NAGPRA Program
Washington and Lee University is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and to approaching this work with care, respect, transparency, and meaningful consultation with Tribal Nations and Native Hawaiian organizations.
The W&L NAGPRA Program coordinates the University's work related to NAGPRA compliance, including consultation, collections review, stewardship, documentation, repatriation and transfer. The program serves as a central point of contact for Tribal Nations, Native Hawaiian organizations, lineal descendants, members of the W&L community, and others seeking information or wishing to communicate with the University regarding NAGPRA-related matters.
Contact the NAGPRA Program
Shaleigh Howells
NAGPRA Program Coordinator
Washington and Lee University
showells@wlu.edu
Office: 540-458-8737
Cell: 804-885-5207
Submit an Inquiry
NAGPRA Compliance at W&L
NAGPRA is a federal law that establishes processes for the protection and repatriation of Native American human remains and certain cultural items. The law recognizes the rights of lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations in matters involving these Ancestors and cultural material.
The W&L NAGPRA Program's work includes consultation with Tribal Nations and Native Hawaiian organizations, review and documentation of collections, assessment of NAGPRA applicability, stewardship of Ancestors and cultural items in the University's care, and repatriation in accordance with applicable law and consultation.
Policies and Procedures
Washington and Lee University is developing policies and procedures to guide the University's NAGPRA-related work. Policies and procedures will be posted here as they are finalized and made publicly available.
Program Resources
Additional resources for Tribal Nations, W&L faculty and staff, students, researchers, and members of the public will be added as the W&L NAGPRA Program develops.
These may include:
- Resources for Tribal Nations and Native Hawaiian organizations
- Information and guidance for W&L faculty, staff, and students
- NAGPRA-related forms and documents
- Public notices and repatriation information
The following resources offer additional information on NAGPRA, Tribal consultation, and Indigenous sovereignty.
NAGPRA Resources
National NAGPRA Program
The National NAGPRA Program, administered by the National Park Service, provides information, guidance, training, compliance resources, and other tools related to implementation of NAGPRA.
NAGPRA Community of Practice
The NAGPRA Community of Practice provides opportunities for NAGPRA practitioners to connect, share resources and experiences, and learn from others engaged in repatriation work.
Intensive NAGPRA Summer Training and Education Program (INSTEP)
The Intensive NAGPRA Summer Training and Education Program provides training focused on best practices related to the care and repatriation of Ancestors and the implementation of NAGPRA.
Tribal Partners Working Group
The Tribal Partners Working Group provides a protected space for Native Nation representatives to discuss NAGPRA, repatriation, cultural heritage protection, and related issues, including laws and policies, repatriation protocols, relationship building, and best practices.
Tribal Recognition and Consultation Resources
Federally Recognized Indian Tribes
The Federal Register publishes the official list of Indian Tribes recognized by and eligible to receive services from the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Virginia Indian Tribes
The Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth maintains information about the 11 Indian Tribes recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia, including individual Tribal profiles and information about Virginia's relationship with its
state-recognized Tribes.
Washington and Lee will continue to develop this page and related resources as the W&L NAGPRA Program evolves.