Chicago's Field Museum to Repatriate Tejon Remains
Published Date: 3/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The Field Museum in Chicago has finished checking its collection and found human remains linked to the Tejon Indian Tribe. Starting April 17, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribe if they ask for them. This is part of a respectful effort to honor Native American heritage and make sure the museum follows the law.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Human remains tied to Tejon Tribe
The Field Museum identified human remains representing at least one Native American individual that it has determined are affiliated with the Tejon Indian Tribe. The remains were removed on January 31, 1901 from Tejon Pass, Kern County, California and accessioned on June 28, 1901. Repatriation may occur on or after April 17, 2026; written requests must be sent to June Carpenter at the Field Museum, 1400 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605 or by email to [email protected].
Who may request repatriation
The Field Museum will accept written repatriation requests from: (1) any of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in this notice; or (2) any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice that shows by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or have cultural affiliation. If competing requests are received, the Field Museum must determine the most appropriate requestor; joint repatriation requests are treated as a single request. Repatriation may occur on or after April 17, 2026.
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