College Returns Sacred Mask That Hung in a Bank Lobby to Nation
Published Date: 1/7/2026
Notice
Summary
Sinclair Community College in Dayton, OH, plans to return a sacred wooden mask to the Onondaga Nation starting February 6, 2026. This mask, once displayed in a bank lobby, is important for Native American religious ceremonies. If anyone else wants to request the mask, they need to send a written request soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Sinclair to Return Sacred Mask
Sinclair Community College intends to repatriate a sacred wooden Medicine Face mask to the Onondaga Nation. The repatriation may occur on or after February 6, 2026, and the mask was donated to Sinclair in 1987 after being displayed in a bank lobby.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may send a written request to Sinclair Community College to seek repatriation of the mask, and must show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Repatriation to a requestor may occur on or after February 6, 2026, and Sinclair will resolve any competing requests or consider joint requests as a single request.
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