University Returns 276 Sacred Items to Tribes in Heritage Handover
Published Date: 1/16/2026
Notice
Summary
Arizona State University plans to return 276 cultural items, including sacred and funerary objects, to Native American tribes connected to them. This repatriation will start on or after February 17, 2026, helping honor tribal heritage and respect cultural traditions. No costs or delays are expected, just a respectful handover of important artifacts.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of 276 cultural items
If you are a member of the Ak-Chin, Gila River, Hopi, Salt River Pima‑Maricopa, Tohono O'odham, or Zuni tribes, Arizona State University intends to return 276 cultural items to tribes. The items include 119 unassociated funerary objects and 157 sacred objects/objects of cultural patrimony, and repatriation may occur on or after February 17, 2026.
Who may request repatriation
If you are a lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not listed in the notice, you may submit a written request to Arizona State University to repatriate these items by showing a preponderance of the evidence. ASU will resolve competing requests (joint requests count as a single request) and may repatriate items on or after February 17, 2026.
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