Santa Barbara Museum Returns 1,700 Items to Island Tribes
Published Date: 6/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History plans to return about 1,700 cultural items, like stone tools and shell ornaments, to Native American tribes connected to Santa Rosa Island. This repatriation will start on or after July 13, 2026, honoring Native traditions and respecting their heritage. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in righting history and strengthening community ties.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of 1,693 Cultural Items
If you are a member or representative of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has determined that about 1,693 unassociated funerary objects (stone, bone, shell, shark teeth, etc.) are culturally affiliated with your tribe and intends to repatriate them. The items were excavated from Santa Rosa Island between 1947 and 1950, and repatriation may occur on or after July 13, 2026; no money changes hands.
How Others Can Request Repatriation
Lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations not named in the notice may submit written requests for repatriation to the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History by showing by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or are culturally affiliated. The museum will accept requests and, if competing requests are received, will decide the most appropriate requestor; repatriation to a requestor may occur on or after July 13, 2026.
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: 2026-11715, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Santa Barbara, CA
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History plans to return about 588 cultural items, like stone tools and shell beads, to Native American tribes connected to Santa Rosa Island. This repatriation will start on or after July 13, 2026, honoring Native traditions and respecting their heritage. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in righting history and strengthening community ties.
Next: 2026-11717, Notice of Inventory Completion: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District, Charleston, SC, and the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology, Columbia, SC
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology have finished listing Native American funerary objects found at a historic site in South Carolina. These items are linked to local Indian Tribes and can be returned starting July 13, 2026. This means tribes can soon reclaim important cultural artifacts, with no costs mentioned for the process.