Why Our Work Matters
Thousands of Cultural Items Remain Disconnected From Their Communities
For decades, Native American cultural items have been removed from archaeological sites and passed through private collections across the American West. Today, many collectors and inheritors want to return these items respectfully — but there are few systems in place to help them do so.
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High Desert Heritage & Research works alongside Tribal Nations, collectors, archaeologists, and communities to create respectful pathways for repatriation, collaboration, and cultural stewardship.
Our Mission
High Desert Heritage & Research exists to support ethical stewardship of cultural heritage across the American West by creating respectful, structured pathways for the documentation, preservation, and voluntary repatriation of Native American cultural items held in private collections. We work in collaboration with Tribal Nations, collectors, and cultural professionals to ensure that these materials are handled with care, dignity, and transparency, while also advancing public understanding through education and outreach.
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Our goal is to address a long-standing gap in cultural heritage systems by providing practical, non-adversarial solutions that prioritize relationship-building, trust, and long-term stewardship.
Our Work
Programs That Support Artifact Repatriation
High Desert Heritage & Research operates through five interconnected programs that guide collectors, Tribal Nations, and communities through respectful repatriation, research, and education.
Our Impact
Preserving Artifacts and Building Knowledge
The important work of repatriating artifacts impacts more than the artifacts themselves and creates positive change for communities. Learn more about how High Desert Heritage and Research creating positive change.
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We can't do this important work without you. Donate to High Desert Heritage and Research to fund collaboration and research that makes repatriation possible.
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