Indianapolis Art Museum Updates Native American Item Repatriation Links
Published Date: 2/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields updated who they believe is connected to certain Native American cultural items, now linking them to the Tule River Indian Tribe in California. These items haven’t been returned yet, but repatriation can start on or after March 13, 2026. If you think you’re connected, you can send a written request to the museum to claim these important cultural treasures.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Items Linked to Tule River Tribe
The Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields determined there is a reasonable connection between the cultural items described in its December 16, 2025 notice and the Tule River Indian Tribe of the Tule River Reservation, California. This amended determination is part of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) process.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice may send a written request to claim these cultural items if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Send requests to Jennifer Gallatin Rigsby, Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, 4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46208, or email the museum at the address listed in the notice; repatriation may occur on or after March 13, 2026.
Competing and Joint Claim Rules
If the museum receives competing requests for repatriation, the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation; requests submitted jointly are treated as a single request and not as competing requests. Repatriation of the items may occur on or after March 13, 2026.
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