Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and NHMU

The Natural History Museum of Utah (NHMU) cares for the natural history collections and the Indigenous cultural history collections of Utah and we display authentic specimens and cultural objects from these collections in our landmark exhibition galleries.

The federal Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) of 1990 provided a step-by-step roadmap for museums and Federal agencies to facilitate the disposition or repatriation of Native American human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony. In December 2023, the US Department of the Interior issued updates (effective January 12, 2024) to NAGPRA including new, expanded requirements regarding the exhibition and display of certain Indigenous objects.

NHMU’s long-established policies and commitment to ongoing consultation with Tribal communities ensure that our exhibits are compliant with the updated NAGPRA requirements. NHMU’s Native Voices gallery, focused on contemporary Native American cultures, was designed through extensive consultation and collaboration with Utah’s Native Tribes. Our First Peoples gallery spotlights Utah’s Indigenous people from an archaeological perspective. It has always been NHMU’s policy to not display Native American human remains, funerary objects, or objects of cultural patrimony, and these exhibits do not include items in these categories.

While we do have a select few objects on display in our Native Voices gallery that some community members might consider to be sacred, NHMU’s Tribal partners (including the leaders of the represented Tribe) are aware of - and have given consent for - the display of those objects.

We also recognize that Tribal Nations have diverse perspectives, experience leadership changes, and may have shifting priorities. For this reason, consultation and consent is an ongoing engagement with Indigenous leaders, elders, knowledge keepers, and artists.

NHMU has, for many years, worked in partnership with the Native Tribes of Utah and surrounding regions, many of which designate liaisons to serve on NHMU’s Indigenous Advisory Committee. This group meets regularly and advises the Museum on several matters, including the content of our exhibition galleries and topics related to collections management. We recognize that these are essential relationships and continuing conversations, and we strive to be a valued partner to Utah’s Indigenous communities.

NHMU is aware that other major US museums have closed or covered portions of their exhibits in response to concerns related to new exhibit requirements specified in the updated NAGPRA. We have carefully considered the new NAGPRA requirements as they pertain to our own exhibitions. Visitors coming to NHMU to learn about the Indigenous cultures of Utah can feel comfortable knowing our exhibits were developed in collaboration with Tribal communities and we follow best practices for responsible, respectful, and ethical partnerships with Tribal Nations. NHMU remains in compliance with the updated NAGPRA regulations regarding the exhibition of Native American cultural heritage.