A Biological Profile of a Ancient Native American Remains in Strive for Repatriation

Authors' Names

Haley P. Rebardi BA, University of Montana, MissoulaFollow
Bryon Alan Schroeder PhD, The University of Texas at Austin

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Category

Social Sciences/Humanities

Abstract/Artist Statement

A passed act in the 1990 and amended in 2010, NAGPRA, Native American Graves Protection and Reparation Act, has required academia, institutes, and private holdings of artifacts and Native American human remains including both culturally identified and culturally unidentified Native American Remains (43 C.F.R. 10, 1995; NAGPRA; 25 U.S.C. 3001 et seq., 1990). However, there is still uestionable morals and ethics with Native American skeletal remains, including culturally identified and unidentified have been a concern in scientific testing. Mainly because of the lack of communication, awareness, and permission with descendant tribes and potential descendants (Bader et al 2021). The hopes of this study and article are to provide an example of using scientific research as a service to Native American communities and a clear collaboration/communication with confirmed or potential descendants. The Native American remain of this study undergo scientific analyses including stable isotopes, radiocarbon dating, and mitochondria DNA to create a biological profile of the individual. The purpose of the biological profile is not to only appreciate the life the individual once lived but also to investigate the connection with the rightful descendants and complete the main goal of repatriation. The indication of closest descendants will be based on mtDNA haplotypes and haplogroups. Stable Isotopes focusing on δC¹³ and δN¹⁵ will show the individual’s diet pattern and food source available in their environment. The individual has been carbon dated to 4,000 years old placing them in the late archaic period of Texas. Originally the inhabitant and burial site were in Marathon, Texas before being looted and sold to private collectors. After some time, the University of Texas at Austin was able to retrieve the individual with the support and communication of the local tribes. Samples of the individual were then administered to the University of Montana for genetic analysis.

Mentor Name

Meradeth Snow

Personal Statement

Anthropology and the field of science has a dark past when it comes to people of color. In this context, the dark past lies with the scientific testing, research, and trafficking of indigenous remains. This also including not treating indigenous communities, ancestral remains, or artifacts with respect and basic humanity. Even with the NAGPRA act in place there is still loopholes and grey areas to allow cutting out indigenous communities from the conversation of handling their ancestors. It also, allows private collectors to lay claim or ownership of indigenous ancestral remain without any cultural connection. The individual of this research was once laid to rest by loved ones, thousands of years ago only ripped out of their grave and treated as an oddity. The individual, like many other indigenous ancestral remains, was seen for money value instead of life they once lived. Because of this, they were sold like objects to private collectors. I am proud to say I am a part of this research. This research is the wrong and injustice of the past of this individual and striving to find their descendants. I am also proud to say the local indigenous communities of lower Pecos area in Texas have been in the conversation in every step with these remains and are giving their support of the molecular and scientific research. The research conducted is not only to expand the knowledge of pre-colonial history, but also to appreciate the life this individual once lived. I hope for two main goals of my research. One, to be an example of keeping native communities in the scientific and research conversation especially when it concerns a potential ancestor. The second, is to reunite the individual of this study and laid to rest in the land of their descendants.