Denver Museum Sends Hawaiian Sacred Items Back to Native Keepers
Published Date: 4/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science plans to return two sacred Hawaiian cultural items—a stone lamp and a wooden bowl—to Native Hawaiian groups starting May 26, 2026. This repatriation respects Native traditions and helps restore important cultural treasures to their rightful communities. No money changes hands, but the museum is making a meaningful cultural shift.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of Two Sacred Hawaiian Objects
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science intends to return two sacred Native Hawaiian cultural items — a kukui hele pō (stone lamp) and an `umeke lā'au (wooden bowl) — to culturally affiliated Native Hawaiian groups, including the Hui Iwi Kuamo'o. The repatriation may occur on or after May 26, 2026, and no money changes hands.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization that shows by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated may submit a written request for repatriation. Requests must be sent to Dr. Michele Koons at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science (2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO 80205-5798; Michele.Koons@dmns.org); if competing requests are received, DMNS must determine the most appropriate requestor and joint requests are treated as a single request.
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 rules about hunting, trapping, and fishing in Alaska’s national preserves to bring back long-standing practices that support both state and federal laws. These changes affect hunters, trappers, and anyone using Alaska park lands, aiming to balance access and conservation. You’ve got until April 9, 2026, to share your thoughts—no money changes are expected, just clearer, fairer rules.
2026-09583 — Request for Nominations for the Acadia National Park Advisory Commission
The National Park Service is looking for awesome people to join the Acadia National Park Advisory Commission. If you live in or love the Mount Desert Island area or nearby towns, this is your chance to help shape the park’s future! Send your nomination by June 15, 2026, and get ready to make a difference without any pay but with plenty of pride.
2026-09558 — National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions
The National Park Service is asking the public to share their thoughts on historic places nominated for the National Register before May 2, 2026. If you care about preserving cool old buildings or sites, now’s your chance to speak up by May 28, 2026. This process helps decide which places get special recognition, but it doesn’t cost you anything to join in!
2026-09407 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
UC Davis plans to return three special Native American baskets to the Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe and related groups starting June 11, 2026. These baskets are important cultural items connected to the Hoopa Valley and Tsnungwe people. No big costs or risks are expected, but the university is making sure everything is safe and respectful.
2026-09401 — Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
The University of Michigan has finished checking its collection and found Native American ancestral remains linked to certain tribes. These remains can be returned to the tribes starting June 11, 2026. This process helps honor Native American heritage and involves no costs or risks to the public.
2026-08948 — 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 April 18, 2026, to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. If you care about preserving history, now’s your chance to comment by May 21, 2026. This process helps protect important sites without costing you a dime but could impact communities by recognizing their special landmarks.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-07943 — Notice of Inventory Completion: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Mesa Verde National Park, CO
Mesa Verde National Park has finished checking its collection and found human remains linked to the Hopi Tribe. These remains, including hair and corn husks, came from Arizona and can be returned to the tribe starting May 26, 2026. If you want to request the return, you need to contact the park by then—no money changes hands, just respect and care.
Next: 2026-07945 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return a special ceramic vessel to Native American tribes connected to it, starting May 26, 2026. This vessel was originally found in California and has been in the museum since 1919. Handling the item requires care due to past pesticide use, but the repatriation is a respectful step toward honoring Native cultures.