Bureaucracy Returns Sacred Artifacts to Tribes—As Required by Law
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of the Interior and University of California, Berkeley plan to return 13 important cultural items to Native American tribes connected to Riverside County, California. These items, including pottery and tools, were taken in 1956 and will be repatriated starting January 20, 2026. This respectful return honors Native heritage and involves no cost to the tribes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of 13 Cultural Items
The Bureau of Indian Affairs and UC Berkeley will return 13 cultural items (pottery, faunal remains, and lithics) removed in 1956 from sites CA-RIV-74 and CA-RIV-84 in Riverside County, California. The repatriation may occur on or after January 20, 2026 and is stated to involve no cost to the tribes.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are lineal descendants or culturally affiliated. If there are competing requests, the Bureau of Indian Affairs will determine the most appropriate requestor; joint repatriation requests count as a single request.
Possible Hazardous Preservation Treatments
Collections at the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum were treated with preservation and pest-control substances, some of which are potentially hazardous. The notice states no records have been found to indicate whether chemicals or natural substances were used before 1960, which may affect handling or safety measures when items are repatriated.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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