Southwest Archaeology Today for Sept 29, 2008

Southwestern Archaeology Making the News – A Service of the Center for Desert Archaeology

– National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers Publish On-Line Comprehensive Index of State and Tribal Laws Regarding Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Management: In response to increasing concerns over the looting of cultural resources, including sites containing human remains and funerary objects, many states and tribes have enacted legislation and codes to protect burial sites. These laws and codes often require special treatment of burial sites and objects and many have penalties for failure to comply. This project is a compilation of existing state and tribal cultural resource laws and codes and we encourage you review, comment, and suggest additional information and web links.
http://www.nathpo.org/State_Laws/State_Laws_Map.htm

– Native Leaders Support NAGPRA Review: Senate Committee on Indian Affairs leaders support a federal investigation aimed at strengthening the implementation of a top cultural preservation law involving tribes. Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., plans to soon call for a report and study by the U.S. Government Accountability Office to explore federal government compliance and enforcement of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, is set to join Dorgan in his call for a GAO study, according to her staff. She serves as the committee’s vice chairwoman.
http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/national/29791944.html

– Archaeology Cafe (Tucson): Ancient Astronomy of Northern Arizona. At the Center’s second Archaeology Caf