The Voluntary Returns Program is a community-based initiative designed to bring sacred and highly valued ceremonial objects to Native American tribes. Returns take place through a consultative process in which ATADA Foundation representatives work directly with tribal community and spiritual leaders. The program evolved through the recognition by art dealers and private collectors that certain objects, although legal to own under U.S. law, had great importance to tribal communities, and that their return could invigorate and enhance tribal community life. It is now understood that most ceremonial items are owned by the community and not by a single native tribal member. Such items were never made for sale and should have never left their communities.

Since it began in late 2016, the Voluntary Returns Program has brought over 500 sacred and ceremonial objects from private collections and dealer inventory to Southwestern tribes at zero cost to the tribes. The ATADA Foundation sees the Voluntary Returns program as the right thing to do based on the right of self determination of all peoples. It is a necessary step for art dealers to take in order to build to positive relationships between the art trade and tribal communities. As a national organization, the Foundation is ready to facilitate returns mainly within the Southwest to tribal communities through a wide range of tribal contacts

In complementary actions as a professional organization, ATADA has adopted by-laws forbidding its members to trade in items in current ceremonial use.[1] ATADA has also established due diligence guidelines to protect buyers and sellers from trading in unlawfully acquired items that were sold or removed from tribal communities without the communities’ permission or knowledge.[2]

In addition, ATADA sponsors education programs to inform collectors the public about current laws and developing policy on tribal art.[3] The Members of ATADA have undertaken not to acquire, display, or sell items known to be of important current sacred, communal use to Native American tribal communities.

1: ATADA Bylaws, Article X, Trade Practices, Ethics, And Guarantees. https://www.atada.org/bylaws-policies/

2: ATADA Bylaws, Article XI, Due Diligence Guidelines. https://www.atada.org/bylaws-policies/

3: ATADA Symposium, Understanding Cultural Property: A Path to Healing Through Communication. May 22, 2017, Santa Fe, NM.