Overview
Title
Notice of Inventory Completion: Mütter Museum of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Mütter Museum looked at some bones they had and found out they belong to Native American tribes, so they told the tribes about it. If other tribes want the bones back, they must ask by March 11, 2021, or the bones will go to the tribes they already told.
Summary AI
The Mütter Museum of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia has completed an inventory of human remains that were removed from "Old Crow Agency" in Big Horn County, Montana, and found they are culturally affiliated with several Native American tribes, including the Crow Tribe of Montana. The museum is notifying any other Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization not previously identified in the notice that wishes to request transfer of the remains. Interested parties must submit a request by March 11, 2021. If no additional requests are received, control of the remains will be given to the identified tribes.
Abstract
The M[uuml]tter Museum of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia has completed an inventory of human remain, 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 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 should submit a written request to the M[uuml]tter Museum of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. If no additional requestors come forward, transfer of control of the human remains to the lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations stated in this notice may proceed.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document is a formal notice published by the National Park Service regarding the inventory completion of human remains at the Mütter Museum of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. These remains were removed from "Old Crow Agency" in Big Horn County, Montana, and have been identified as culturally affiliated with several Native American tribes. The museum seeks to notify any additional Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations that have not previously been identified in this notice but may wish to request the transfer of these remains.
General Summary
The Mütter Museum has completed an inventory of human remains and determined that they are culturally linked to various Native American tribes. This process is guided by the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), a federal law designed to ensure the respectful handling of Native American human remains and cultural objects. Notably, the Crow Tribe of Montana is identified among the tribes with a relationship to these remains. The museum has issued a notice to other tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations to submit requests for the remains by March 11, 2021. If no further requests are made by this date, the remains will be transferred to the tribes identified.
Significant Issues or Concerns
There are several concerns related to the content of the document:
Lack of Detail on Provenance: The document does not provide specific information about how or why the human remains were originally obtained from "Old Crow Agency." This omission raises potential ethical questions about the collection methods, especially given the sensitive nature of human remains.
Extensive List of Tribes: The notice identifies a lengthy list of tribes with whom the remains may be affiliated. While this reflects comprehensive consultation, it may also overwhelm readers who might not be familiar with the specific tribal entities involved or the process for determining cultural affiliation.
Understanding of NAGPRA: The notice assumes a certain level of understanding of NAGPRA and its legal implications, which may not be familiar to the general public. This could lead to a misunderstanding or lack of awareness about the rights and processes involved.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, this document highlights the importance of respecting cultural heritage and the complexities of historical and ethical responsibility. It serves as a reminder of the federal processes in place to manage and repatriate Native American human remains. While the immediate impact may be limited to those directly involved, it underscores broader societal commitments to rights and history.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Native American Tribes: For the tribes identified in the notice, the document represents an important step in the potential repatriation of their ancestral remains. This process recognizes their cultural and historical connections and may contribute to healing and restoration.
Mütter Museum: The museum is tasked with adhering to NAGPRA regulations and facilitating the repatriation process. Successfully navigating this procedure can enhance its reputation as a responsible and ethical institution.
National Park Service: The agency, while not responsible for the determinations, plays a role in supporting compliance with NAGPRA. Its involvement assures public accountability for federal processes involving Native American cultural heritage.
In conclusion, while the document presents significant administrative steps towards repatriation, it also invites deeper reflection and dialogue on the ethics and responsibilities of handling sensitive cultural materials.
Issues
• The document does not indicate any specific funding or spending measures, thus it is not possible to audit for wasteful spending or favoritism based on the information provided.
• The language describing the procedures for lineal descendants or representatives to submit requests is straightforward and clear; however, some readers may find the formal bureaucratic tone slightly complex.
• The document mentions the collection of human remains from 'Old Crow Agency,' but it doesn’t provide specific details on how these remains were obtained, which could raise ethical concerns.
• The list of tribes identified as having potential affiliation with the remains is extensive, which could be overwhelming for readers less familiar with the issues at hand.
• The notice assumes knowledge of NAGPRA and its processes, which might be unfamiliar to those not well-versed in these regulations.