The Public Values of Repatriation in the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act

Abstract

This Note examines the implementation of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and finds that repatriation has generated significant public benefits by making collecting institutions better fulfill their role as stewards and researchers. This is contrary to existing critiques of cultural property laws that argue that repatriation is a compromise by the public to benefit minoritarian groups. This Note argues instead that stronger repatriation laws may be better for all of us.