Contaminated? History Colorado Returns Sacred Pipes and Headdresses to Tribes
Published Date: 8/13/2026
Notice
Summary
History Colorado plans to return 15 sacred Native American cultural items, like pipes and headdresses, to the tribes they belong to starting September 14, 2026. These items, collected over 100 years ago, may be contaminated, so handling them carefully is important. This repatriation respects Native American heritage and follows federal law, with no costs mentioned for the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation of 15 Sacred Items
History Colorado intends to return 15 sacred objects/objects of cultural patrimony that are culturally affiliated with the Oglala Sioux Tribe. The items include a beaded pouch, a buckskin shirt, an eagle bone whistle, a headdress, pipes, tomahawks, and other ceremonial objects. Repatriation may occur on or after September 14, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation by showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, their relationship. If competing requests are received, History Colorado must decide the most appropriate requestor; joint requests are treated as a single request. Requests should be sent to the authorized representative listed in the notice.
Potential Contamination of Objects
Several objects in the Olop Collection have tested positive for contamination and heavy metals, and other items stored with them should be considered potentially contaminated. Handlers and requestors should treat those cultural items as potentially contaminated due to their shared storage history.
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.
2026-19996, Notice of Intended Repatriation: California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
California State University, Sacramento plans to return over 8,500 cultural items to Native American tribes connected to northern Tehama County. These items include stones, bones, pigments, and historic materials, and the repatriation can start on or after October 30, 2026. This move respects Native heritage and involves no cost to the public but honors important cultural ties.
2026-20013, Agency Information Collection Activities; Archeology Permit Applications and Reports
The National Park Service wants to keep collecting info for archeology permits and reports, making sure the process stays smooth and clear. This affects archeologists and anyone applying for permits to dig or study artifacts in parks. They’re asking for comments by October 30, 2026, but no changes to fees or big costs are planned.
2026-20015, Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessions Forms
The National Park Service is asking to keep using their current forms for park concessions, like shops and services, without changes. This affects businesses working with the parks and helps reduce paperwork hassle. You’ve got until October 30, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees or new costs involved!
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-16486, Notice of Intended Repatriation: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Mesa Verde National Park, CO
Mesa Verde National Park plans to return 23 Native American cultural items, like pottery and tools, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after September 14, 2026, following laws that protect Native American heritage. If you want to learn more or request repatriation, contact the park superintendent.
Next: 2026-16488, Notice of Inventory Completion: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Cumberland Island National Seashore, St. Marys, GA
In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Cumberland Island National Seashore has completed an inventory of human remains and has determined that there is a cultural affiliation between the human remains and Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.