Missouri Society Identifies Artifacts for Native Return
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Notice
Summary
The Missouri Historical Society in St. Louis has finished checking some old Native American burial items and found they belong to certain tribes. Starting January 20, 2026, these items can be returned to the tribes that they’re connected to. This is part of a law that helps return important cultural objects to Native communities, with no cost to the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Three Burial Beads Linked to Tribes
If you represent or are a member of the United Auburn Indian Community of the Auburn Rancheria of California, Wilton Rancheria, or the Yoche Dehe Wintun Nation, the Missouri Historical Society has determined that three lots of glass trade beads from Mustang Mound (CA-YOL-13), Yolo County, California, are culturally affiliated with those tribes. The MHS determined the beads were placed with or near human remains as part of funerary rites.
How and When to Request Repatriation
You may request repatriation of these objects on or after January 20, 2026 by sending a written request to Brady Wolf, Missouri Historical Society, 225 S Skinker Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63105, or by email at [email protected]. Requests may be submitted by any one or more of the tribes named in this notice, by any lineal descendant, or by another tribe or Native Hawaiian organization that shows cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence, and repatriation occurs under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) at no cost to the public.
Competing and Joint Repatriation Requests
If competing repatriation requests are received, the Missouri Historical Society must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation. Requests made jointly are treated as a single request, and the MHS will send a copy of this notice to the tribes named and other consulting parties.
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The Missouri Historical Society in St. Louis has finished checking their collection and found two Native American funerary objects that belong to certain tribes. Starting January 20, 2026, these items can be returned to the tribes connected to them. This is part of a respectful effort to give back important cultural items and honor Native American heritage.