Anthropology

NAGPRA (Native American Graves and Repatriation Act) was passed. It is for the protection of Native remains and artifacts from being disrespected and appropriated by archaeologists and hobbyists. In the past, "scientists" had raided Native graves in order to analyze and measure skeletal remains to "prove" the racial inferiority of Native people.

Most of today's archaeologists who work in the US are more sensitive and cooperative with Native populations. Dr. James Adovasio, who excavated the Meadowcroft Rockshelter in PA (near Pittsburgh) and found dates of use back to 14,000 years ago and farther, became the director of the Mercyhurst Archaeological Institute at Erie, PA. During the summer, his students got field practice at various sites in Northwestern PA that were once occupied by the Seneca Nation. He contacted them about the studies being done by his students and the Seneca were cooperative and interested because of his willingness to work with them.

Native cultures vary in their willingness to allow and cooperate with archeological projects. The Seneca even endorse DNA studies in tracing ancestry. Several tribal members that I have talked with have had their own DNA tests done. There has been a lot of intermixing between Senecas and European Americans over the centuries. Seneca tribal membership is clear cut - matrilineal descent only. Many tribal members who have some European ancestors want to know more about them. There is a Seneca genealogical society on tribal land and they are open to non tribal members who are tracing Seneca ancestry in their families.

But the Seneca Nation has its own cultural museum and has been seeking the return of Seneca items like pipes and wampum belts from universities, non Seneca museums and other organizatiins.