Museum Returns Sacred Canteen to Native Tribe in Routine Heritage Handover
Published Date: 1/7/2026
Notice
Summary
The Shelburne Museum in Vermont plans to return a sacred Cochiti Pueblo canteen to the Pueblo of Cochiti tribe, honoring their cultural and religious traditions. This repatriation can happen starting February 6, 2026, and anyone connected to the tribe can request the item. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in respecting Native American heritage and keeping traditions alive.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Shelburne Museum to Return Sacred Canteen
Shelburne Museum intends to repatriate one sacred Cochiti Pueblo canteen (catalog number 2023-5.7) to the Pueblo of Cochiti. The museum says the item is a specific ceremonial object and repatriation may occur on or after February 6, 2026; no money will change hands for the return.
Who Can Request the Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in the notice may submit a written request for the canteen if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to Alexander Kikutis at Shelburne Museum (P.O. Box 10, Shelburne, VT 05482 or email [email protected]); if competing requests are received, the museum will decide the most appropriate requestor, and joint requests count as a single request.
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