Oklahoma Museum Repatriates Sacred Hawaiian Canoes and Whale Teeth
Published Date: 3/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History plans to return 10 sacred Native Hawaiian cultural items to their rightful community starting April 17, 2026. These special objects, like model canoes and whale teeth, were collected decades ago and will be respectfully repatriated. This move honors Native Hawaiian heritage and follows important cultural protection laws, with no costs or delays expected for the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of 10 Native Hawaiian Sacred Items
The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History intends to repatriate 10 sacred Native Hawaiian cultural items, including model canoes and a whale tooth, that have cultural affiliation with the Hui Iwi Kuamoʻo. The repatriation may occur on or after April 17, 2026, under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).
Who Can Request These Objects
Any lineal descendant or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation by showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated organization. Requests must be sent to the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (contact: Chelsea Rose) and repatriation may occur on or after April 17, 2026; competing requests will be resolved by the museum.
Possible Chemical Residues in Objects
The notice states that the Ethnology Collection was treated in the past with hazardous substances such as paradichlorobenzene (PDB), naphthalene, dichlorvos (DDVP), and pyrethrins, and that fumigation using Vapo-Mist 500 (DDVP and other chemicals) occurred in 1983–1985; chemical remnants may be present in objects, cabinets, or furniture. The notice also states that none of these products ever came into direct contact with objects, and potential donor treatments are unknown.
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