Indiana University plans to return a cultural item that is considered sacred under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The item, a mask collected in Barrow, Alaska, is a ceremonial object necessary for traditional Native American religious practices. The university has determined there is a connection between the mask and the Native Village of Barrow Inupiat Traditional Government, and it may be repatriated on or after January 13, 2025. Competing requests for the item's return will be evaluated by Indiana University to determine the most appropriate recipient.
Simple Explanation
Indiana University wants to give back a special mask to a Native American group in Alaska because it's important for their traditions. They're making sure it's returned to the right people, and others can ask for it too if they think it belongs to them.