Field Museum to Return Native American Hair Clippings to Known Descendant
Published Date: 5/12/2026
Notice
Summary
The Field Museum in Chicago has finished checking its collection and found hair clippings from Sargent Kahanamoku, a Native American individual, with a known family member ready to claim them. Starting June 11, 2026, the museum can return these remains to the rightful descendant. This means the museum is doing its part to respect Native American heritage and follow important laws.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Known Lineal Descendant Can Receive Remains
If you are the known lineal descendant identified (Didi Robello), the Field Museum may return the hair clippings of Sargent Kahanamoku to you on or after June 11, 2026.
Other Lineal Descendants May Request Repatriation
Any other lineal descendant may submit a written request showing by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant; the Field Museum must determine the most appropriate requestor if competing requests are received, and joint requests are treated as a single request.
How to Request Repatriation
Written requests for repatriation must be sent to the Field Museum authorized representative (June Carpenter) at 1400 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605 or via the provided email; repatriation 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.
2026-09876 — Denali National Park and Preserve; Vehicle Use
Denali National Park is setting a clear limit of 160 vehicles per day on the busy part of its main road during the summer visitor season, from just before Memorial Day to shortly after Labor Day. This change helps keep the park fun and peaceful for everyone while handling more visitors. If you have thoughts, make sure to share them by July 17, 2026!
2026-09904 — Notice of Intent To Extend Concession Contracts at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area and Fire Island National Seashore
The National Park Service is extending contracts for businesses at Big South Fork and Fire Island parks to keep visitor services running smoothly. These extensions last until new contracts start or the listed expiration dates, so no service interruptions happen. This means the companies can keep operating without any immediate changes to fees or services.
2026-09517 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Archeology Permit Applications and Reports
The National Park Service wants to renew its paperwork for archeology permits and reports, making sure the process stays clear and useful. If you dig into archeology or work with these permits, your feedback by July 13, 2026, can help shape how much paperwork you’ll handle. This update aims to keep things smooth without adding extra costs or delays.
2026-08763 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Harvard’s Peabody Museum has finished checking its collection and found some Native American items from Santa Cruz Island that belong to local tribes. Starting June 4, 2026, these items can be officially returned to the tribes. This is a big step in respecting Native heritage and making sure these objects go back where they belong.
2026-08313 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Research Permit and Reporting System Applications and Reports
The National Park Service is asking to keep using its current system for research permits and reports without any changes. This affects researchers who need permits to study in national parks and helps keep paperwork simple. If you have thoughts, you can share them by June 29, 2026, but no new fees or big changes are coming.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09411 — Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO
The University of Northern Colorado finished checking its collection of Native American human remains and found they belong to certain tribes. Starting June 11, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes that are connected to them. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage, with no money involved but important cultural care in action.
Next: 2026-09413 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Kalamazoo Valley Museum, Kalamazoo, MI
The Kalamazoo Valley Museum plans to return a special sacred basket to the Native American tribe it belongs to, starting June 11, 2026. This basket is super important for traditional ceremonies and has been at the museum since 1932. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in respecting Native American culture and traditions.