Appendix D YUROK TRIBE POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR INADVERTENT DISCOVERY OF YUROK CULTURAL ITEMS
Traditional Yurok Law requires reburial of cultural items, and known funerary items as soon as possible. The Yurok Tribal Government shall make every attempt to immediately rebury these items upon notification. In instances where it is believed that a violation of tribal law, federal/state law have been committed, the Tribal government or another law enforcement agency shall investigate and determine if prosecution is warranted, and seek retribution for the crime(s) committed against Yurok ancestors and sacred sites.
Procedures for notifying the Yurok Tribe of an inadvertent discovery of human remains, associated and/or unassociated funerary items, and cultural items.
Step 1. Upon discovery of human remains, associated and/or unassociated funerary items, the individual or representative of an organization or governmental agency shall immediately stop ground-disturbing activities in the immediate area of the discovery.
Step 2. Must establish a reasonable protective barrier (marked by flagging tape) around the cultural site, within which ground-disturbing activities are temporarily suspended. You shall also take steps to protect the discovered item(s) in a respectful and dignified manner. Removal of the unearthed item is not recommended unless it is directly threatened by a destructive force (i.e., heavy equipment).
Step 3. Immediately report the discovery to Yurok Tribe NAGPRA Coordinator or the Yurok Tribal Heritage Preservation Officer (THPO). You must also follow all applicable state and federal laws in the event that human remains are discovered (i.e., County Coroner).
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1. NAGPRA Coordinator |
(707) 482-1350 ext. 312 or (707) 954-5355 (cell phone) |
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2. Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) |
(530) 625-4130 ext. 1629 or (707) 498-2536 (cell phone) |
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3. Executive Director or Deputy Executive Director |
(707) 482-1350 |
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4. Tribal Chairperson or Council |
(707) 482-1350 |