Arizona Museum to Return Sacred Modified Bones to Tribe
Published Date: 4/11/2025
Notice
Summary
The Arizona State Museum plans to return a special set of modified bone items to the United Auburn Indian Tribe because these items hold important cultural meaning. This repatriation will start on or after May 12, 2025. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in respecting Native American heritage and traditions.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Repatriation to United Auburn Tribe
The Arizona State Museum intends to repatriate one lot of modified bone, identified as objects of cultural patrimony removed from the Lincoln Mound site (CA-PLA-4), to the United Auburn Indian Community of the Auburn Rancheria of California. The repatriation may occur on or after May 12, 2025; the lot was acquired by the museum in 1951 after earlier acquisition in 1934.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice may submit a written request for repatriation to the Arizona State Museum if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or are culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to the authorized representative listed in the notice, and repatriation may occur on or after May 12, 2025.
How Competing or Joint Requests Are Handled
If competing requests for repatriation are received, the Arizona State Museum must determine the most appropriate requestor prior to repatriation. Requests for joint repatriation are treated as a single request and not as competing requests.
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