Indy Museum Returns Moccasins, Pipe Bag, Rattle to Northern Arapaho
Published Date: 9/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields plans to return four important Native American cultural items—a pipe bag, two pairs of moccasins, and a rattle—to the Northern Arapaho Tribe. These items, collected long ago, hold deep cultural meaning and will be repatriated starting October 16, 2026. This respectful move honors Native traditions and strengthens ties with the tribe, with no money involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Four cultural items to be returned
The Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields intends to return four cultural items—a pipe bag, two pairs of moccasins, and one rattle—to the Northern Arapaho Tribe of the Wind River Reservation, Wyoming. The repatriation may occur on or after October 16, 2026.
Who may request repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in the notice 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 the authorized representative named in the notice, and repatriation may occur on or after October 16, 2026.
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