San Diego Museum Returns Ancient Stones and Beads to Tribes
Published Date: 5/5/2026
Notice
Summary
The Museum of Us in San Diego plans to return 71 Native American cultural items, like stones, beads, and ornaments, to the tribes they belong to. These items were taken long ago from sites in California and will be repatriated starting June 4, 2026. This move respects Native heritage and involves no cost to the public, just a big step toward honoring history.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation of 71 Native items
The Museum of Us intends to return 71 unassociated funerary objects (including grooved stones, glass trade beads, historic Chinese coins, projectile points, Haliotis ornaments, and other items) that were removed between 1930 and 1936. The Museum has identified a cultural affiliation with the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, Shingle Springs Rancheria (Verona Tract), California, and repatriation may occur on or after June 4, 2026.
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 June 4, 2026; if competing requests are received the Museum of Us must determine the most appropriate requestor, and joint requests are treated as a single request.
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The Museum of Us in San Diego has finished checking its collection and found human remains and objects linked to Native American tribes. Starting June 4, 2026, these remains and items can be returned to the tribes that they belong to. This is a big step in respecting Native cultures and making sure their history is honored properly.
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