Milwaukee Museum 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 Milwaukee Public Museum 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
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation of 161 Sacred Hawaiian Objects
If you are a lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization affiliated with the Hui Iwi Kuamoʻo, the Milwaukee Public Museum intends to repatriate 161 sacred objects. The museum says repatriation may occur on or after October 9, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation and Timing
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for these items; requests must be sent to the Milwaukee Public Museum representative named in the notice. The museum will consider requests and may repatriate the items on or after October 9, 2026; if there are competing requests the museum will decide the most appropriate requestor, and joint requests count as a single request.
Possible Chemical Treatment of Textile Items
The museum states it has no specific information that the listed items were treated with pesticides or preservatives, but notes some textiles in its collection were treated with chemicals in the early 20th century. Requestors and custodians should be aware that some returned clothing or textiles may have been chemically treated.
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: 2026-18333, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products
The FDA wants your thoughts on how they collect info about human cells and tissues used in medicine. This affects anyone who handles or regulates these products, and they’re asking for comments by November 9, 2026. No big money changes yet, just making sure the paperwork is clear and easy for everyone.
Next: 2026-18336, Notice of Inventory Completion: Putnam Museum and Science Center, Davenport, IA
The Putnam Museum and Science Center in Davenport, IA, has finished checking its collection and found six Native American funerary objects linked to specific tribes. Starting October 9, 2026, these items can be returned to the rightful Native communities. This is a respectful step to honor Native heritage and follows important laws protecting these cultural treasures.