Wisconsin College to Repatriate 45 Hawaiian Sacred Objects
Published Date: 7/2/2026
Notice
Summary
Beloit College’s Logan Museum of Anthropology plans to return 45 sacred Native Hawaiian cultural items to the rightful tribes starting August 3, 2026. This repatriation respects Native traditions and helps heal past wrongs, with no costs to the public. Tribal communities and the museum are the main players in this important cultural handoff.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Museum to return 45 sacred Hawaiian items
Beloit College’s Logan Museum of Anthropology intends to repatriate 45 sacred Native Hawaiian cultural items (including fishhook, kapa pieces, tools, bowls, and a spear) that it has determined are needed for traditional ceremonial use. The repatriation may occur on or after August 3, 2026, and the museum identifies a cultural affiliation with the Hui Iwi Kuamoʻo and Native Hawaiian organizations.
Repatriation incurs no public cost
The notice states the repatriation respects Native traditions and will occur with no costs to the public. The repatriation process may begin on or after August 3, 2026.
Who can request repatriation and how
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in the notice may send a written request for repatriation and must show, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, the Logan Museum of Anthropology must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation; joint requests are treated as a single request.
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