History Colorado Repatriates Cultural Treasures: Yawn, NAGPRA Edition
Published Date: 9/9/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation of 20 Sacred Items
History Colorado intends to return 20 sacred objects and objects of cultural patrimony to a culturally affiliated group. These items are identified as having a cultural affiliation with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and repatriation may occur on or after October 9, 2026.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not listed may submit a written request to receive these items by showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they are a lineal descendant or are culturally affiliated. History Colorado will accept requests sent to the authorized representative and will decide among competing requests before repatriation.
Potential Hazard Information for Items
Available information says these cultural items were not documented as tested or treated for hazardous substances, but they may have been stored near other materials that were treated. If you receive these items, there may be a risk they were exposed to hazardous treatments while in museum collections.
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Key Dates
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