Nevada State Museum in compliance with federal law

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – “Under One Sky” is an exhibit here at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City.

It’s been around since 2001 and displays the life and times of Native Americans in our area. It is updated from time to time. There’s a small exhibit highlighting Stewart Indian School.

But the displays weren’t always tasteful or appropriate here.

The director of the museum remembers as a kid seeing a Native American display.

“Nude brown people doing things in a camp,” says Joshua Bonde, of that display. “And it made me feel super uncomfortable then as a kid seeing our people being depicted as the past as specimens.

Bonde belongs to the Western Shoshone Tribe.

He says his people and other Native American Tribes are still around–not a part of some bygone era.

Treating them that way may have given museums tacit permission to display remains or other sensitive material tribes would find sacred or objectionable.

In the 1990s the Nevada State Museum embarked on a quest to involve local tribes with any Native American Exhibits the museum might undertake.

Those tribes were consulted and provided guidance to the “Under One Sky” exhibit.

“There is always room for growth,” says Anna Camp Ph.D. and curator and Anthropology specialist with the museum. “And we want to be active listeners and learners. And continue to take input and consult with all the tribes in Nevada.”

Such policies place the Nevada State Museum in compliance with the North American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act.

The law requires museums or other exhibits who receive federal dollars to consult with local tribes about cultural objects on or slated for display. In some cases, those items such as remains may have to be returned to the originating tribe.

But such a law requires open communication with Tribes.

Something the Nevada State Museum continues to foster.

In the fall the museum is scheduled to open an exhibit with Native American baskets on display. And just like the “Under One Sky” exhibit, tribes have been consulted and provided input.

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