The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has finished an inventory as per the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, identifying a cultural link between the human remains in their collection and certain Native American tribes and organizations. The remains include four cranial fragments, originally collected in Madera County, California, and are affiliated with the Big Sandy Rancheria of Western Mono Indians of California, Northfork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California, and the Tule River Indian Tribe. Repatriation of these remains is set to begin on or after May 30, 2025. Any claims for repatriation should be sent to the museum, and if multiple claims are made, the museum will decide the most suitable recipient.
Simple Explanation
The Santa Barbara Museum found out which Native American tribes certain old bones belong to, and they plan to give them back to those tribes starting May 30, 2025. If more than one tribe asks for the bones, the museum will decide who gets them.