Buffalo Bill Center to Repatriate Sacred Native Items
Published Date: 9/9/2026
Notice
Summary
In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Buffalo Bill Center of the West intends to repatriate certain cultural items that meet the definition of sacred objects and that have a cultural affiliation with the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Museum intends to repatriate two sacred objects
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West intends to repatriate two cultural items (a stone and pouch, catalog NA.800.219) that the museum has determined are sacred objects with a cultural affiliation to the Crow Tribe of Montana. The determination and intended repatriation are made under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).
Repatriation may occur starting October 9, 2026
Repatriation of the two cultural items may occur on or after October 9, 2026. That date is the earliest the Buffalo Bill Center of the West may transfer the items to an authorized requestor.
Who may request repatriation and evidence standard
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice may submit a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to Hunter C. Old Elk at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West (720 Sheridan Avenue, Cody, WY 82414) or by email at [email protected].
Competing requests and joint repatriation rules
If competing written requests for the cultural items are received, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation; requests for joint repatriation are treated as a single (non-competing) request. The museum is required to send a copy of this notice to the identified Indian Tribes and consulting parties.
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.
2026-20013, 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!
2026-19996, 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.
2026-19002, 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: 2026-18316, Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is modifying an existing system of records maintained by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), titled "Hospice Item Set (HIS) System," System No. 09-70-0548. The amended System of Records Notice (SORN) reflects changes to now include real time data collection at the time of patient assessments to improve the understanding of patient care needs and care coordination. CMS is also changing the name of the system of records to "Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE)" and making other modifications which are explained in the Supplementary Information section. The HOPE system collects standardized hospice patient data to measure and improve care quality, support regulatory and reporting requirements, and enable research and policy functions.
Next: 2026-18319, Notice of Intended Disposition: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, Stanton, ND
The National Park Service at Knife River Indian Villages in North Dakota plans to return Native American human remains found during recent digs to the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. If no one claims the remains by September 9, 2027, they’ll be considered unclaimed. This process starts on October 9, 2026, ensuring respect and proper care for these ancestral remains.