Columbia University Returns Native American Artifacts to Tribal Descendants
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Notice
Summary
Columbia University is planning to return 11 important Native American cultural items to the tribes they belong to, starting January 20, 2026. These items, like medicine bundles and ceremonial rattles, were donated to the university back in 1935 and hold deep cultural meaning. This repatriation honors Native traditions and strengthens respect between the university and Native communities.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Columbia to Return 11 Native Items
Columbia University plans to return 11 Native American cultural items (including medicine bundles, bundle cases, bird skins for bundles, eagle feather hairpiece, fossil tooth bundle, and a ceremonial rattle) that were donated in 1935. The items have a cultural affiliation with the Northern Arapaho Tribe and repatriation may occur on or after January 20, 2026. Written requests for repatriation may be sent to Roberto Ferrari, Columbia University, Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library, 1172 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, or by email to [email protected].
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization can request repatriation by showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, Columbia University must determine the most appropriate requestor, and joint requests count as a single request.
Consultation and Notification Responsibility
Columbia University, Art Properties is responsible for sending a copy of this notice to the Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations identified and to any other consulting parties; Columbia published the determinations under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).
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