in ethics and practice are a reaction to the swinging social pendulum, raising concerns and creating roadblocks and confusion for institutions attempting to identify appropriate actions for moving forward.

    “This connection to social justice issues can result in the fear that changes in ethics and practice are a reaction to the swinging social pendulum, raising concerns and creating roadblocks and confusion for institutions attempting to identify appropriate actions for moving forward.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    While best practice guidelines for care and display of Indigenous cultural items exist, these ethical and practical frameworks are either unknown to many institutions or have not been applied on a large scale.

    “It seems that while “best practice” guidelines for care and display of Indigenous cultural items exist, these ethical and practical frameworks are either unknown to many institutions or have not been applied on a large scale.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    These approvals are concrete examples of project investment at the highest institutional level and stand as a formal expression of the ADAH's understanding that its ethical responsibilities extend beyond the letter of the law.

    “These are both concrete examples of project investment at the highest institutional level and stand as a formal expression of the ADAH's understanding that its ethical responsibilities extend beyond the letter of the law.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given

    The revised NAGPRA regulations have rekindled and intensified debate around practices and policies of stewarding Indigenous collections and data, mandated by law or not.

    “Finally, the revised regulations have rekindled and intensified debate around practices and policies of stewarding Indigenous collections and data, mandated by law or not.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    A larger challenge faced by institutions trying to implement culturally sensitive collections care is navigating polarizing views and opinions regarding NAGPRA and culturally sensitive collections practices and policies.

    “(4) navigating polarizing views and opinions regarding NAGPRA and culturally sensitive collections practices and policies.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    A larger challenge faced by institutions trying to implement culturally sensitive collections care is building institutional capacity and commitment.

    “To summarize, we propose that some of the larger challenges faced by institutions trying to implement culturally sensitive collections care are (1) building institutional capacity and commitment,”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationnone given

    Sometimes, culturally sensitive stewardship can include actions that are counter to existing policies or traditionally agreed upon museum practices.

    “Sometimes, culturally sensitive stewardship can include actions that are counter to existing policies or traditionally agreed upon museum practices.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    These interactions can help museum staff see objects, collections, and cultures from a different perspective, and gain a new understanding of how to provide and implement respectful care.

    “These interactions can help museum staff see objects, collections, and cultures from a different perspective, and gain a new understanding of how to provide and implement respectful care.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
66 of 66

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The experiences and lessons from the ADAH are sufficiently representative to offer guiding principles and practical advice for other non-Native institutions.

    “Drawing on our experience as the NAGPRA staff at the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH), we offer guiding principles and practical advice for Indigenous collections care that can result in deep institutional change.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The majority of the ADAH's archaeological collections were amassed by a twentieth-century amateur group that targeted burials.

    “Considering those precedents, along with the knowledge that the majority of the ADAH's collections were amassed by a twentieth-century amateur group that targeted burials, staff and administration decided to restrict access to the bulk of its archaeological collections.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    In many instances, existing information about cultural items subject to NAGPRA can be accessed through the Freedom of Information Act or other forms of public records requests, unless laws such as ARPA or NHPA apply or appropriate institutional policies are in place.

    “In many instances, existing information (data) about cultural items subject to the law can be accessed through the Freedom of Information Act or other forms of public records requests, unless laws such as the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) or the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) apply or appropriate institutional policies are in place.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Archaeological site data can be used to loot or damage sites, so they are generally inappropriate for unvetted public access.

    “Archaeological site data characterize an archaeological site or its location and are generally considered to be inappropriate for unvetted public access, as they can be used to loot or damage sites.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    NAGPRA's duty of care restrictions on access and research apply only to NAGPRA cultural items themselves and not to any existing associated data or to compliance documents submitted to the Department of the Interior.

    “NAGPRA's duty of care restrictions on access and research apply only to NAGPRA cultural items themselves and not to any existing associated data or to compliance documents submitted to the Department of the Interior.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The NAGPRA 2024 duty of care provisions have mandated a baseline of culturally sensitive collections care for NAGPRA collections.

    “To close, the NAGPRA 2024 duty of care provisions have mandated a baseline of culturally sensitive collections care for NAGPRA collections.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The ADAH's core responsibilities are to preserve records and provide access for the benefit of the public.

    “Like many institutions, the ADAH's core responsibilities are to preserve records and provide access for the benefit of the public.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Other institutions have been developing long-term Indigenous collections care and access policies for NAGPRA and non-NAGPRA collections.

    “None of us are paving these roads alone-other institutions have been developing long-term Indigenous collections care and access policies for NAGPRA and non-NAGPRA collections.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Practitioners across the United States have utilized each other's policies as frameworks and, when necessary, cited each other as precedent.

    “Via the NAGPRA Communities of Practice, practitioners across the United States have utilized each other's policies as frameworks and, when necessary, cited each other as precedent.”
9 of 9

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 11

  1. 2024a, Program for the 89th Annual Meeting of the Society for American Archaeology
  2. Phillips, 2003, Museums and Source Communities, 157
  3. Sangita, 2013, Accomplishing NAGPRA: Perspectives on the Intent, Impact, and Future of the Native American Graves Protection and
  4. Waselkov, 1987, Submitted to the National Science Foundation, Grant Award No. BNS-8507469. Copies available from the Alabama Department of Archives and History
  5. Carter, Mary C. 1995. Archaeology, the Caddo Indian Tribe, and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. Journal of Northeast Texas Archaeology 5:4–8.
  6. Rooney, 2022, Special issue, Horizon and Tradition, 65(2), 1
  7. Silliman, 2008, Indigenous Archaeology
  8. King, 2013, Cultural Resource Laws and Practice
  9. Fine-Dare, 2002, Grave Injustice: The American Indian Repatriation Movement and NAGPRA
  10. Atalay, 2012, Community Based Archaeology: Research with, by, and for Indigenous and
  11. Echo-Hawk, 1994, Indian Struggle to Protect Ancestral Graves in the United States

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Bowers, K. J., & Elmore, J. R.
Affiliations
  • Brown University (US)
  • Alabama Department of Archives and History (US)
Corresponding author
Bowers, Kellie J.
ORCID
Venue
Advances in Archaeological Practice
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Published
2025-08
Volume
13
Issue
3
Pages
409-420
ISSN
2326-3768 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1017/aap.2025.10098
OpenAlex
W7106856581
Cited by
1
References
11
Citations by year
2025: 1
FWCI
2.65
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
Advances in Archaeological Practice (publishedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
National Endowment for the Humanities
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Conservation › Digital and Traditional Archives Management
  • Social Sciences › Anthropology › Indigenous Cultures and History
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Archeology (arts and humanities) › Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation
Keywords
NAGPRA, repatriation, tribal consultation, institutional capacity building, stakeholder engagement, Indigenous perspectives

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-11-08.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-11-08.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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