Oregon Museum Catalogs Sacred Items for Tribal Repatriation
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Notice
Summary
The University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History has finished checking its collection of Native American human remains and burial items. They found 16 individuals and some special artifacts linked to local tribes. Starting January 20, 2026, these remains and items can be returned to the tribes, honoring their heritage and culture.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Eligible Starting Jan 20, 2026
The University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History completed an inventory and identified human remains from at least 16 individuals and 23 associated funerary objects. These remains and objects are culturally affiliated with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon; Confederated Tribes of the Grande Ronde Community of Oregon; Coquille Indian Tribe; Elk Valley Rancheria, California; and the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, and may be repatriated on or after January 20, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation and Disputes
Written requests for repatriation may be submitted by any one or more of the tribes named in this notice, or by any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not named that shows by a preponderance of the evidence a cultural affiliation. If competing requests are received, the University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History must determine the most appropriate requestor; joint repatriation requests are treated as a single request.
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The University of Michigan has finished checking its collection and found that some ancient Native American remains and objects belong to local tribes. Starting January 20, 2026, these ancestral remains and items can be returned to the tribes. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage, with no costs or risks involved for anyone handling the items.