Wisconsin Museum Returns Historic Stone Owl Pipe
Published Date: 7/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The Milwaukee Public Museum plans to return a special stone owl pipe found in Wisconsin back to Native American tribes connected to it. This repatriation could happen starting August 21, 2026, honoring cultural traditions and respecting Native heritage. No money changes hands, but the museum is making sure this important item goes back where it belongs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Museum Will Return Stone Owl Pipe
The Milwaukee Public Museum intends to return a stone owl effigy pipe to Native American groups with a cultural connection to it. The museum identified a cultural affiliation with the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin and the Stockbridge Munsee Community, and repatriation may occur on or after August 21, 2026; no money will change hands.
Other Tribes Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not named in the notice may submit a written request to the Milwaukee Public Museum to claim the stone owl effigy pipe if they show by a preponderance of the evidence they are culturally affiliated. Competing requests will be resolved by the museum, and repatriation to a requestor may occur on or after August 21, 2026.
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