College Museum Repatriates Sacred Hawaiian Items from Missionary Era
Published Date: 2/11/2026
Notice
Summary
Mount Holyoke College Art Museum plans to return 14 sacred Native Hawaiian cultural items to the rightful tribes starting March 13, 2026. These special objects include poi pounders, bark cloth, and a whale tooth necklace, some donated by 19th-century missionaries. This repatriation honors Native traditions and shows respect for their heritage, with no costs or delays expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation of 14 Hawaiian Items
Mount Holyoke College Art Museum intends to return 14 sacred Native Hawaiian cultural items, including poi pounders, a whale-tooth pendant, multiple pieces of kapa (bark cloth), a carved paddle, reeds, and a kapa book. The museum determined these 14 objects are specific ceremonial items needed by traditional Native American religious leaders and that there is a connection between the items and Hui Iwi Kuamo[revaps]o. Repatriation may occur on or after March 13, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice may submit a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or are culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, the museum must determine the most appropriate requestor; requests for joint repatriation are considered a single request. Written requests must be sent to the authorized representative listed in the notice.
No Costs or Delays Expected
The notice states that the repatriation honors Native traditions and shows respect for their heritage, with no costs or delays expected. Repatriation activities are scheduled to be allowed on or after March 13, 2026.
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Mount Holyoke College Art Museum is planning to return six Native American cultural items, like pipes and beads, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after March 13, 2026, following the law that protects Native American graves. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in respecting Native heritage and history.
Next: 2026-02709, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati, OH
The Cincinnati Museum Center plans to return six special Native American items—five pairs of beaded moccasins and one beaded jacket—to the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe starting March 13, 2026. These items are super important to the tribe’s culture and history, and the museum has confirmed they’re safe and ready to go home. This repatriation honors Native traditions and strengthens cultural connections without any cost impact.