Museum Set to Repatriate Native American Remains to Tribes

After nearly five decades, the remains of two Native American individuals are en route to their final resting place, but the journey has sparked calls for deeper action from state officials. These remains have been housed at the Arizona Capitol since their donation in 1976, after being initially collected by archaeologists in earlier decades.

Stephanie Mahan, a senior administrator at the Capitol Museum, expressed regret over the limited knowledge available about the individuals whose remains were held there. “Unfortunately we just know very little,” she noted.

The remains were subject to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), established in 1990. This federal law mandates that museums and universities receiving federal funds must return Native American remains and artifacts to the tribes with which they are affiliated. The law was largely supported by prominent figures like the late Rep. Morris Udall and late Sen. John McCain.

This year, officials from the Capitol Museum collaborated with the Arizona State Museum to facilitate the repatriation of the remains. The Arizona State Museum, renowned for its extensive collection of Native American artifacts, is committed to assisting various institutions in returning Indigenous remains to their tribal communities.

While the definitive cultural background of the remains remains unidentified, both the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and the Gila River Indian Community have laid claim to them. The Arizona State Museum is now engaged in discussions with these tribes to ensure appropriate reburial.

Cristin Lucas, a repatriation coordinator at the State Museum, indicated that the remains likely originated from Indigenous communities in the Phoenix area. “It may not be this specific group of individuals who are the specific descendants, but… everyone should be provided a place of rest,” she stated.

Despite the absence of records concerning the remains’ original context, a spokesperson for the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office highlighted their responsibility for archival control. Mahan clarified that while the remains were housed at the Polly Rosenbaum State Archives and History Building, legal jurisdiction belonged to the Capitol Museum.

The Arizona State Museum anticipates transferring legal control of the remains to the respective tribal communities soon. Lucas reported that the repatriation process might be finalized within the next few weeks.

State Sen. Theresa Hatathlie, a member of the Navajo Nation, expressed disappointment about the circumstances surrounding the remains. “It’s an absolute shame. Tribal members are very respectful… and this process denies that individual’s spiritual process,” she remarked.

Hatathlie emphasized the need for state-level improvements regarding the treatment of Indigenous remains. While federal laws are in place for repatriation, insufficient support exists at the state level for institutions like the Arizona State Museum, which lacks dedicated funding for its responsibilities.

Looking ahead, Hatathlie noted the importance of establishing state policies to ensure compliance by institutions. “The return of the two individuals is a start, but I don’t want people to think they can walk away with a clear conscience,” she cautioned.

The situation serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for respect and recognition faced by Indigenous tribes across Arizona and the United States. Hatathlie stated, “It goes right back down to the blatant disrespect to the Indigenous tribes… It’s a shame we are even having this conversation.”