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.
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: 2026-02707 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Mount Holyoke College Art Museum, South Hadley, MA
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.