Title
Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Program Consultation/Documentation Grant (Ordinance S-43135)
Description
The purpose of this report is to request City Council approval for staff to apply for the 2017 National Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Program Consultation/Documentation Grant. Further request authorization for the City Treasurer to accept, and for the City Controller to disburse, all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
The Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) is a Federal law which requires museums that receive Federal funds to complete both inventories and summaries of Native American cultural items in their collections. It is intended to facilitate the repatriation of Native American human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects and objects of cultural patrimony. The law also requires museums to consult with culturally affiliated Indian tribes.
In order to be in compliance with NAGPRA, the Pueblo Grande Museum (PGM) must submit a complete inventory of its collection. To begin, the human remains in PGM's collection need full examination and documentation by a trained bio-archaeologist. The faunal remains from areas excavated before 1990 should also be reviewed by a bio-archaeologist. This project will require the documentation of more than 300 sets of human remains and review of more than 1,000 specimens of faunal bone. The large amount of time and specialized skill required by this project necessitates that the documentation be conducted by a contract individual with bio-archaeological credentials. The cost of this contracted position is beyond the scope of Parks and Recreation Department budget; therefore, the Parks and Recreation Department would like to apply for the National NAGPRA Program Consultation/Documentation Grant. The United States Department of the Interior administrates these funds through the National Parks Service.
Furthermore, PGM is committed to working cooperatively with native groups concerning the care and disposition of human remains, associated funerary objects, sacred and ceremonial objects and items of cultural patrimony.
Financial Impact
If awarded, the grant will provide up to $65,000 to document the NAGPRA collection at PGM. NAGPRA Consultation/Documentation Grants do not require a match. However, they do require an educational component or product. Funds for an educational component have been included in the total request amount.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Parks, Arts, Education and Equality Subcommittee recommended this item for approval on Nov. 30, 2016, by a vote of 4-0.
Location
Pueblo Grande Museum, 4619 E. Washington St.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Deanna Jonovich and the Parks and Recreation Department.