Providence Museum Returns Hawaiian Sacred Artifacts
Published Date: 3/19/2026
Notice
Summary
The Museum of Natural History and Planetarium in Providence, RI, plans to return 28 sacred Native Hawaiian cultural items to the rightful tribes starting April 20, 2026. These items include tapa cloths, tools, and musical instruments donated long ago. This repatriation honors Native traditions and shows respect for cultural heritage without any cost to the tribes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of 28 Sacred Hawaiian Items
The Museum of Natural History and Planetarium intends to repatriate 28 sacred Native Hawaiian cultural items (including tapa cloths, tools, a ukulele, and a necklace) to culturally affiliated Native Hawaiian organizations or lineal descendants. Repatriation may occur on or after April 20, 2026, and the notice states the return is without any cost to the tribes.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in the notice may submit a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, the museum must determine the most appropriate requestor; joint requests are treated as a single request.
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