On April 8, 2014, the National Park Service (NPS) published the attached notice in the FEDERAL REGISTER soliciting nominations of “traditional Indian religious leaders” for membership on the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee. Federally recognized Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, and traditional Indian religious leaders may submit nominations. Nominations must be received by July 7, 2014.
Responsibilities. The Review Committee was established by the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 (NAGPRA, PL 101-601) and is responsible for:
a) monitoring the inventory and identification process conducted under sections 5 and 6 of NAGPRA (25 U.S.C. § 3003 and § 3004)
b) reviewing and making findings related to the identity or cultural affiliation of cultural items, or the return of such items
c) facilitating the resolution of disputes
d) compiling an inventory of culturally unidentifiable human remains and developing a process for disposition of such remains
e) consulting with Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations and museums on matters within the scope of the work of the Review Committee affecting such tribes or organizations
f) consulting with the Secretary of the Interior in the development of regulations to carry out NAGPRA
g) making recommendations regarding future care of repatriated cultural items Composition. The Review Committee is composed of seven members, three of whom are appointed by the Secretary of the Interior from nominations submitted by Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, and traditional Indian religious leaders; and three of whom are appointed by the Secretary from nominations submitted by national museum organizations and scientific organizations. The final member is appointed by the Secretary from a list of persons developed and consented to by the other six members. A membership term consists of four years and incumbent members may be reappointed for a two-year term.
Please let us know if we may provide additional information regarding the National Park Service’s solicitation of nominations for membership on the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee.
