Indigenous perspectives on repatriation: Reflections from tribal members of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde

Abstract

Indigenous repatriation is a complex and challenging discourse, involving perspectives from heritage institutions, museum professionals, and indigenous people who are invested in the outcomes of repatriation processes. Despite the enactment of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) in 1990, thousands of indigenous ancestors and belongings remain held in institutional repositories, yet to be repatriated. With the onset of increasingly visible movements for decolonization, indigenous perspectives are essential for guiding the process of effective and empathetic repatriation. The purpose of this study was to examine indigenous perspectives about repatriation processes to reflect on potential themes aligned with decolonization methodologies. A case study design was used, focused on the Chachalu Museum and Cultural Center, Grande Ronde, OR, involving interviews with staff who identify as members of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. The results of this study highlight the effects of settler colonialism on indigenous identity and repatriation, prioritizing an indigenous perspective about navigating institutional repatriation, community healing, and indigenous sovereignties. Implications of this study include repatriation reflections and strategies for indigenous peoples and museum professionals, guiding a further discussion for decolonization methodologies in repatriation work.