Nebraska museum returns sacred gold tin of corn, tobacco to tribes
Published Date: 9/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of Nebraska State Museum plans to return a sacred object—a gold tin holding preserved corn and tobacco—to Native American tribes starting October 16, 2026. This special item, linked to Native American religious traditions, was gifted in 2008 and is now ready to go back to its rightful community. No money changes hands, but this is a meaningful step in honoring Native heritage.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Museum to Return One Sacred Object
The University of Nebraska State Museum intends to return one sacred object—a gold tin containing two preserved corn cobs and two packets of tobacco—that it determined has a cultural affiliation with the Omaha Tribe. Repatriation may occur on or after October 16, 2026. The item was gifted in 2008 and is being offered for return to the affiliated community.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation and must show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to the NAGPRA Program Manager or NAGPRA Coordinator at the University of Nebraska State Museum. If competing requests are received, the museum will decide the most appropriate requestor; joint requests are treated as a single request.
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