Denver Museum to Repatriate 12 Sacred Native Baskets
Published Date: 2/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of Denver Museum of Anthropology plans to return 12 important Native American cultural items, including sacred baskets and pottery, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after March 13, 2026, honoring Native traditions and history. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in respecting Native heritage and culture.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
University to Return 12 Native Items
The University of Denver Museum of Anthropology intends to repatriate 12 Native American cultural items on or after March 13, 2026. The 12 items include eight sacred objects (four basketry trays, three basketry bowls, and one bolo tie) and four objects of cultural patrimony (one ceramic bowl, two ceramic jars, and one shell gaming piece). No money will change hands as part of the repatriation.
Items Linked to Gila River Indian Community
The University of Denver Museum of Anthropology determined there is a connection between these cultural items and the Gila River Indian Community of the Gila River Indian Reservation, Arizona. That affiliation supports repatriation to that Indian Tribe or its authorized representatives.
Who Can Request Repatriation and How
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request to repatriate these items if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to the University contact listed in the notice, and repatriation may occur on or after March 13, 2026; competing requests will be resolved by the museum, while 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: 2026-02698 — 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.
Next: 2026-02700 — Notice of Inventory Completion: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA
California Polytechnic State University has finished checking and identifying two Native American human remains found in San Luis Obispo. They confirmed these remains are connected to the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians. Starting March 13, 2026, tribes can officially ask to have these remains returned to them.