Overview
Title
Notice of Inventory Completion: Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Jackson, MS; Correction
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History found some old bones and special items from Native American people, and they now know which Native American groups today they belong to. If no one else asks for them by February 22, 2021, they will give the bones and items back to those groups.
Summary AI
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) has updated its inventory of Native American human remains and associated funerary objects, confirming they are culturally linked to present-day Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. This notice corrects previously reported numbers from a 2018 notice, increasing the number of individuals from 207 to 403 and funerary objects from 50 to 83. The notice outlines the process for Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations not mentioned to request the transfer of control over these remains and objects. If no additional requests are made by February 22, 2021, the remains and objects will be returned to the determined Tribes.
Abstract
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) has completed an inventory of human remains and associated funerary objects, in consultation with the appropriate Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations, and has determined that there is a cultural affiliation between the human remains and associated funerary objects and present-day Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. Lineal descendants or representatives of any Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice that wish to request transfer of control of these human remains and associated funerary objects should submit a written request to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. If no additional requestors come forward, transfer of control of the human remains and associated funerary objects to the lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations stated in this notice may proceed.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
Document Summary
The document in question is a notice published by the National Park Service in cooperation with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH). It discusses a recent update and correction to the inventory of Native American human remains and associated funerary objects under the jurisdiction of the MDAH. These remains and artifacts are culturally affiliated with present-day Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. The notice aims to clarify the number of individuals and objects involved, formerly reported in a 2018 notice, which has now increased from 207 to 403 individuals and from 50 to 83 funerary objects. The document also outlines the process by which Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations not previously identified can request the transfer of control over these remains and objects.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One of the significant issues arising from this notice is the lack of clear criteria for determining cultural affiliation. While the document confirms that a connection exists between the remains and current Indian Tribes, it does not delve into the methodologies or criteria used to establish this relationship. This could lead to ambiguity and unanswered questions about the accuracy and fairness of these determinations.
Furthermore, the roles of the agencies involved, namely the National Park Service and the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, are not clearly delineated within the notice. This could result in confusion regarding which agency is responsible for particular actions or decisions.
The document also contains specific reference terms, such as site codes and types of artifacts, which may be unfamiliar to the everyday reader. This technical jargon might obscure the document's intentions and make it less accessible to the public.
Additionally, the notice lacks an explanation of the methodology used to ascertain the number of individuals and associated funerary objects, potentially leading to questions about the accuracy and process behind these numbers.
Regarding the submission process for transfer requests, the notice does not elaborate on what constitutes “information in support of the request.” This lack of specificity could render the process unclear or overly complex, deterring potential requestors.
Public Impact
Broadly, this document serves an essential function in carrying out the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), ensuring that tribal cultures are respected and that remains and objects are appropriately returned to their rightful owners. However, the lack of clarity and detailed instructions might limit public understanding and engagement with the process.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations, this document has the potential to significantly impact cultural heritage and ancestral connections. Positively, it offers a pathway to reclaiming important artifacts and human remains, reinforcing cultural ties and honoring traditions. However, the lack of clarity in the criteria for determining cultural affiliation and the process for submitting a request could pose hurdles, potentially delaying or complicating efforts for repatriation.
In summary, while the document reflects a crucial dedication to preserving and respecting Indigenous cultures, certain elements could be improved to ensure transparency, clarity, and accessibility. Enhancing these aspects would likely lead to a smoother process for interested stakeholders and foster a deeper understanding among the general public.
Issues
• The notice discusses human remains and funerary objects but does not provide detailed criteria for determining cultural affiliation, potentially leading to ambiguity.
• The document mentions the agency's responsibility but does not clarify the specific roles or actions taken by each agency involved (e.g., National Park Service vs. Mississippi Department of Archives and History).
• The use of technical jargon related to the sites and objects (e.g., specific site codes and types of artifacts) might not be clear to the general public.
• The methodology for determining the number of individuals and associated funerary objects is not explained, leaving room for questions about accuracy.
• The process for submitting a transfer request, while outlined, lacks details on what 'information in support of the request' entails. This could be seen as unclear or overly complex.