Universities returning Native American remains and artifacts isn’t just about physical objects – it’s about dignity and justice

Congress passed a law in 1990 mandating the return of all Native American items that federally funded institutions took without consent. Progress since then has been slow.

By: Kerri J. Malloy, San José State University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: April 30, 2026

Words: 1,177

Last Updated: 3 months ago

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By Kerri J. Malloy, San José State University

Many universities and museums in the U.S. have long held Native American burial artifacts, other sacred objects and even human remains.

Most of these collections were acquired in the late 19th and 20th centuries. They came from grave excavations, anthropological research and other practices carried out without the consent of Native American communities.

In 1990, Congress passed the Native American Graves Protection and …

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