Government Returns 1958 Loaned Baskets to Native Tribes After 68 Years
Published Date: 12/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco plans to return two special Native American baskets to the tribes they belong to, starting January 20, 2026. These baskets have been on loan to California parks since 1958 but are officially owned by the museum. This repatriation honors Native American heritage and follows important cultural laws.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Two Native baskets to be returned
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco intends to return two Native American baskets (accession numbers 21466 and 46767) that the museum owns to the tribal group with which they are affiliated. The notice states there is a connection between these items and the Tejon Indian Tribe and that repatriation may occur on or after January 20, 2026.
Who may request repatriation and how
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not named in the notice may submit a written request for repatriation to Christina Hellmich at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (address and email provided). The museum will consider competing requests and may determine the most appropriate requestor; joint requests are treated as a single request. Repatriation may occur on or after January 20, 2026.
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