Gilcrease Museum Returns War Dance Bustle to Tribes
Published Date: 6/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa plans to return six important Native American cultural items, including sacred objects and a War Dance bustle, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after July 13, 2026, following laws that protect Native heritage. No money changes hands, but the museum is making sure these special items go back to their rightful communities safely.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Six Native American Items To Be Returned
The Gilcrease Museum intends to return six cultural items — five sacred objects and one object of cultural patrimony — that are affiliated with the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma. The repatriation may occur on or after July 13, 2026, and the items include a medicine bundle, three pipe-related items, two rattles (including a Ghost Dance gourd rattle), and a War Dance bustle.
Some Items May Contain Hazardous Treatments
The notice states that potentially hazardous substances may have been used to treat some of the museum items. People handling or receiving these items should be aware that treatments may pose hazards during handling or transport.
Who Can Request Repatriation and How
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization that can show by a preponderance of the evidence a cultural affiliation may submit a written request for repatriation to Laura Bryant at the Gilcrease Museum. Repatriation to a requestor may occur on or after July 13, 2026, and the museum must decide among competing requests (joint requests count 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.
2026-14720, Notice of Inventory Completion: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking 55 ancient items linked to Native American tribes near Croton Point, New York. Starting August 21, 2026, these items can be officially returned to the tribes that they belong to. This is a big step in respecting Native cultures and making sure their history is honored properly.
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 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.
Next: 2026-11705, Notice of Inventory Completion: Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN
Indiana State University found the remains of two Native American women and some old artifacts near a river in Indiana. They’ve confirmed these items belong to local tribes and plan to return them starting July 13, 2026. This respectful return helps honor Native American heritage and follows important laws protecting their ancestors.