From Grave Robbing to Repatriation: A History of Native American Archaeology

CrashCourse

This episode of Crash Course Native American History explores the complex and often dark relationship between the fields of anthropology and archaeology and Native American communities. Host Che Jim guides viewers through the history of how early scientific curiosity led to the widespread unethical treatment of Indigenous peoples, including the looting of graves, the collection of human remains for museums, and the pseudo-scientific racism used to justify these actions. The video highlights specific historical figures like Thomas Jefferson and Franz Boas, illustrating how even renowned thinkers contributed to these harmful practices under the guise of 'salvage anthropology.' The narrative shifts to the Civil Rights era, focusing on the American Indian Movement (AIM) and the fight for legal protections. It details key legislation such as the National Historic Preservation Act and the landmark Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) of 1990. The video explains the significance of repatriation—returning ancestors and artifacts to their tribes—and the ongoing challenges tribes face in reclaiming their heritage from institutions. Finally, the video concludes with a look at modern, decolonized archaeology. It contrasts the extractive methods of the past with collaborative projects like the excavation of the Ozette site with the Makah tribe. By showcasing how Indigenous knowledge and scientific methods can work together, the video offers a hopeful perspective on the future of the field, making it an excellent resource for discussing ethics in science, civil rights history, and the importance of cultural sovereignty.