Ayau and Tengan. Ka Huakaʻi O Nā ʻŌiwi - The Journey Home

NAGPRA Overview and Early Repatriation Context

NAGPRA Legislation Overview

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) is a significant piece of legislation that addresses human rights concerning Native American cultural heritage. It mandates prompt and meaningful consultation processes between federal agencies and Native American tribes regarding the repatriation of cultural items and human remains (p. 1). However, the actual extent of these consultations may vary, leading to challenges in the repatriation process. The NAGPRA Program Officer, who operates under the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, plays a crucial role in facilitating these processes and ensuring compliance with the law (p. 2).

Review Committee Responsibilities

A seven-member Review Committee is appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, comprising individuals who bring diverse skills and experiences to the table (p. 3). Their key responsibilities include monitoring the repatriation processes, reviewing cultural affiliations between tribes and items, resolving disputes among stakeholders, and advising on the development and regulation of policies related to repatriation (p. 4). This committee serves as a critical link in ensuring that the provisions of NAGPRA are adhered to and effectively implemented (p. 5).

Inventory and Reporting Statistics

The inventory and management of collections under NAGPRA are of profound significance. For example, the collections of human remains at the PMAE (Presidential Museum of American Ethnology) are second only to those housed at the Smithsonian Institution (p. 6). As of 1998, progress reports indicated that 2,458 of the estimated 11,587 Minimum Number of Individuals (MNI) had been appropriately inventoried with verified cultural affiliations (p. 7). In addition, 417 remains were approaching completion of their inventory process (p. 8). The challenges of identifying remains are highlighted by reports of 478 remains as unidentifiable, with 13 pending confirmation and 21 identified as non-Native American (p. 9). A considerable effort was made in managing data input, which involved processing approximately 300,000 records to optimize staff resources (p. 10). One notable inventory report linked to the 1909 Pecos collection spans roughly 3,400 pages, distributed to five key recipients, demonstrating the extensive documentation involved in the repatriation process (p. 11).

Cultural Journeys and Preparations for Repatriation

Traditional Navigation

The ancestors of contemporary Native Hawaiians expertly navigated the vast Pacific, employing double-hulled canoes. They relied on observations of stars and natural elements, a testament to their deep understanding of the environment (p. 12). These traditional methods highlight not only the navigators' skills but also symbolize the cultural heritage and values that have endured through generations, emphasizing resilience and the ability to overcome hardships (p. 13).

Repatriation Efforts

The contemporary Native Hawaiian community correlates their repatriation journey to their historical ocean voyages, acknowledging the significant challenges they face (p. 14). A prominent example is the 1997 repatriation voyage, which focused on the return of iwi kūpuna (ancestral bones) and moepū (cremated remains) from Nihoa and Moku Manamana back to their rightful places (p. 15). This journey is emblematic of the ongoing struggles and aspirations of Native Hawaiians to restore their connection to ancestral lands and their cultural heritage (p. 16).

Preparation for the Journey

The success of the repatriation voyage hinged on meticulous preparation (p. 17). Necessary food supplies and equipment were assembled carefully, and a motorized sailboat was utilized in place of traditional wa'a kaulua (double-hulled canoes) due to logistical limitations (p. 18). The crew included members from Hui Mālama (an organization dedicated to preserving Hawaiian cultural heritage), US Fish and Wildlife representatives, and experienced captains specializing in navigation and safety protocols (p. 19). Cultural practices and protocols were prioritized throughout the journey, emphasizing respect for the ancestral remains being transported (p. 20).

Cultural Training and Protocols

Preparation for the repatriation journey began as early as 1989, focusing on cultural training that revolved around the care of iwi and moepū (p. 21). Participants engaged deeply with their cultural heritage by learning traditional prayers and chants, which proved vital despite initial challenges stemming from a Western upbringing (p. 22). The enactment of NAGPRA in 1990 catalyzed further organizational efforts aimed at repatriating sacred cultural items and remains, opening avenues for discussions about identity, rights, and heritage (p. 23).

Journey Experiences and Challenges

Oceanic Anxieties

During the initial sail toward Nihoa, the crew grappled with nerves over their extensive preparations and the unpredictable weather conditions (p. 24). The gravity of their mission fostered deep personal reflections on faith and purpose, contributing to an emotional intensity that underscored the importance of their cultural responsibilities (p. 25).

First Repatriation Effort

Upon arrival at the Museum of Natural History for their first hands-on repatriation effort, the crew experienced a mixture of anxiety and familiarity (p. 26). An unexpected inventory discrepancy between customary practices and museum protocols raised tensions, prompting the need for spiritual guidance and reaffirmation of cultural integrity amidst the bureaucratic challenges (p. 27).

Transformation During the Voyage

Throughout the voyage, collective prayers and collaborative rituals created a profound sense of focus among the crew members (p. 28). These spiritual practices not only connected them to their ancestors but also enhanced their ability to navigate the challenges inherent in the repatriation process, fostering a sense of unity and purpose (p. 29).

Nihoa Island Experience

Landing Challenges

As they neared Nihoa on day three, the crew faced a blend of anticipation and adversity, particularly from rough wave conditions affecting their approach (p. 30). Strategies were meticulously discussed regarding the timing of wave sets and safety protocols crucial for preparing burial sites (p. 31).

Reburial Ceremony

The careful loading of pu'olo moe (wrapped remains) into an inflatable zodiac underscored their continued commitment to preparation and respect for the remains (p. 32). Upon successfully reaching the island, fervent prayers were offered, acknowledging the ancestral land's significance and the depth of cultural connection involved in the process (p. 33).

Conclusion of Mission

Completing the reburial rites culminated in overwhelming feelings of relief and gratitude (p. 34). The profound connection with their ancestors reaffirmed the crew's cultural identity, illuminating the importance of this repatriation journey amidst numerous challenges, thereby marking another successful chapter in their ongoing efforts to restore and cherish Native heritage (p. 35).