Help Bring Artifacts Home
We're a nonprofit working with Tribes to recover and preserve artifacts and items from private collections. Your support makes this possible.
High Desert Heritage and Research leads the way in the next chapter of preservation through education, civic empowerment, tribal leadership, and innovative research.
Why Our Work Matters
Creating Respectful Pathways for Return
Many people inherit collections of Native American artifacts without knowing what to do next.
Some want to ensure these items are treated respectfully, but quickly discover there are few systems available to help facilitate meaningful return or Tribal consultation.
High Desert Heritage & Research was created to change that.
By building collaborative relationships with Tribal Nations, collectors, archaeologists, and communities, HDHR helps create ethical pathways for stewardship, documentation, and repatriation — ensuring cultural heritage is approached with care, dignity, and respect.
"Many individuals want to do the right thing — they simply need a respectful and trusted pathway forward."
Our Impact
Building Pathways for Cultural Repatriation
High Desert Heritage & Research is a growing nonprofit working with Tribal Nations, collectors, and communities to create respectful systems for cultural repatriation, education, and stewardship.
HDHR was created to address a critical gap in cultural heritage systems — the lack of accessible, respectful pathways for returning Native American cultural items from private collections.
Western U.S. Focus
Serving Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, and Idaho
Tribal Collaboration
Engaging Tribal partners through respectful consultation and cooperation frameworks
Active Casework
Confidential repatriation cases currently in intake, documentation, and review stages
Public Education
Ongoing outreach through digital content, workshops, and community engagement
Past Casework
Developing case studies and documentation that support ethical repatriation and cultural stewardship efforts
Founded in 2025
Established by experienced archaeologists and cultural heritage professionals
How It Works
A Respectful Pathway for Cultural Repatriation
HDHR provides a clear, confidential, and non-judgmental process for individuals and organizations seeking to responsibly return Native American cultural items. Every case is handled with professionalism and respect.
Confidential Intake
Collectors or inheritors share information about cultural items through a private and secure submission process. No public disclosure is required.
Documentation & Research
HDHR conducts careful documentation and provenance research to understand the origin, context, and potential cultural significance of each item.
Tribal Consultation
When appropriate, HDHR engages Tribal Nations to ensure cultural authority and guidance shape every decision regarding the item’s care and return.
Respectful Repatriation
HDHR coordinates the safe, ethical return of cultural items in alignment with Tribal guidance, ensuring the process is handled with dignity and care.