Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Program

The purpose of the Delaware Nation Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Program is provision of decisions regarding the disposition of ancestral human remains, objects of cultural patrimony and materials and objects possessing ongoing cultural significance to the Delaware Nation. This extends to the following:

  • Human remains and objects as defined in P.L. 101-601, the Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act, which have been found, or will be found eligible pursuant to the provisions of the Act, for return to the Delaware Nation, and
  • Human remains and objects of archeological and/or cultural significance that are discovered on prehistoric, historic, and present day Delaware Nation lands in the course of exploratory work, resources development, or any activity that is sponsored or permitted by the landowner.

Guidelines under this program specify that only tribal designees that have been provided authority to fulfill all of the duties, tasks, responsibilities or protocols of the disposition of ancestral human remains, objects of cultural patrimony and materials and objects possessing ongoing cultural significance may consult on behalf of the Delaware Nation.

It is also the formal policy of the Delaware Nation to consult with the federal government on federally funded programs or grants relevant to the Lenape people on with or alongside other federally recognized entities. Non-federally recognized entities claiming Native American ancestry may not be invited to formal consultation in the process in which federally recognized tribe’s consultation is required.

 

Carissa Speck

Historic Preservation Director

Phone: (405) 247-2448 Ext. 1403

Email: cspeck@delawarenation-nsn.gov

Tribal Affiliation: Seminole Nation

 

Katelyn Lucas

Tribal Historic Preservation Officer

Phone: (405) 544-8115

Email: klucas@delawarenation-nsn.gov