Santa Barbara museum to return Native human remains and cultural items
Published Date: 3/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has finished checking its collection and found human remains and objects linked to Native American tribes. Starting April 15, 2026, these remains and items can be returned to the tribes. This is a big step in respecting Native heritage and following important laws.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Museum Links Remains to Two Tribes
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History determined that the human remains (at least nine individuals) and 189 associated funerary objects are culturally affiliated with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians of the Santa Ynez Reservation, California, and the Tejon Indian Tribe. This determination identifies which tribes are recognized as connected to these remains and objects.
Repatriation Eligible Starting April 15, 2026
The identified human remains and 189 associated funerary objects may be returned beginning April 15, 2026. Written repatriation requests may be sent to Luke Swetland, President and CEO, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, or by the museum email; requests may be made by the named tribes, any lineal descendant, or other tribes/organizations that show cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in