Notice of Intended Repatriation of Cultural Patrimony Object – Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History

The Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History (LACMNH) has issued a formal notice under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) of its intent to repatriate a cultural item in its collection. The item has been determined to meet the legal definition of an 'object of cultural patrimony,' meaning it holds ongoing historical, traditional, or cultural importance to a Native American group and was considered inalienable by that group at the time of its separation. NAGPRA requires federal agencies and federally funded institutions to inventory and, upon request, repatriate Native American human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony to lineal descendants or affiliated Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations. This notice identifies a cultural affiliation between the object and specific Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. The repatriation process involves a formal claims period during which affiliated tribes or organizations may assert their right to receive the item. Once a valid claim is submitted and verified, the museum is legally obligated to transfer possession of the item to the claimant. This action reflects ongoing federal efforts to correct historical wrongs related to the acquisition of Indigenous cultural property and reinforces tribal sovereignty over sacred and communally significant objects.

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