Oklahoma Museum Preps to Return Sacred Native American Funerary Objects
Published Date: 6/27/2025
Notice
Summary
The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History has finished checking its collection and found that some items belong to Native American tribes or Native Hawaiian groups. This means these groups can ask for their items back under the law. If you’re part of these communities, now’s the time to connect with the museum to learn more or start the return process.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Tribes Can Request Return of Items
The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History finished an inventory and found associated funerary objects that are culturally affiliated with Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). If you represent one of those tribes or Native Hawaiian groups, you can contact the museum to learn more or start the process to request return of the items.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-04606, Alaska; Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves
The National Park Service wants to update hunting and trapping rules in Alaska’s national preserves to bring back long-standing practices that support state-authorized wildlife harvests and public access. These changes affect hunters, trappers, and anyone using Alaska park lands, aiming to balance conservation with local traditions. You’ve got until April 9, 2026, to share your thoughts—no new fees or costs are expected.
2026-16388, Powered Micromobility Devices
The National Park Service finalizes a management framework for the use of powered micromobility devices within the National Park System. The final rule defines powered micromobility devices separately from motor vehicles, traditional bicycles, electric bicycles, and human powered coasting devices, and creates rules for where and how they may be used in units of the National Park System. Examples of powered micromobility devices include electric scooters (e- scooters), hoverboards, and Segways.
2026-15406, First State National Historical Park; Bicycling
The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to issue special regulations for First State National Historical Park to allow for bicycle use on approximately 25 miles of trails within the Brandywine Valley unit of the park.
2026-14720, Notice of Inventory Completion: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking 55 ancient items linked to Native American tribes near Croton Point, New York. Starting August 21, 2026, these items can be officially returned to the tribes that they belong to. This is a big step in respecting Native cultures and making sure their history is honored properly.
2026-14332, National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions
The National Park Service is asking for your thoughts on historic places nominated before July 4, 2026, to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. If you care about preserving cool old buildings or sites, now’s your chance to comment by July 31, 2026. This process helps protect important places without costing you a dime, but your voice matters!
2026-14165, Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return some special Native American and Native Hawaiian cultural items, like sacred baskets and pottery, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after August 14, 2026, and helps honor the history and traditions of these communities. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting cultural heritage.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-11924, Notice of Availability of the Proposed Notice of Sale for Gulf of America Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sale 262
The government is getting ready to offer new spots for oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of America. Local leaders get a chance to review and share their thoughts before the sale happens. This sale could bring in money through bids and royalties, with details on timing and rules now available for everyone to see.
Next: 2025-11927, Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign finished checking its collection of Native American human remains and related items. They found these remains are connected to certain Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian groups. This means the university will work with these communities to return the items respectfully, following important laws.