In a startling discovery, Dartmouth College recently unearthed 15 partial skeletal remains on its university grounds. What began as a remarkable archaeological find soon became a subject of controversy and a critical test of the institution's commitment to its Native American students. Among many universities grappling with the ethical implications of such discoveries, Dartmouth finds itself at the center of a heated debate regarding the proper treatment of these remains and artifacts.
The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) of 1990 mandates that universities return artifacts and human remains they find to the appropriate indigenous communities. This federal law aims to rectify historical injustices and ensure the respectful treatment of Native American heritage. However, Dartmouth's compliance with NAGPRA has raised concerns due to the existence of loopholes that allow these remains to be labeled as culturally unidentifiable.
Returning artifacts and remains to their rightful owners poses a significant burden on Native American tribes. In many cases, tribes are required to provide financial resources they may not have to determine the indigenous origins of the discovered remains. This places an unfair burden on already marginalized communities, hindering their ability to reclaim and honor their ancestral heritage.Since 1995, Dartmouth has returned 10 skeletons and 36 artifacts to various indigenous communities. While this may appear to be a step in the right direction, the labeling of numerous remains as culturally unidentifiable exposes a troubling pattern. By exploiting these loopholes, Dartmouth inadvertently perpetuates a system that prioritizes the institutional preservation of specimens over the human dignity and cultural significance of Native Americans.
Dartmouth's predicament is not an isolated incident. According to estimates, approximately 884,000 native artifacts, including remains, remain in the possession of colleges, museums, and other institutions across the United States. This staggering number highlights a systemic problem that must be addressed collectively. Failure to return these artifacts and remains only deepens the wounds inflicted on indigenous communities and reinforces a legacy of cultural erasure. Shannon O'Loughlin, Chief Executive of the Association on American Indian Affairs, eloquently summarizes the sentiments of many Native American communities when she states, "It just says they value the idea of Native Americans as specimens more than they do as human beings." This sentiment encapsulates the need for universities like Dartmouth to reassess their approach to handling and respecting the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples.
While Dartmouth's Native American students constitute only 1% of the overall student population, the discovery of these remains brings to the forefront the institution's responsibility towards these individuals. The mishandling of indigenous artifacts and remains not only perpetuates historical trauma but also undermines the sense of belonging and respect that Native American students should feel within the university community.
Dartmouth's unearthing of partial skeletal remains on its grounds has opened a Pandora's box of ethical dilemmas. The university's compliance with NAGPRA, the burdens placed on indigenous communities, and the broader issue of retaining native artifacts across institutions all demand immediate attention. It is vital that Dartmouth and other institutions in similar situations prioritize the respectful return of artifacts and remains, showing a genuine commitment to rectifying historical injustices and fostering an inclusive environment for Native American students. Only through collective action can we restore the dignity and honor that these ancestral remains deserve.
Works Cited
CASEY, MICHAEL. “Native American remains discovered at Dartmouth College spark calls for accountability.” Boston.com, 15 May 2023, https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2023/05/15/native-american-remains-discovered-dartmouth-college-accountability/. Accessed 10 June 2023.
Casey, Michael. “Native American remains discovered at Dartmouth College spark calls for accountability.” WBUR, 15 May 2023, https://www.wbur.org/news/2023/05/15/native-american-remains-dartmouth-college. Accessed 10 June 2023.
Davis, Elliott. “Native Americans Demand Accountability for Ancestral Remains Identified at Dartmouth College.” USNews.com, 15 May 2023, https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/massachusetts/articles/2023-05-15/native-american-remains-discovered-at-dartmouth-college-spark-calls-for-accountability. Accessed 10 June 2023.
Nagel, Olympia. “Remains of 15 Native American individuals discovered in College's collections.” The Dartmouth, 28 March 2023, https://www.thedartmouth.com/article/2023/03/remains-of-15-native-american-individuals-discovered-in-colleges-collections. Accessed 10 June 2023.