LA Museum Readies 23 Sacred Items for Repatriation
Published Date: 6/4/2026
Notice
Summary
The Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History plans to return 23 important Native American cultural items, including a funerary urn and various sacred objects, to the affiliated tribes and Native Hawaiian groups. This repatriation can start on or after July 6, 2026, honoring cultural respect and heritage. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in righting history and strengthening community ties.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Museum to Return 23 Native Items
The Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History intends to repatriate 23 Native American cultural items — one unassociated funerary object and 22 objects of cultural patrimony — to affiliated Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. The repatriation may begin on or after July 6, 2026, and no money changes hands as part of this return.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations may submit written requests for repatriation and must show cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence. The museum will consider joint requests as a single request and must resolve any competing requests before repatriation.
Items Linked to San Manuel Nation
The museum has determined there is a connection between the cultural items listed and the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation (previously San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, California). This determination identifies that Tribe as an affiliated group for the items described.
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