Museum Returns Century-Old Pipe to Tribes
Published Date: 6/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return seven important cultural items, including a medicine pipe, to Native American tribes starting July 13, 2026. These items have deep cultural meaning and were originally acquired over a century ago. This repatriation honors Native heritage and ensures respectful handling of these treasured objects.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Museum to Return Seven Cultural Items
The American Museum of Natural History intends to repatriate seven cultural items (a medicine pipe and its wrappings) that have cultural affiliation with the Blackfeet Tribe. The repatriation may occur on or after July 13, 2026, and the items were accessioned by the Museum in 1905.
Who Can Request Repatriation and Process
Lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations may submit written requests for repatriation by showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they are lineal descendants or culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, the Museum must determine the most appropriate requestor; joint requests count as a single request.
Handling Advisory for Potentially Hazardous Items
Museum records show that, in the past, potentially hazardous pesticides were applied to collections and records do not identify which objects were treated or which chemicals were used. People handling these items should follow advice from industrial hygienists or medical personnel with specialized occupational health training.
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.
2026-11700 — 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.
2026-11701 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return five Native Hawaiian cultural items, like stone tools, that were taken from burial sites on Oʻahu back in 1938. This repatriation will start on or after July 13, 2026, giving Native Hawaiian groups a chance to reclaim their heritage. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting and restoring Native Hawaiian history.
2026-11238 — 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 from a historic site in Michigan. These remains can be returned to the affiliated tribes starting July 6, 2026. This means the university is ready to give back these important cultural items, following the law, with no costs or risks involved.
2026-11232 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return four important cultural items—two baskets and two charmstones—to Native American tribes connected to them. This repatriation will start on or after July 6, 2026, honoring the tribes’ heritage and history. No money changes hands, but the university is making sure these treasures go back to their rightful communities.
2026-11231 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return 24 important Native American cultural items, like beans and corn seeds, to the tribes they belong to starting July 6, 2026. These items were collected in the 1940s and hold special cultural meaning. This repatriation respects Native traditions and helps heal history without any cost to the public.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-11701 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return five Native Hawaiian cultural items, like stone tools, that were taken from burial sites on Oʻahu back in 1938. This repatriation will start on or after July 13, 2026, giving Native Hawaiian groups a chance to reclaim their heritage. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting and restoring Native Hawaiian history.
Next: 2026-11703 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee, WI
The Milwaukee Public Museum plans to return three special Native American arrows to the tribes they belong to, starting July 13, 2026. These arrows, bought over a century ago, hold important cultural meaning for the Native groups connected to them. This repatriation respects Native heritage and follows federal law, with no costs or hazards expected for the public.