LA Museum Plans Return of Native Arrow Tools and Pottery
Published Date: 5/12/2026
Notice
Summary
The Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History plans to return 11 important cultural items to Native American tribes connected to Kern County, California. These items include arrow tools, pottery pieces, beads, and more, with repatriation starting on or after June 11, 2026. This respectful move honors Native heritage and involves no cost to the tribes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of 11 Cultural Items
The Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History intends to return 11 cultural items (including two arrow shaft straighteners, lots of lithics, groundstone, pottery sherds, glass beads, lead, and a small printed cloth 'pillow') that the museum determined are objects of cultural patrimony affiliated with the Tejon Indian Tribe. Repatriation may occur on or after June 11, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice may submit a written request for repatriation to the museum if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, the museum must determine the most appropriate requestor; requests for joint repatriation are treated as a single request.
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