Our mission is to protect archaeological heritage through education and restorative action.
High Desert Heritage and Research is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of the eastern Great Basin and the Colorado Plateau. We work to support and celebrate the vibrant, diverse cultures of the people who have lived in this region for generations. Our work is guided by three core missions: repatriation, research, and education.
What We Do
Responsible Repatriation
Millions of important Native American items are currently held in private collections and homes, and many of these artifacts are at risk. When collections are passed down, younger generations may feel it's unethical or even illegal to possess them but don’t know how to properly give them up. This often leads people to believe that throwing these items away is the best solution.
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High Desert Heritage and Research is creating a responsible process to return these items to their traditional owners. We're bringing together tribal leaders and scholars from across the American West to develop a solution. We also help people with private collections by connecting them with traditional owners and repositories where the items can be cared for long-term. By building capacity within tribal cultural preservation offices and small museums, we can find permanent homes for these repatriated items.
We believe that scholarly research and public education are crucial for understanding and preserving the past. High Desert Heritage and Research sponsors scholarly research into the region’s ancient history and makes the findings publicly available. We also support education at all levels—from K-12 to college and public programs. Our programs include field trips, workshops, and a partnered field school that brings cutting-edge archaeology to students of all ages.
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We’re passionate about our mission to preserve the rich heritage of the American West. Your financial support can help us continue our vital work in repatriation, research, and education, ensuring these important artifacts and the history they represent are protected for generations to come.