My name is Nekole Alligood and I recently joined the Ohio History Connection as their new NAGPRA Specialist. I am a member of the Delaware Nation of Oklahoma and a Cultural Anthropologist.
In my role within the Ohio History Connection, I will work with our Tribal Partners to repatriate their Ancestors and sacred objects. The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, or NAGPRA, is the federal law which guides the process involved in returning Ancestral remains and objects to descendant Tribes or Communities. I also help with interpretation for exhibits involving American Indians and work to put staff in touch with Tribal Partners to better aid the process and build relationships.
I have worked with American Indian museum collections as well as cultural resource management. I served as the NAGPRA Officer for the Delaware Nation and Director of Cultural Preservation and have completed three repatriations along with the Delaware Tribe of Indians and the Stockbridge-Munsee Community. Repatriation work is important to me in its restoration of humanity and dignity to all Ancestors. It is the most fulfilling work I have ever done, but also some of the most difficult.
Consultation with American Indian Nations and Tribes is essential to repatriation and a large part of what I will be doing on behalf of the organization. I will also help with interpretation of American Indian culture in Ohio through the same process of consultation. I look forward to helping build on the relationships Ohio History Connection has established with its Tribal Partners and visitors.
I have a BA and MA in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Oklahoma and a BA in English from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. I currently reside in Oklahoma but will be relocating my pack of dogs and myself to the Columbus area soon. I am excited to be a part of the Ohio History Connection and to continue working in American Indian repatriation.
