Field Museum to Return 41 Sacred Native Items to California Tribes
Published Date: 4/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The Field Museum in Chicago plans to return 41 Native American cultural items, including baskets, tools, and sacred objects, to the tribes they belong to. These items were taken from California in 1901 and will be repatriated starting May 18, 2026. This respectful move honors Native traditions and strengthens cultural connections without any cost impact to the public.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Field Museum to Return 41 Native Items
The Field Museum plans to return 41 Native American cultural items (including baskets, tools, sacred objects) that were removed from Kern County, California in early 1901. The notice says these items have a cultural affiliation with the Tejon Indian Tribe and repatriation may occur on or after May 18, 2026.
How Tribes or Descendants Can Request Items
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization can submit a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to the Field Museum contact listed in the notice, and repatriation to an approved requestor may occur on or after May 18, 2026.
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