How We Help

As a conduit, we accept donations of ceremonial materials for return to the appropriate American Indian nation, tribe, clan, or family. Each return is made in accordance with traditional ceremonial requirements. Confidentiality is sometimes an important consideration for one or both parties: we do not publicize privileged information without permission. Donations are tax deductible as allowable by law.

As a facilitator, we assist in the return of ceremonial materials to the appropriate American Indian nation, tribe, clan, or family through networking and consultation with both parties.

We discourage the sale of ceremonial and other inappropriate material, and therefore we do not purchase objects for return.

As an educator, we provide training on and information about the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and other laws relevant to repatriation.

As a resource, we assist Native nations, museums, and collectors with federal and other repatriation policies. When we receive calls regarding sacred objects or whole collections of American Indian material we suggest possible courses of action and research alternatives appropriate to each particular case by consulting with American Indian groups, Native experts, government officials, and art dealers and collectors. We provide collectors with information, supplied by our network of Native advisors, about the cultural and spiritual significance of American Indian objects and their possession.