Field Museum to return eight Native American hair clippings to Blackfeet
Published Date: 1/15/2026
Notice
Summary
The Field Museum in Chicago has finished checking its collection and found eight Native American hair clippings linked to the Blackfeet Tribe. Starting February 17, 2026, these remains can be officially returned to the tribe. This is part of a respectful effort to give back important cultural items, with no costs or risks involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of eight Blackfeet hair clippings
The Field Museum identified eight Native American hair clippings labeled “Piegan” or “Blood, Piegan” that it says are affiliated with the Blackfeet Tribe. The museum determined these human remains may be repatriated to the Blackfeet Tribe on or after February 17, 2026; the hair clippings were accessioned in 1939.
Who may request repatriation
The Field Museum will accept written repatriation requests from any of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in the notice, or from any lineal descendant or tribe/organization not identified that shows by a preponderance of the evidence it is culturally affiliated. Requests for repatriation may be submitted and repatriation may occur on or after February 17, 2026; requests should be sent to the Field Museum contact listed in the notice.
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