Federal Register #2026-07383

Notice of Intended Repatriation of Sacred Native Hawaiian Cultural Items by Dayton Society of Natural History

This notice concerns the intended repatriation of sacred cultural items by the Dayton Society of Natural History (DSNH) in Dayton, Ohio, under the oversight of the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service. - Government Buyer: - Department of the Interior - National Park Service - Items for Repatriation: - Three sacred cultural objects: - Two lei niho palaoa (whale tooth pendant necklaces), cataloged as A0983 and A0984 - One niho palaoa (whale tooth pendant), cataloged as A0994 - All items are part of Accession 5349 - Cultural Significance: - Objects are ceremonial items needed by traditional Native Hawaiian religious leaders - Affiliated with Native Hawaiian organizations, specifically Hui Iwi Kuamo‘o - Notable Requirements: - Notice outlines process for affiliated tribes or lineal descendants to submit repatriation requests - Action is conducted under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) - No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved, as this is not a procurement or contract action

Description

The Dayton Society of Natural History (DSNH) intends to repatriate three sacred cultural items, specifically two lei niho palaoa and one niho palaoa (whale tooth pendant necklaces), that have cultural affiliation with Native Hawaiian organizations. These items were donated to DSNH in 1949 and are considered ceremonial objects needed by traditional Native Hawaiian religious leaders. Repatriation may occur on or after May 18, 2026, and requests for repatriation can be submitted by affiliated tribes or lineal descendants.

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