Alaska Museum Returns Sacred Items: NAGPRA Repatriation Notice Drops
Published Date: 12/22/2025
Notice
Summary
The Sheldon Jackson Museum in Sitka, Alaska, plans to return a special Tlingit war helmet to the Sitka Tribe of Alaska starting January 21, 2026. This helmet is super important to the tribe’s history and culture, and the museum is following the law to make sure it goes back to its rightful owners. If anyone else wants to request repatriation, they need to send a written request soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Tlingit War Helmet Repatriation
The Sheldon Jackson Museum intends to return one Tlingit war helmet (wood burl, covered in bear skin with raven figure and copper inlaid eyes) to the Sitka Tribe of Alaska. The repatriation may occur on or after January 21, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization (including parties not named in the notice) may send a written request for repatriation to the museum; requests must be sent to the named authorized representative and repatriation may occur on or after January 21, 2026. If joint requests are filed they are treated as a single request; competing requests will be resolved by the museum before repatriation.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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