detail of ceramic bowl with figures joining arms

Tohono O’odham, ceramic friendship bowl, signed Angea. Gift of Sandra S. Banstorp and Rachel E. Holland in memory of Betty J. Stewart. Southwest Museum of the American Indian Collection, Autry Museum; 2011.4.87

Repatriation

Repatriation is very important to us, and we look forward to working with you to bring the Ancestors and sacred belongings home. The Autry cares for a large and diverse collection of Native American material culture from throughout North, Central, and South America. Most of the collections originate from California and the Southwest United States. Autry staff embraces this remarkable diversity by working closely with tribal representatives to accommodate diverse protocols and priorities while adhering to the NAGPRA legal process.

We collaborate with both federally and non-federally recognized tribes in our efforts toward compliance with federal and state repatriation laws. The Autry also supports the repatriation of ancestral human remains and ceremonial items to Indigenous peoples internationally as described in Article 12 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Please contact us at repatriation@theautry.org to discuss how we can support your repatriation efforts and meet your needs. Contact letters may be sent to: Autry Museum of the American West, Attn: NAGPRA, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027

While the Autry is gradually reopening the museum to the public following City, County and State guidelines, the Resources Center remains closed to the public. Additionally, we continue to limit staff working onsite. During this transitional period, the Autry will accept NAGPRA requests and work with tribes to review collections through alternative means. The safety of in-person visits will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

The Repatriation Team

Repatriation at the Autry involves a dedicated team of interdepartmental staff who can address a variety of requests and provide additional services. Some of these services include the removal of old museum labels, ensuring objects are packed safely for travel, analyzing objects for the presence of pesticides, providing additional digital images, and more. Autry staff can also assist tribes in applying for NAGPRA grants, coordinating travel, and can arrange meetings with Autry curators, archivists, and others if desired. Below are the team members you are most likely to meet when visiting the Autry. 

Thank you for visiting. Please contact us at repatriation@theautry.org for more information.  

The Autry would like to thank the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians for their generosity and support which allowed for the development of this portion of our website.

Land Acknowledgment

The Autry Museum of the American West acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (the Los Angeles basin and So. Channel Islands). We recognize that the Autry Museum and its campuses are located on the traditional lands of Gabrielino/Tongva peoples and we pay our respects to the Honuukvetam (Ancestors), ‘Ahiihirom (Elders) and ‘Eyoohiinkem (our relatives/relations) past, present and emerging.

The Autry Museum in Griffith Park

4700 Western Heritage Way

Los Angeles, CA 90027-1462
Located northeast of downtown, across from the Los Angeles Zoo.
Map and Directions

Free parking for Autry visitors.


MUSEUM AND STORE HOURS
Tuesday–Friday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

DINING
Food Trucks are available on select days, contact us for details at 323.495.4252.
The cafe is temporarily closed until further notice.