Over 2,200 Artifacts Headed Back to Native Tribes
Published Date: 6/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History plans to return over 2,200 Native American cultural items, like stone tools and shell ornaments, to the tribes connected to them. This repatriation will start on or after July 13, 2026, honoring Native traditions and history. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting Native heritage and keeping history alive.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of ~2,224 Cultural Items
If you are a member of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians or a lineal descendant, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History intends to repatriate approximately 2,224 unassociated funerary objects (stone, shell, bone, asphaltum, charcoal, cordage, and related items) that were excavated from Santa Rosa Island. Repatriation may occur on or after July 13, 2026.
Right to Request Repatriation
If you are a lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice, you may send a written request to the museum showing by a preponderance of the evidence that you are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. The museum will determine the most appropriate requestor if competing requests are received; joint requests count as a single request, and repatriation may occur on or after July 13, 2026.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-11713 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Santa Barbara, CA
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History plans to return about 3,090 Native American cultural items, like stone tools and ornaments, to the tribes connected to them. These items were found on Santa Rosa Island and are linked to Native American burial practices. The repatriation can start on or after July 13, 2026, with no costs mentioned for the tribes involved.
Next: 2026-11715 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Santa Barbara, CA
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History plans to return about 588 cultural items, like stone tools and shell beads, to Native American tribes connected to Santa Rosa Island. This repatriation will start on or after July 13, 2026, honoring Native traditions and respecting their heritage. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in righting history and strengthening community ties.