Mesa Verde to repatriate ancient unassociated funerary items
Published Date: 8/13/2026
Notice
Summary
In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Mesa Verde National Park intends to repatriate certain cultural items that meet the definition of unassociated funerary objects and that have a cultural affiliation with the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation of 23 funerary objects
Mesa Verde National Park intends to repatriate 23 unassociated funerary objects that are reasonably believed to have been placed with or near human remains and that have a cultural affiliation with the Hopi Tribe of Arizona. The repatriation may occur on or after September 14, 2026.
Who may 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 are culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to Kathryn Cook Collins, Superintendent, Mesa Verde National Park (P.O. Box 8, Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330) or the email address listed in the notice, and repatriation decisions will be made prior to transfer if competing requests exist.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Ohio History Connection intends to repatriate a certain cultural item that meets the definition of an object of cultural patrimony and that has a cultural affiliation with the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.
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In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), History Colorado intends to repatriate certain cultural items that meet the definition of sacred objects/ objects of cultural patrimony and that have a cultural affiliation with the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.