Pomona College to Return Sacred Rattle and Hair Ornament
Published Date: 5/12/2026
Notice
Summary
The Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College plans to return four sacred Native American ceremonial items to the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. These special objects, including a hair ornament and a rattle, will be repatriated starting June 11, 2026. This respectful move honors Native traditions and strengthens cultural ties without any cost impact.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Four Sacred Items To Be Returned
The Benton Museum of Art at Pomona College plans to return four sacred Native American ceremonial items (one hair ornament, one head band, one feather pompom, and one rattle) that are affiliated with the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. The items were donated to the museum in 1929 and the repatriation may occur on or after June 11, 2026.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization (not already identified in the notice) may send a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to the museum contact listed in the notice.
Competing and Joint Repatriation Requests
If competing repatriation requests are received, the Benton Museum of Art must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation; requests for joint repatriation are treated as a single request. Repatriation to any approved requestor may occur on or after June 11, 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.
2026-13255 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Office of Public Health Disease Reporting and Surveillance Forms
The National Park Service wants to keep using its health and disease reporting forms to track illnesses in parks. They’re asking for public feedback by August 31, 2026, to make sure the forms aren’t too much work and still get the job done. This helps keep visitors safe without wasting time or money on paperwork.
2026-12391 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return a special wooden mask to the Oneida Tribe, honoring their cultural heritage. This mask, used in maternity ceremonies, will be repatriated starting July 22, 2026. This respectful handover helps preserve Native traditions and involves careful handling due to past pesticide use on museum items.
2026-12380 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Wesleyan University, Archaeology & Anthropology Collections, Middletown, CT
Wesleyan University plans to return 13 sacred Native Hawaiian cultural items to the rightful tribes starting July 22, 2026. These special objects, like decorated gourds and stone tools, were once traded between museums but now will go back home. This repatriation respects Native traditions and doesn’t involve any money changes, just honoring heritage.
2026-11850 — Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessions Forms
The National Park Service is updating its forms for businesses that run services inside parks, like gift shops and food stands. These changes make it easier for companies to apply and keep things running smoothly, with no extra costs or delays expected. If you work with park concessions, keep an eye out for new form rules coming soon!
2026-11700 — Notice of Inventory Completion: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking its collection and found human remains and a bone tool linked to Native American tribes. Starting July 13, 2026, these items can be returned to the tribes that they belong to. If you want to request the return, you can contact the museum directly—just a heads-up, some items might need careful handling due to past pesticide use.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09399 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, Los Angeles, CA
The Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History plans to return 11 important cultural items to Native American tribes connected to Kern County, California. These items include arrow tools, pottery pieces, beads, and more, with repatriation starting on or after June 11, 2026. This respectful move honors Native heritage and involves no cost to the tribes.
Next: 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 is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage, with no costs or risks involved for anyone.