Wisconsin Society Will Return Native Items, Including a Headless Doll
Published Date: 10/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The Sauk County Historical Society in Wisconsin plans to return five special cultural items linked to Native American tribes, including a headless doll and traditional tools collected in Alaska. This repatriation will start on or after November 16, 2026, honoring Native American heritage and respecting their cultural treasures. No money changes hands, but the timing is set and the items will find their way back home.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of five Native cultural items
The Sauk County Historical Society intends to repatriate five cultural items (one headless doll described as an unassociated funerary object and four objects of cultural patrimony: a wood tool with bone blade, a bone tool with steel blade, a piece of ivory with two drilled holes, and a horn ladle) that are affiliated with the Native Village of Barrow Inupiat Traditional Government. The repatriation is planned to occur on or after November 16, 2026.
Who can request repatriation and timeline
Lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations may submit written requests for these items to Sara Oostdik at Sauk County Historical Society, PO Box 651, Baraboo, WI 53913, or by email at [email protected]. Requests that show affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence may be honored, repatriation may occur on or after November 16, 2026, and if competing requests are received the SCHS will determine the most appropriate requestor (joint requests are treated as a single request).
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.
2026-21222, Denali National Park and Preserve; Vehicle Use
Starting November 16, 2026, Denali National Park will officially limit the number of vehicles on the restricted part of Denali Park Road to 160 per day during the busy visitor season (from just before Memorial Day to after Labor Day). This change helps keep the park enjoyable and less crowded for everyone. Visitors planning trips during this time should be ready for this new vehicle cap, but no extra fees are involved.
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-21110, Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Philadelphia, PA
The University of Pennsylvania Museum plans to return two sacred Native American items—a red pipe bowl and wooden pipe stem linked to Northern Arapaho leader Chief Black Coal—back to the rightful tribes. This repatriation can start on or after November 16, 2026, helping Native communities reconnect with important cultural objects. No money changes hands, but the museum is making sure these treasures go home where they belong.
Next: 2026-21112, Notice of Inventory Completion: University of New Mexico, Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, Albuquerque, NM
The University of New Mexico's Maxwell Museum has finished checking its collection and found human remains linked to Native American tribes from the late 1800s. These remains, connected to a historical figure killed in Wyoming, can be returned to the tribes starting November 16, 2026. This means Native communities can reclaim their ancestor’s remains, with no money involved, just respect and history coming home.