Kern County Museum Sends 20 Baskets Back to Tribes
Published Date: 6/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The Kern County Museum in Bakersfield, CA, plans to return 20 culturally important baskets to Native American tribes, including the Tubatulabal, Kawaiisu, Tejon, and Paiute. This repatriation honors their cultural heritage and will start on or after July 13, 2026. If you want to request these items, you need to contact the museum soon—no money changes hands, just respect and history coming home!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Museum to Return 20 Tribal Baskets
You are being notified that the Kern County Museum intends to return 20 objects of cultural patrimony (baskets) to affiliated Native American groups. The 20 baskets are listed as: 10 Tubatulabal; 5 Kawaiisu; 2 identified as Tubatulabal/Kawaiisu; 1 Tejon; 1 Paiute; and 1 identified as Made by Lower Kern Indian, and repatriation may occur on or after July 13, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation and How
You can request these items if you are a lineal descendant, an Indian Tribe, or a Native Hawaiian organization that shows by a preponderance of the evidence you are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Send additional written requests to Michael McCoy, Kern County Museum, 3801 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301 or the email provided in the notice; the museum will resolve competing requests and treats joint requests as a single request.
Museum Finds Tejon Tribal Connection
The Kern County Museum determined the 20 baskets meet the definition of objects of cultural patrimony and that there is a connection between the items described in this notice and the Tejon Indian Tribe. That determination is part of the museum's basis for repatriation under NAGPRA.
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.
2026-19002, 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.
2026-17902, Bicycle Use in Park Areas
The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to modify the procedural requirements in existing NPS regulations for the designation of roads and trails for bicycle use within park areas. The changes would align NPS regulations with applicable Federal law and policy, remove unnecessary requirements, and ensure public involvement when needed. The changes in this rule would allow the NPS to manage its resources and allocate taxpayer funds more efficiently and streamline the approval of new and expanded opportunities for use and enjoyment of park areas by the American public.
2026-17186, Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return a special ceramic smoking pipe with a human face to the Stockbridge Munsee Community, as it’s linked to their Mohican ancestors. This repatriation may happen on or after September 23, 2026, following Native American laws protecting cultural items. No money changes hands, but the museum is making sure history and respect go hand in hand!
2026-17198, Gulf Islands National Seashore; Personal Watercraft
The National Park Service revises special regulations governing the use of personal watercraft at Gulf Islands National Seashore. This rule reduces the distance of flat wake speed zones from certain shorelines and codifies existing closures at West Petit Bois Island and the Fort Pickens ferry pier.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 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.
Next: 2026-11707, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Montclair Art Museum, Montclair, NJ
The Montclair Art Museum in New Jersey plans to return a special basket to the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, a Native American tribe, starting July 13, 2026. This basket, made by Julia Manuel, holds deep cultural importance for the tribe. No money changes hands, but this is a meaningful step to honor Native American heritage and respect their traditions.