Columbia University Returns Native American Artifacts to Tribal Descendants
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Notice
Summary
Columbia University is planning to return 11 important Native American cultural items to the tribes they belong to, starting January 20, 2026. These items, like medicine bundles and ceremonial rattles, were donated to the university back in 1935 and hold deep cultural meaning. This repatriation honors Native traditions and strengthens respect between the university and Native communities.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Columbia to Return 11 Native Items
Columbia University plans to return 11 Native American cultural items (including medicine bundles, bundle cases, bird skins for bundles, eagle feather hairpiece, fossil tooth bundle, and a ceremonial rattle) that were donated in 1935. The items have a cultural affiliation with the Northern Arapaho Tribe and repatriation may occur on or after January 20, 2026. Written requests for repatriation may be sent to Roberto Ferrari, Columbia University, Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library, 1172 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, or by email to [email protected].
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization can request repatriation by showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, Columbia University must determine the most appropriate requestor, and joint requests count as a single request.
Consultation and Notification Responsibility
Columbia University, Art Properties is responsible for sending a copy of this notice to the Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations identified and to any other consulting parties; Columbia published the determinations under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).
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.
2026-17186, Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return a special ceramic smoking pipe with a human face to the Stockbridge Munsee Community, as it’s linked to their Mohican ancestors. This repatriation may happen on or after September 23, 2026, following Native American laws protecting cultural items. No money changes hands, but the museum is making sure history and respect go hand in hand!
2026-17198, Gulf Islands National Seashore; Personal Watercraft
The National Park Service revises special regulations governing the use of personal watercraft at Gulf Islands National Seashore. This rule reduces the distance of flat wake speed zones from certain shorelines and codifies existing closures at West Petit Bois Island and the Fort Pickens ferry pier.
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23356, Notice of Intended Disposition: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, San Juan; National Forest, Durango, CO
The U.S. Forest Service in San Juan National Forest, Colorado, plans to return human remains found near McPhee Reservoir to the rightful Native American descendants or tribes starting January 20, 2026. If no one claims them by December 21, 2026, the remains will be considered unclaimed. This notice affects Native communities connected to the area and ensures respectful handling of these remains.
Next: 2025-23358, Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; The Recognition Process for Accrediting Agencies, State Approval Agencies; Evaluation of Foreign Medical, and Foreign Veterinary Accrediting Agencies (e-Recognition)
The Department of Education wants to keep collecting info from groups that approve schools and programs, including foreign medical and veterinary ones, without changing the current process. This affects accrediting agencies and state approval groups who’ll keep submitting their info as usual. You’ve got until February 17, 2026, to share your thoughts—no new costs or changes, just a smooth extension!