Santa Barbara Museum Returns Chief's Ceremonial Headdress
Published Date: 5/28/2026
Notice
Summary
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History plans to return a special ceremonial headdress to the Metlakatla Indian Community, honoring their cultural heritage. This sacred item, linked to Chief Sidney Campbell, will be repatriated starting June 29, 2026. This respectful act supports Native American traditions without any cost impact to the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Chief's Headdress Will Be Returned
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History intends to return one Tsimshian amhalaayt (a chiefly ceremonial headdress) that was created and worn by Sm'oogyit Niishluut (Chief Sidney Campbell) to the Metlakatla Indian Community, Annette Island Reserve. The repatriation may occur on or after June 29, 2026.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in the notice may submit a written request for repatriation by showing by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Written requests should be sent to Luke Swetland, President and CEO, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara, CA 93105; repatriation may occur on or after June 29, 2026. If competing requests arrive, the museum will determine the most appropriate requestor; 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 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.
2026-14332 — 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 July 4, 2026, to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. If you care about preserving cool old buildings or sites, now’s your chance to comment by July 31, 2026. This process helps protect important places without costing you a dime, but your voice matters!
2026-14165 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return some special Native American and Native Hawaiian cultural items, like sacred baskets and pottery, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after August 14, 2026, and helps honor the history and traditions of these communities. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting cultural heritage.
2026-13984 — 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 June 20, 2026, to be officially recognized. If you care about preserving cool old buildings or neighborhoods, now’s your chance to speak up by July 27, 2026. This process helps decide which spots get special protection, with no cost to the public but big benefits for history lovers everywhere!
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.
2026-12380 — 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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-10568 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Dominican University of California, San Rafael, CA
Dominican University of California has finished checking its collection and found one box of ancient plant and soil materials linked to the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. Starting June 29, 2026, these items can be returned to the tribe. This is part of a respectful effort to give back important cultural objects, with no costs or treatments involved.
Next: 2026-10570 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA
Eastern Washington University has finished checking its collection and found human remains linked to Native American tribes from Mason County, WA. Starting June 29, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes. This process respects Native American heritage and helps bring important cultural items back home.