2026-05036Notice

Santa Barbara museum to return Native human remains and cultural items

Published Date: 3/16/2026

Notice

Summary

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has finished checking its collection and found human remains and objects linked to Native American tribes. Starting April 15, 2026, these remains and items can be returned to the tribes. This is a big step in respecting Native heritage and following important laws.

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Museum Links Remains to Two Tribes

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History determined that the human remains (at least nine individuals) and 189 associated funerary objects are culturally affiliated with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians of the Santa Ynez Reservation, California, and the Tejon Indian Tribe. This determination identifies which tribes are recognized as connected to these remains and objects.

Repatriation Eligible Starting April 15, 2026

The identified human remains and 189 associated funerary objects may be returned beginning April 15, 2026. Written repatriation requests may be sent to Luke Swetland, President and CEO, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, or by the museum email; requests may be made by the named tribes, any lineal descendant, or other tribes/organizations that show cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence.

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Key Dates

Published Date
Effective Date
3/16/2026
4/15/2026

Department and Agencies

Department
Independent Agency
Agency
Interior Department
National Park Service
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