UT Austin lab plans repatriation of Native sacred and funerary items
Published Date: 9/16/2026
Notice
Summary
In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the University of Texas at Austin, Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL), intends to repatriate certain cultural items that meet the definition of unassociated funerary objects, sacred objects, and/or objects of cultural patrimony 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.
Return of 42,138 Cultural Items
The University of Texas at Austin Texas Archeological Research Laboratory (TARL) intends to repatriate a total of 42,138 cultural items. About 18,175 items are identified as potential sacred objects or objects of cultural patrimony and about 23,963 are identified as potential unassociated funerary objects; TARL states these items have a cultural affiliation with the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo.
Who Can Request Repatriation and Timing
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. TARL may repatriate the items to a requestor on or after October 16, 2026, and TARL will resolve any competing requests (joint requests are treated as a single request).
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