RISD Museum Prepares to Return Tribal Basket and Jar
Published Date: 1/7/2026
Notice
Summary
The RISD Museum in Providence plans to return two special Native American cultural items—a cooking basket and a necked jar—to their rightful tribes starting February 6, 2026. These items are super important to the tribes’ history and traditions. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in respecting Native American heritage.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
RISD to return two tribal items
The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum intends to repatriate two Native American cultural items—a cooking basket and a necked jar—that it has determined are objects of cultural patrimony connected to the Tejon Indian Tribe. The museum may carry out the repatriation on or after February 6, 2026.
Other claimants may request repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not named in the notice may submit a written request for repatriation by showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Such requests may be acted on on or after February 6, 2026.
Competing and joint repatriation requests rule
If competing repatriation requests are received, the RISD Museum must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation. Requests for joint repatriation are treated as a single request, not competing requests.
Legal findings and safety note about objects
The RISD Museum determined the two items meet the definition of objects of cultural patrimony and have a cultural affiliation with the Tejon Indian Tribe; the notice also states there is no known presence of potentially hazardous substances in either object.
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: 2026-00067, Notice of Inventory Completion: California State Department of Transportation, Sacramento, CA
Caltrans in California has finished listing nearly 29,000 ancient Native American items found during a road project in Yolo County. These objects are linked to local tribes, and starting February 6, 2026, they can be officially returned to those tribes. This is a respectful step to honor Native heritage, with no costs or hazards involved.
Next: 2026-00069, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, Pacific Grove, CA
The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History plans to return 12 sacred Native American cultural items to the tribes and Native Hawaiian groups they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after February 6, 2026, helping honor and respect Native traditions. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in preserving cultural heritage and supporting Native communities.