American Indian Ritual Object Repatriation FoundationAbout UsOur HistoryPressRadio InterviewsVideoRecognition lettersAbout UsThe American Indian Ritual Object Repatriation Foundation is a non-federally funded, not-for-profit organization founded in 1992 by Elizabeth Sackler. The Foundation assisted in the repatriation of ceremonial materials to American Indian people for more than fifteen years, and continue to be committed to educating students and the public about the importance of repatriation.
View Our Absolute CharterOn May 22, 1992, the New York Times headlined: “Buyer Vows to Return Masks to Indians,”[3]. The article explained the distinction between art and sacred objects needed by a living culture, and that should neither be bought nor sold. The New York Times article went out over AP wires and dozens of newspapers across the country ran the story. Scores of letters and faxes of support and gratitude from Native and non-Native people, alike were sent to Elizabeth Sackler. The opportunity was at hand for an intercultural partnership to address the art market’s exploitation of Native Peoples. The support and enthusiasm indicated peoples’ eagerness to participate in the righting of wrongs. The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act had set standards in the public sector and provided the framework for a sea change in the private sector.
Read archival newspapers, and magazines articles about the Foundation.
Click here to listen to radio interviews.
In this section you’ll find videos of some of Dr. Sackler’s speaking engagements.