Fossil Dispossession of Sioux Lands

Thursday, March 30, University of Nebraska-Omaha Adjunct Professor Lawrence Bradley discusses the history of fossil dispossession from Sioux lands and the legal frameworks—or lack of—that allowed it to occur. In this hybrid lecture, he also examines the role that fossils taken from these lands have played in establishing vertebrate paleontology as a scientific discipline in the United States. Finally, he offers an approach to solving past and present disputes between tribes and paleontologists. The continental interior of the United States—home to many Native American communities—is a region rich in fossils. Since the nineteenth century, fossils found on Native lands have been removed and placed in museums and universities without the consent of or proper collaboration with Native tribes. This program is presented by Harvard Museum of Natural History, Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology and Harvard Museums of Science & Culture. Free event parking is available at the 52 Oxford Street Garage.

Image credit: Bill Sitzman, Motion Photography