UC Berkeley Returns Corn and Seeds to Native American Tribe Under Controversial Law

UC Berkeley has decided to return corn, corn cobs, peas, beans, and other seeds to the Pueblo of Isleta in New Mexico under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The items were originally collected by George F. Carter between 1940 and 1941 for research purposes at the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology. According to federal regulations, these objects are now classified as "cultural patronage" due to their historical significance to Native American tribes.

The decision has sparked debate over the interpretation and application of NAGPRA. Critics argue that the law was designed primarily for human remains and sacred artifacts rather than agricultural specimens used in scientific research. Elizabeth Weiss, a professor emeritus at San José State University, expressed skepticism about classifying seeds as objects of cultural patrimony, noting that such items are typically communal resources rather than individually owned artifacts.

The university's move highlights the broader implications for academic institutions and researchers studying Native American cultures. There is concern that overly broad interpretations could hinder future research efforts aimed at understanding historical agricultural practices and their impact on indigenous communities. The Department of the Interior, Justice Department, and Bureau of Indian Affairs are urged to provide clarification on how NAGPRA applies to such materials in order to balance cultural respect with academic inquiry.