Gilcrease Museum to Return Sacred 1963 Fire Stick to Native Descendants
Published Date: 11/17/2025
Notice
Summary
The Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa plans to return a sacred fire stick used in a 1963 Sac and Fox Nation ceremony to its rightful Native American descendant. This important repatriation can happen starting December 17, 2025, and anyone with a strong family connection can request the item. No money changes hands, but this move honors Native traditions and respects cultural heritage.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Museum to Return Sacred 1963 Fire Stick
The Gilcrease Museum intends to return a sacred fire stick used in a 1963 Sac and Fox Nation naming ceremony to a known lineal descendant. The repatriation may occur on or after December 17, 2025.
Who Can Request the Item
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in the notice may submit a written request for the sacred fire stick if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or are culturally affiliated.
How To Submit a Request
Requests for repatriation must be sent in writing to Laura Bryant, Gilcrease Museum, 1400 N Gilcrease Museum Road, Tulsa, OK 74127, or by email to the address listed in the notice. Repatriation may occur on or after December 17, 2025.
Competing and Joint Request Rules
If competing requests for the item are received, the Gilcrease Museum must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation; requests for joint repatriation are treated as a single request.
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