Harvard Museum to Repatriate Hawaiian Remains
Published Date: 7/8/2026
Notice
Summary
Harvard’s Warren Anatomical Museum found two Native Hawaiian human remains in their collection and confirmed they belong to the Hui Iwi Kuamoʻo tribe. Starting August 7, 2026, these remains can be officially returned to the tribe. This means Harvard is taking important steps to respect Native Hawaiian heritage and follow the law, with no costs mentioned.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Two Native Hawaiian Remains Identified
Harvard's Warren Anatomical Museum identified human remains representing at least two individuals and determined they are Native Hawaiian and culturally affiliated with the Hui Iwi Kuamoʻo. The notice states there are no associated funerary objects with these remains.
Repatriation Available Starting August 7, 2026
Repatriation of these human remains may occur on or after August 7, 2026. Written requests for repatriation must be sent to Jane Pickering, Director, Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University, 11 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138 (email: [email protected]); eligible requestors include the identified Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations and any lineal descendant or organization that can show cultural affiliation.
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.
2026-16388, Powered Micromobility Devices
The National Park Service finalizes a management framework for the use of powered micromobility devices within the National Park System. The final rule defines powered micromobility devices separately from motor vehicles, traditional bicycles, electric bicycles, and human powered coasting devices, and creates rules for where and how they may be used in units of the National Park System. Examples of powered micromobility devices include electric scooters (e- scooters), hoverboards, and Segways.
2026-15406, First State National Historical Park; Bicycling
The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to issue special regulations for First State National Historical Park to allow for bicycle use on approximately 25 miles of trails within the Brandywine Valley unit of the park.
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-13739, Notice of Inventory Completion: Antelope Valley College, Lancaster, CA
Antelope Valley College has finished checking old human bones found at a local archaeological site and confirmed they belong to Native American tribes. Starting August 7, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes connected to them. This process helps respect Native American heritage and involves no costs or deadlines beyond the repatriation date.
Next: 2026-13741, Notice of Inventory Completion: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
Case Western Reserve University has finished checking its collection of 29 Native Alaskan human remains and found they belong to specific Native groups. Starting August 7, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes connected to them. This is a respectful step to honor Native heritage, with no costs or risks involved.