The Intensive NAGPRA Summer Training & Education Program (INSTEP) focuses on best practices related to Ancestral human remains and cultural items under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Training in and around the subject of NAGPRA is notoriously lacking in most academic anthropology programs and even Tribal communities, highlighting the need for long-term availability of such training. The one-week, intensive program also focuses on areas of ethical concern surrounding research, teaching, curation, and other aspects of working with Tribal Nations and their Ancestors. Training areas include, but are not limited to: strategies for NAGPRA documentation in the laboratory/curation space; understanding cultural affiliation to contemporary tribal communities; cultural sensitivity protocols; working with tribal governments; the effects of anthropological collecting and intergenerational trauma; and collaborative research practices. Training sessions involve learning from Native and non-Native NAGPRA practitioners, Tribal scholars and Elders, research partners, and others as appropriate. The major goal of the program is to offer accessible, consistently-available training for anthropologists and NAGPRA practitioners.
The INSTEP pilot program (which took place July 2023) was funded by a Wenner-Gren Foundation Global Initiatives Grant (Gr. GIG-20). W-G supports broad initiatives to empower anthropologists in their work, and the INSTEP program furthers W-G’s focus on the ethical treatment of human remains. The 2024 program was also facilitated using funding from the initial pilot year. 2025 program funding was provided by the Center for Indigenous Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and allowed us to offer a version of the program that specifically addressed NAGPRA concerns for Tribal practitioners in Oklahoma in October 2025 in addition to the standard July 2025 program.
2026 PROGRAM: INSTEP 2026 will run July 6-10 in Flagstaff, Arizona in collaboration with the Museum of Northern Arizona. Travel funding is not currently available for next year’s program, but this may change pending grant funding announcements in the next few months. There is no cost to participate; participants should expect to pay travel, lodging, and meals (lunch will be provided). Interested individuals should reach out to Krystiana Krupa and/or Jayne-Leigh Thomas (contact info below). The application for the 2026 program and eligibility information can be found below.
Contact information:
Eligibility and Criteria
The INSTEP Program is open to undergraduate and graduate students; museum and university professionals such as postdoctoral researchers, staff, and faculty; Federal and State agency employees; and Tribal practitioners and employees. We especially encourage applications from Indigenous community members, Elders, and Tribal leaders.
- Summary of Applicant’s Background. This should include education or experiences that relate to the program. (200-300 words max)
- Statement of Applicant’s Interest. (500 words max)
Throughout the workshop, participants will submit daily (and final) evaluations of the INSTEP program. These evaluations provide organizers valuable feedback to modify and improve future workshops.
Application Information
Applications for the July 2026 INSTEP program will open Monday, December 1st. The application link is available HERE. Participants will receive acceptance decisions in early March 2026.