Denver Museum to Repatriate Arapaho Pipe Set
Published Date: 7/15/2026
Notice
Summary
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science plans to return two sacred objects—a pipe bowl and stem—that belong to the Northern Arapaho Tribe. These items, linked to a respected Medicine Man, will be repatriated starting August 14, 2026. This means the tribe can reclaim important cultural treasures to keep their traditions alive, with no cost to them.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation of Two Sacred Objects
If you are a member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe or a lineal descendant, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science intends to return two sacred objects — a pipe bowl (AN-2001-146.11A) and a pipe stem (AN-2001-146.1B) that originally belonged to Medicine Man Anderson White Eagle. The repatriation may occur on or after August 14, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not named in the notice may send a written request to Dr. Michele Koons at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science to seek repatriation. Requestors must show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated; if competing requests are received, the museum will determine the most appropriate requestor, and joint requests are treated as a single request.
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