Overview
Title
Notice of Intended Repatriation: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, TN
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is planning to give back a special stone pipe to the people it belongs to, because it's important to their culture. They will do this following some rules, and they’ll make sure they give it back to the right person or group.
Summary AI
The U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GRSM) plans to return a cultural item, a stone pipe, that is considered a sacred object, to the rightful descendant or affiliated tribe under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The stone pipe was originally associated with Yonaguska, a known Cherokee leader, and donated to the park in 1937. Repatriation could occur on or after February 18, 2025, and any additional claims need to be supported with evidence showing cultural affiliation or lineal descent. If multiple requests are made, GRSM will determine the most appropriate requestor before proceeding with the repatriation.
Abstract
In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GRSM) intends to repatriate a certain cultural item that meets the definition of a sacred object and that has a known lineal descendant.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The Federal Register document from the National Park Service addresses the repatriation of a sacred cultural item under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). This item, a stone pipe with historical ties to Yonaguska, a Cherokee leader, is scheduled for potential return to its rightful descendant or affiliated tribe beginning February 18, 2025.
Summary
The document outlines the intention to repatriate a stone pipe back to its lineal descendants or culturally affiliated tribe. The repatriation process is conducted under the legal framework provided by NAGPRA, which facilitates the return of sacred items to Indigenous peoples. The pipe was initially given to Colonel William Holland Thomas by Yonaguska and later donated to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in 1937. The National Park Service has identified a lineal descendant, although their identity is being kept confidential.
Significant Concerns
The document raises several essential considerations, particularly around the rights and recognition of Native American cultural heritage. A crucial concern is ensuring all potential claimants have the opportunity to present their case, especially if multiple parties lay claim to the same artifact. The procedure for determining the “most appropriate requestor” in the event of competing claims needs to be clear and fair to prevent disputes or feelings of disenfranchisement within the Native American community.
Another concern is the broader historical treatment of Native American sacred items. This document reflects a commitment to correcting past wrongs by returning cultural items that may have been acquired through questionable means. It sets a precedent for similar repatriation efforts in the future.
Public and Stakeholder Impact
Broadly, the document signifies a continued commitment by federal agencies to uphold the cultural rights and heritage of Native American tribes. This progressive stance may enhance trust and cooperation between Indigenous communities and federal entities. It also serves as an educational tool for the public, raising awareness about the significance of these artifacts and the need to respect and preserve Indigenous heritage.
For specific stakeholders, particularly the tribe or individual descendants of Yonaguska, the repatriation marks an important cultural restoration, allowing them to reclaim and integrate a piece of their history back into present-day cultural practices. It might have a healing effect, helping to mend historical grievances and reinforcing cultural identity.
Conversely, there may be stakeholders within the public or museum communities who feel the loss of a cultural artifact from public display minimizes the educational opportunities for others. However, the ethical return of such artifacts is increasingly regarded as essential and just within the broader historical and cultural context.
In conclusion, while there are intricate considerations associated with repatriation under NAGPRA, this document primarily heralds a positive step towards cultural justice and reconciliation, benefiting both descendants and broader Native American communities.