International Repatriation

The Department of the Interior (DOI) is committed to helping protect Native American cultural heritage.  We recognize that cultural heritage is an essential element for Tribal self-determination and for the identity of Native American Communities. 

Consultation on International Repatriation

On October 26, 2020, Assistant Secretary Sweeney invited Tribes to participate in consultation regarding whether your Tribe has identified human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony (hereafter referred to as "cultural items") that are currently under foreign (outside the United States) possession. The consultation will also allow for discussion of a number of additional questions related to international repatriation, which are included in the Dear Tribal Leader letter, available here.

Tribal Consultation Session

Comments

Please email any written input you have to consultation@bia.gov by midnight, Friday, December 4, 2020. 

For further information:  Ms. Ashley Fry, Senior Advisor - International Affairs, Office of the Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs, ashley.fry@bia.gov, (202) 492-1947.

A summary of comments received is available here. 

Draft Legislative Options Summary

We have drafted a summary of possible legislative options regarding international repatriation of Native American cultural items. This draft legislative options summary addresses a recommendation in the August 2018 Government Accountability Office (GAO) Report to Congress entitled Native American Cultural Property: Additional Agency Actions Needed to Assist Tribes with Repatriating Items from Overseas Auctions. The draft legislative options summary is available here.