A Sacred Shield Tied to 1874 Is Heading Home
Published Date: 10/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum plans to return a sacred shield connected to the Comanche Nation, Oklahoma, by November 30, 2026. This shield, linked to an 1874 battle, is important for Native American religious traditions. If anyone else wants to request its return, they need to send a written request to the museum soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Planned repatriation of sacred shield
The Wichita‑Sedgwick County Historical Museum intends to return one sacred ceremonial shield that the museum connects to the Comanche Nation, Oklahoma. The repatriation may occur on or after November 30, 2026; the shield was collected by Finlay Ross, donated to the museum in 1939, and is associated with the August 22, 1874 Anadarko Affair.
How to request the shield’s repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice may submit a written request to seek repatriation by showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to Jami Frazier Tracy at Wichita‑Sedgwick County Historical Museum, 204 South Main Street, Wichita, KS 67202, or emailed to jami@wichitahistory.org; repatriation may occur on or after November 30, 2026. If competing requests are received, the museum will decide the most appropriate requestor and joint repatriation requests count 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: 2026-22143, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, Wichita, KS
The Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum in Kansas plans to return 10 sacred Native American items, like moccasins and pipe bags, to the Sioux and Plains tribes starting November 30, 2026. These items were collected decades ago and are important for traditional religious practices today. This repatriation respects Native American culture and follows federal law, with no costs or delays expected.
Next: 2026-22145, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, Honolulu, HI
The Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum in Honolulu plans to return nine Native Hawaiian cultural items, like carved figures and feather fragments, to Native Hawaiian groups starting November 30, 2026. These items were originally collected from a burial site on Hawai‘i Island over a century ago. This repatriation respects Native Hawaiian heritage and follows federal law, with no costs mentioned for the public.