Mills College Sends Woven Treasures Back to Native Tribes
Published Date: 4/2/2026
Notice
Summary
Mills College Art Museum at Northeastern University plans to return 11 Native American cultural items, like woven baskets and ceremonial caps, to the rightful tribes starting May 4, 2026. This move respects Native heritage and follows important laws protecting these sacred objects. No money changes hands, but the museum is making sure these treasures go back home where they belong.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of 11 Hupa Cultural Items
The Mills College Art Museum intends to return 11 items (woven baskets, gambling tray, trinket baskets, and ceremonial caps) that the museum has determined are objects of cultural patrimony affiliated with the Hoopa Valley Tribe. Repatriation may occur on or after May 4, 2026, and requests must be sent to the museum contact listed in the notice.
Legal Finding: Cultural Patrimony Affirmed
The Mills College Art Museum determined the 11 items meet the definition of objects of cultural patrimony and have a cultural affiliation with the Hoopa Valley Tribe under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Any lineal descendant or affiliated tribe may submit a repatriation request showing affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence.
Hazard Testing Results on Two Items
Laboratory testing found trace amounts of mercury on item 1997.14.1 (Gambling Tray) and trace amounts of arsenic on item 1969.89 (Acorn Soup Bowl); no hazardous substances were found on the other items. These test results are reported as part of the museum's repatriation notice.
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