St. Louis History Group Catalogs More Tribal Burial Items
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Two Funerary Objects Identified
The Missouri Historical Society found two associated funerary objects — one lot of stone beads and one unworked crystal — that are culturally affiliated with several California Miwok groups (Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California; California Valley Miwok Tribe, California; Ione Band of Miwok Indians of California; Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, Shingle Springs Rancheria (Verona Tract), California; United Auburn Indian Community of the Auburn Rancheria of California; and the Wilton Rancheria, California). The museum determined these items were placed with or near human remains as part of death rites and identified the cultural affiliation in its inventory.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Written repatriation requests may be sent to Brady Wolf at the Missouri Historical Society (225 S. Skinker Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63105) or by the provided email, and repatriation may occur on or after January 20, 2026. Requests may be submitted by any one or more of the listed tribes or by any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization that shows by a preponderance of the evidence it has cultural affiliation; if competing requests are received, the Missouri Historical Society must determine the most appropriate requestor.
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Previous: 2025-23370 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Missouri Historical Society, St. Louis, MO
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.
Next: 2025-23372 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Rochester Museum & Science Center, Rochester, NY
The Rochester Museum & Science Center has finished checking its collection and found human remains and thousands of old artifacts linked to Native American tribes. Starting January 20, 2026, these remains and items can be returned to the tribes that they belong to. This is a big step in respecting Native American history and culture, with no costs mentioned but important deadlines to watch.