San Francisco Museums Prepare To Return Native Remains And Cultural Objects
Published Date: 10/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco have finished checking their collection and found Native American human remains and objects that belong to local tribes. Starting November 16, 2026, these remains and items can be returned to the rightful Native communities. This is a big step in respecting Native heritage and following important laws.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Allowed Starting November 16, 2026
Repatriation of the human remains and the associated funerary object described in this notice may occur on or after November 16, 2026. The inventory identifies human remains representing at least five individuals and one associated funerary object from Marin and Sonoma Counties, California.
Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria Identified
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco has determined there is a cultural affiliation between the human remains and associated funerary object and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, California. That determination is explicitly stated as the connection for the remains and the funerary object.
Who May Request Repatriation
Written repatriation requests may be submitted by any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in the notice, any lineal descendant, or any tribe/organization not named that shows by a preponderance of the evidence it is affiliated. Competing requests must be resolved by FAMSF, and joint requests are treated as a single request.
How to Submit a Repatriation Request
Requests for repatriation must be sent in writing to Christina Hellmich, Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118, or by email to the address listed in the notice. FAMSF is also required to send a copy of this notice to the identified Indian Tribes and consulting parties.
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