Kalamazoo Museum to Repatriate Sacred Native Baskets
Published Date: 1/28/2026
Notice
Summary
The Kalamazoo Valley Museum plans to return five special Native American baskets to the tribes they belong to, starting February 27, 2026. These baskets are sacred and have deep cultural meaning. This repatriation honors Native American heritage and involves no cost to the public, just respect and care for history.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Five sacred baskets returning to tribe
The Kalamazoo Valley Museum intends to return five sacred Native American baskets to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The notice says these baskets are sacred objects/objects of cultural patrimony needed for present-day traditional religious practice, and the repatriation may occur on or after February 27, 2026; the notice also states this action involves no cost to the public.
Other tribes or descendants may request return
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not named in the notice may submit a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to Regina Gorham, Collections Manager, Kalamazoo Valley Museum (230 N Rose Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007; email: [email protected]), and repatriation to an approved requestor may occur on or after February 27, 2026.
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