Ball State University Plans Native Artifact Repatriation
Published Date: 12/16/2025
Notice
Summary
Ball State University plans to return four important cultural items—like a carved wooden staff and a woven basket—to Native American tribes connected to the Northwest Coast starting January 15, 2026. These items were donated or bought years ago and hold special cultural and sacred meaning. This repatriation respects tribal heritage and follows legal rules, with no costs or hazards expected for the university or tribes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Four cultural items to be returned
Ball State University intends to return four cultural items—one carved wooden staff (a sacred object) and three cultural patrimony items (one woven basket and two carved spindle whorls). The items are affiliated with the Northwest Coast (the basket is identified as Coast Salish) and Ball State found a connection to the Puyallup Tribe; repatriation may occur on or after January 15, 2026. The items were acquired in 1983 (spindle whorls), 2013 (basket), and 2018 (staff).
Who can request repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in the notice may submit a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, Ball State University will determine the most appropriate requestor, and joint requests are treated as a single request. Repatriation may occur on or after January 15, 2026.
Notes on possible hazardous residues
Ball State University states there are no institutional records showing hazardous substances were used to treat the four listed cultural items, but XRF testing of other items in the collection has detected arsenic, mercury, and/or lead. This information is noted in the notice and may be relevant to handling or examination of related collection 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.
2026-20013, Agency Information Collection Activities; Archeology Permit Applications and Reports
The National Park Service wants to keep collecting info for archeology permits and reports, making sure the process stays smooth and clear. This affects archeologists and anyone applying for permits to dig or study artifacts in parks. They’re asking for comments by October 30, 2026, but no changes to fees or big costs are planned.
2026-19996, Notice of Intended Repatriation: California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
California State University, Sacramento plans to return over 8,500 cultural items to Native American tribes connected to northern Tehama County. These items include stones, bones, pigments, and historic materials, and the repatriation can start on or after October 30, 2026. This move respects Native heritage and involves no cost to the public but honors important cultural ties.
2026-20015, Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessions Forms
The National Park Service is asking to keep using their current forms for park concessions, like shops and services, without changes. This affects businesses working with the parks and helps reduce paperwork hassle. You’ve got until October 30, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees or new costs involved!
2026-19002, National Park Service Alaska Region Subsistence Resource Commission Program; Notice of Public Meetings
The National Park Service is holding meetings for Alaska's Subsistence Resource Commissions to discuss local hunting, fishing, and gathering rules. These meetings affect residents who rely on park resources and will happen mostly in October and November 2026, with one in February 2027. No big costs are expected, but these talks help keep subsistence traditions alive and fair.
2026-18306, Official Trail Marker for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail
This notice issues the official trail marker insignia for the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail in the National Trails System. The original graphic image for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail was developed in 2026 with the completion of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail Comprehensive Plan. The National Park Service and related agencies have officially adopted and use this insignia to help mark all designated alignments of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22923, Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Alabama Museums, Tuscaloosa, AL
The University of Alabama Museums finished checking and listing Native American human remains found eroding from a riverbank at the Moundville site. Starting January 15, 2026, these remains can be returned to the affiliated tribes. This helps protect cultural heritage and respects Native communities, with no costs or deadlines beyond the repatriation date.
Next: 2025-22925, Notice of Inventory Completion: Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, FL
The Florida Department of State has finished checking and identifying some Native American human remains linked to tribes near Utqiagvik, Alaska. Starting January 15, 2026, these remains can be returned to the affiliated tribes. This process respects Native cultures and follows important laws, with no costs or delays expected.