University of Denver (University of Denver Museum of Anthropology)

The University of Denver Museum of Anthropology will develop a network for museum professionals engaged in implementing the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The network will increase capacity and decrease misunderstandings regarding NAGPRA requirements and procedures. The project will launch with a summit to identify compliance concerns, define implementation standards, and develop field-wide goals. Surveys collected from museums and Native American tribes across the country will inform the summit agenda to ensure multiple voices and perspectives are considered. The project team will develop a virtual community of practice to support ongoing discussions, be a clearinghouse of NAGPRA resources for museums, and connect individuals for peer-to-peer mentoring. The project activities will reach institutions with limited experience through presentations at museum conferences, as well as by distributing quick reference NAGPRA fact sheets. The museum will host a two-day symposium to recognize the 30th anniversary of NAGPRA, share project results with the wider NAGPRA community, and expand the network.