Arizona Agency Repatriates 231 Sacred Items to Tribes
Published Date: 2/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The Salt River Agricultural Improvement and Power District in Tempe, AZ, plans to return 231 important Native American cultural items, including sacred objects and funerary items, to the rightful tribes starting March 25, 2026. These items were collected decades ago and now will be respectfully sent back, honoring Native traditions and history. No money changes hands, but this is a big step for cultural respect and healing.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
231 Native American Items Returned
The Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District intends to repatriate 231 Native American cultural items starting on or after March 25, 2026. The items include 148 unassociated funerary objects, 80 sacred objects, and 3 objects of cultural patrimony, and they have a cultural affiliation with the Gila River Indian Community and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are culturally affiliated. Repatriation to a requestor may occur on or after March 25, 2026, and competing requests must be resolved by the Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District before repatriation.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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