Berkeley to Repatriate Chief Jim Badroads Eagle Headdress
Published Date: 7/15/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return a sacred eagle feather headdress to its Native American descendants starting August 14, 2026. This special item, once worn by Chief Jim Badroads, will be repatriated following Native American traditions and laws. No money changes hands, but this important step honors cultural respect and heritage.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Return of Sacred Eagle Headdress
The University of California, Berkeley intends to return one sacred eagle feather headdress that was worn by Chief Jim Badroads to his Native American lineal descendants. The repatriation may occur on or after August 14, 2026, and the university determined the Badroads family are connected to the item.
Who Can Request Repatriation and How
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request to receive the headdress if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are the lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Send requests to Alexandra Lucas, Office of the Chancellor, University of California, Berkeley, 200 California Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720, or email [email protected]; repatriation may occur on or after August 14, 2026, and the university will decide among competing requests (joint requests count as a single request).
Provenance and Preservation Notes
The museum records show the headdress was donated in December 1982 and was acquired prior to 1936; provenance is incomplete. Collections at the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum may have been treated with preservation or pest-control substances, some potentially hazardous, and no records were found indicating whether chemicals or natural substances were used prior to 1960.
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