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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), New Mexico State Office, announced today that joint efforts by the BLM, the Department of Justice, and the Hopi Tribe have resulted in the repatriation, or return, of four sacred objects to the tribe. The culturally significant items were relinquished by a private individual as a result of a BLM law enforcement investigation. Collecting artifacts from public or tribal lands without a permit is a Federal crime. The Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 protects artifacts and archaeological sites while the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, provides a legal process to aid in the protection and return of items of cultural patrimony (items of central importance to a tribe for their ongoing historical, traditional or cultural importance that may not be taken from the tribe). In this case, the final action of the multi-year investigative and judicial processes is the return of the items to the Hopi Tribe. The repatriated items are consecrated by the tribe and as such, will not be photographed or further identified by the BLM. It is believed that non-Natives, non-initiates of the tribe and children are not allowed to see the items and to do so is disrespectful to tribal members. Today's announcement will hopefully help to educate the public about the sensitivity of cultural items and the importance of returning these artifacts to their rightful home. "We are thankful to partner with the BLM to bring these items home. We consider today a success but continue to deal with the problem of theft, sale, and transfer of these kinds of items and the emotional effect that has on our people" said Leigh Kuwanisiwma, Director of the Hopi Cultural Preservation Office. "We hope that people start to understand that these items are an integral part of our culture and are essential to the Hopi Tribe," he continued.