Denver Museum to Repatriate 12 Sacred Native Baskets
Published Date: 2/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of Denver Museum of Anthropology plans to return 12 important Native American cultural items, including sacred baskets and pottery, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after March 13, 2026, honoring Native traditions and history. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in respecting Native heritage and culture.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
University to Return 12 Native Items
The University of Denver Museum of Anthropology intends to repatriate 12 Native American cultural items on or after March 13, 2026. The 12 items include eight sacred objects (four basketry trays, three basketry bowls, and one bolo tie) and four objects of cultural patrimony (one ceramic bowl, two ceramic jars, and one shell gaming piece). No money will change hands as part of the repatriation.
Items Linked to Gila River Indian Community
The University of Denver Museum of Anthropology determined there is a connection between these cultural items and the Gila River Indian Community of the Gila River Indian Reservation, Arizona. That affiliation supports repatriation to that Indian Tribe or its authorized representatives.
Who Can Request Repatriation and How
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request to repatriate these items if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to the University contact listed in the notice, and repatriation may occur on or after March 13, 2026; competing requests will be resolved by the museum, while joint requests are treated as a single request.
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