Sacred Pottery and Navajo Item Repatriated to Tribes Soon
Published Date: 1/7/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of the Interior and Northern Arizona University are returning two important cultural items to Native American tribes, including a special pottery pitcher and a sacred Navajo wooden object. This repatriation honors Native traditions and will start on or after February 6, 2026. If you want to learn more or request repatriation, you can contact the Bureau of Indian Affairs soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Two Navajo cultural items returned
The Department of the Interior and Northern Arizona University will return two cultural items affiliated with the Navajo Nation: a Cibola White Ware Escavada Black-on-white pottery pitcher (an unassociated funerary object) and a Navajo wooden re-making doll (a sacred object/object of cultural patrimony). Repatriation may occur on or after February 6, 2026.
Who can request repatriation and how
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice can submit a written request for repatriation to Tamara Billie at the Bureau of Indian Affairs (1001 Indian School Road NW, Mailbox 44, Albuquerque, NM 87104 or the email listed in the notice). Requests must show by a preponderance of the evidence that the requester is a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated; repatriation may occur on or after February 6, 2026, and the BIA will resolve competing requests (joint requests count as a single request).
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