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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile 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.
2026-20013, Agency Information Collection Activities; Archeology Permit Applications and Reports
The National Park Service wants to keep collecting info for archeology permits and reports, making sure the process stays smooth and clear. This affects archeologists and anyone applying for permits to dig or study artifacts in parks. They’re asking for comments by October 30, 2026, but no changes to fees or big costs are planned.
2026-20015, Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessions Forms
The National Park Service is asking to keep using their current forms for park concessions, like shops and services, without changes. This affects businesses working with the parks and helps reduce paperwork hassle. You’ve got until October 30, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees or new costs involved!
2026-19996, Notice of Intended Repatriation: California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
California State University, Sacramento plans to return over 8,500 cultural items to Native American tribes connected to northern Tehama County. These items include stones, bones, pigments, and historic materials, and the repatriation can start on or after October 30, 2026. This move respects Native heritage and involves no cost to the public but honors important cultural ties.
2026-19002, National Park Service Alaska Region Subsistence Resource Commission Program; Notice of Public Meetings
The National Park Service is holding meetings for Alaska's Subsistence Resource Commissions to discuss local hunting, fishing, and gathering rules. These meetings affect residents who rely on park resources and will happen mostly in October and November 2026, with one in February 2027. No big costs are expected, but these talks help keep subsistence traditions alive and fair.
2026-18306, Official Trail Marker for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail
This notice issues the official trail marker insignia for the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail in the National Trails System. The original graphic image for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail was developed in 2026 with the completion of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail Comprehensive Plan. The National Park Service and related agencies have officially adopted and use this insignia to help mark all designated alignments of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail.
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.