Museum Ships Sacred Stuff Back to Tribes: NAGPRA Business as Usual
Published Date: 7/31/2026
Notice
Summary
In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), San Bernardino County Museum intends to repatriate certain cultural items that meet the definition of objects of cultural patrimony and that have a cultural affiliation with the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Museum to Return Trade Beads
San Bernardino County Museum intends to repatriate one lot of objects of cultural patrimony (one lot of trade beads, CA-SBR-00216 / SBCM-126) that is culturally affiliated with the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, California.
Repatriation Timing Set
The museum may complete repatriation of the cultural items on or after August 31, 2026, establishing the earliest date when transfer to an approved requestor can occur.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated; requests must be sent to the museum representative named in the notice.
Museum Resolves Competing Requests
If competing requests for the cultural items are received, San Bernardino County Museum will determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation; requests for joint repatriation count as a single request.
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Key Dates
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