The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has completed an inventory of Native American human remains, as per the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The museum determined that the remains, representing at least six individuals from Santa Barbara and nearby areas, have cultural ties to the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians. Starting on May 12, 2025, the museum may return the remains to the Santa Ynez Band or other eligible claimants. Competing claims for repatriation will require the museum to decide on the most appropriate requestor.
Simple Explanation
The Santa Barbara Museum is planning to give back some bones from old Native American people to their tribe because it's the right thing to do. They will start doing this on May 12, 2025.