BCMA Podcast: NAGPRA In Theory, In Practice

Join our host Lorenda and Jessica Strayer, NAGPRA/CalNAGPRA Administrative Manager at the Fowler Museum - UCLA, as they discuss the realities of working with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Explore how this legislation impacts museum practice and what it means for institutions committed to respectful collaboration with Indigenous communities.

This conversation highlights the ongoing work of repatriation, including challenges and successes, and emphasizes the need for museums to prioritize accountability, truth-telling, and relationship-building. Museums are encouraged to reflect on how their organizations approach consent, responsibility, and respect. 

Get to know Jessica: 
Jessica Strayer is the NAGPRA/CalNAGPRA Administrative Manager at the Fowler Museum at UCLA. She implements NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA daily and facilitates Tribal consultation and repatriation. She also works with international Indigenous communities regarding access, repatriation, and relationship-building. Jessica earned her BA with a double major in History and Archaeology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 2018. She recently earned an MA in Museum Studies from the University of Oklahoma. She has archaeological field, laboratory, research, and curation experience, and has built a career in the repatriation field. Jessica is passionate about returning Ancestors and belongings to their home communities, as well as implementing ethical collections management practices rooted in Indigenous cultural care protocols.

Resources: 

• BCMA Podcast: NAGPRA and Consent-based Curation
• Candid Actionable Reconciliation Resources (CARE!)
• BCMA Indigenous Culture & Heritage Resource Portal
• Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act