Gilcrease Museum Ready to Repatriate Native Remains
Published Date: 12/16/2025
Notice
Summary
The Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa has finished checking its collection of Native American human remains and related items. They found a clear connection to certain Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian groups. Starting January 15, 2026, these remains and objects can be returned to their rightful communities, with requests sent to the museum.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Museum Identifies 28 Native Ancestors
The Gilcrease Museum identified human remains representing at least 28 Native American individuals and 286 associated funerary objects from the Yokem site (11PK89). The museum determined these remains and objects are culturally affiliated with the Citizen Potawatomi Nation; Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma; Forest County Potawatomi Community (WI); Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska; Kaw Nation (OK); Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians (MI); Miami Tribe of Oklahoma; Omaha Tribe of Nebraska; Otoe‑Missouria Tribe of Indians (OK); Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma; Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians (MI & IN); Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma; Ponca Tribe of Nebraska; Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation; Quapaw Nation; Sac & Fox Nation (OK); Shawnee Tribe; The Osage Nation; and the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.
How and When Repatriation Can Occur
Repatriation of the identified human remains and 286 associated funerary objects may occur on or after January 15, 2026. Written requests must be sent to Laura Bryant, Gilcrease Museum, 800 S Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK 74104 or laura-bryant@utulsa.edu; requests may be submitted by any one or more of the tribes listed in this notice or by a lineal descendant or tribe/Native Hawaiian organization not listed that shows by a preponderance of the evidence that it is entitled, and if competing requests are received the Gilcrease Museum must determine the most appropriate requestor (joint requests count as a single request).
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: 2025-22908, Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA
The University of California, Riverside plans to return 19 special cultural items to Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian groups starting January 15, 2026. These items include pottery, tools, and other artifacts found during an archaeological dig in Riverside County. This repatriation respects cultural heritage and follows important laws protecting Native American history.
Next: 2025-22910, Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA
The University of California, Riverside plans to return six important cultural items—ceramics and stone tools—to Native American tribes connected to the Coachella Valley area. This repatriation will start on or after January 15, 2026, honoring Native American heritage and history. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in respecting cultural traditions and history.