Buffalo Science Museum Repatriates 37 Sacred Face Masks
Published Date: 2/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The Buffalo Museum of Science plans to return 37 sacred Medicine Face Masks to Native American tribes starting March 13, 2026. These masks, collected over many years from various sources, hold deep cultural importance. This repatriation respects Native traditions and strengthens museum-tribe relationships without any cost impact to the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Museum to Return 37 Sacred Masks
The Buffalo Museum of Science intends to repatriate 37 sacred Medicine Face Masks (30 wooden faces and 7 cornhusk faces) that it holds. The museum says the items have a cultural affiliation with the Seneca Nation of Indians, and repatriation may occur on or after March 13, 2026. The notice states this action respects Native traditions and does not impose any cost on the public.
Who Can Request Repatriation and How
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization can submit a written request for repatriation by showing by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to Kathryn H. Leacock at the Buffalo Museum of Science (1020 Humboldt Parkway, Buffalo, NY 14211) or the email provided in the notice, and repatriation may occur on or after March 13, 2026; if there are competing requests the museum will determine the most appropriate requestor and joint requests are treated as a single request.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions 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.
2026-09876 — Denali National Park and Preserve; Vehicle Use
Denali National Park is setting a clear limit of 160 vehicles per day on the busy part of its main road during the summer visitor season, from just before Memorial Day to shortly after Labor Day. This change helps keep the park fun and peaceful for everyone while handling more visitors. If you have thoughts, make sure to share them by July 17, 2026!
2026-09904 — Notice of Intent To Extend Concession Contracts at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area and Fire Island National Seashore
The National Park Service is extending contracts for businesses at Big South Fork and Fire Island parks to keep visitor services running smoothly. These extensions last until new contracts start or the listed expiration dates, so no service interruptions happen. This means the companies can keep operating without any immediate changes to fees or services.
2026-09517 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Archeology Permit Applications and Reports
The National Park Service wants to renew its paperwork for archeology permits and reports, making sure the process stays clear and useful. If you dig into archeology or work with these permits, your feedback by July 13, 2026, can help shape how much paperwork you’ll handle. This update aims to keep things smooth without adding extra costs or delays.
2026-08763 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Harvard’s Peabody Museum has finished checking its collection and found some Native American items from Santa Cruz Island that belong to local tribes. Starting June 4, 2026, these items can be officially returned to the tribes. This is a big step in respecting Native heritage and making sure these objects go back where they belong.
2026-08313 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Research Permit and Reporting System Applications and Reports
The National Park Service is asking to keep using its current system for research permits and reports without any changes. This affects researchers who need permits to study in national parks and helps keep paperwork simple. If you have thoughts, you can share them by June 29, 2026, but no new fees or big changes are coming.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-02696 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Jackson, MS
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History plans to return four groups of Native American cultural items to the Chickasaw Nation starting March 13, 2026. These items, found at an old archaeological site, include tools, pottery, animal bones, and organic materials. This respectful move honors Native American heritage and follows careful research and tribal talks, with no costs or hazards involved.
Next: 2026-02698 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Santa Barbara, CA
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History plans to return a sacred Jump Dance Medicine Basket to the Yurok, Hupa, and Karuk tribes starting March 13, 2026. This special item, bought at auction in 2015, is important for traditional Native American religious practices. The museum is working closely with the tribes to make sure this respectful repatriation happens smoothly and on time.