UC Berkeley Returns Stolen Native Artifacts to Tribes After Centuries
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Notice
Summary
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return 51 cultural items like baskets, bows, and tools to Native American tribes connected to the Morongo Reservation. This repatriation will start on or after January 20, 2026, honoring the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in respecting Native heritage and history.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
51 Items Returned to Morongo Tribe
The University of California, Berkeley intends to repatriate 51 cultural items (bows, baskets, tools, and similar objects) that it has determined are culturally affiliated with the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. The repatriation may occur on or after January 20, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request to repatriate the items if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are lineal descendants or culturally affiliated. Competing requests will be resolved by the University before repatriation; joint requests count as a single request.
Items May Have Been Treated with Chemicals
The notice states that collections at the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum were treated with substances for preservation and pest control and that no museum records have been found to indicate whether chemicals or natural substances were used prior to 1960. Recipients and handlers should be aware of possible prior treatments.
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