Museum Ships Back Sacred Shark Tooth Weapon to Hawaiian Ancestors
Published Date: 3/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum in Rockford, IL, plans to return seven sacred Hawaiian cultural items to Native Hawaiian groups starting April 15, 2026. These special objects, like a shark tooth weapon and shell necklace, were collected in the 1800s and hold important ceremonial value. This repatriation respects Native Hawaiian traditions and doesn’t involve any costs or delays for the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Seven Hawaiian Sacred Items Returned
The Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum in Rockford, Illinois, intends to repatriate seven sacred Native Hawaiian cultural items — fishhook & line, shark tooth weapon, shark tooth knife, sling, kapa cloth, and shell necklace — to affiliated Native Hawaiian organizations. The repatriation may occur on or after April 15, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in the notice can submit a written request for 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 Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and repatriation to an accepted requestor may occur on or after April 15, 2026.
No Public Costs or Delays
The notice states the repatriation respects Native Hawaiian traditions and does not involve any costs or delays for the public. Repatriation activities may begin on or after April 15, 2026.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile 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.
2026-16388, Powered Micromobility Devices
The National Park Service finalizes a management framework for the use of powered micromobility devices within the National Park System. The final rule defines powered micromobility devices separately from motor vehicles, traditional bicycles, electric bicycles, and human powered coasting devices, and creates rules for where and how they may be used in units of the National Park System. Examples of powered micromobility devices include electric scooters (e- scooters), hoverboards, and Segways.
2026-15406, First State National Historical Park; Bicycling
The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to issue special regulations for First State National Historical Park to allow for bicycle use on approximately 25 miles of trails within the Brandywine Valley unit of the park.
2026-14720, Notice of Inventory Completion: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking 55 ancient items linked to Native American tribes near Croton Point, New York. Starting August 21, 2026, these items can be officially returned to the tribes that they belong to. This is a big step in respecting Native cultures and making sure their history is honored properly.
2026-14332, National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions
The National Park Service is asking for your thoughts on historic places nominated before July 4, 2026, to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. If you care about preserving cool old buildings or sites, now’s your chance to comment by July 31, 2026. This process helps protect important places without costing you a dime, but your voice matters!
2026-14165, Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return some special Native American and Native Hawaiian cultural items, like sacred baskets and pottery, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after August 14, 2026, and helps honor the history and traditions of these communities. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting cultural heritage.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05031, Notice of Intended Repatriation: California State University, Chico, CA
California State University, Chico is planning to return sacred cultural items, like glass fragments and obsidian points, to the Karuk Tribe starting April 15, 2026. These items were found in Siskiyou County back in 1978 and are important for Native American religious traditions. This repatriation respects Native American heritage and helps keep their culture alive.
Next: 2026-05033, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History plans to return four sacred Native American items, including Sun Dance pegs and medicine bags, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after April 15, 2026, ensuring respect for cultural heritage. No money changes hands, but the museum is taking a big step to honor Native communities and their history.