Federal Register #2026-07946

Notice of Intended Repatriation of Native Hawaiian Sacred Objects by Martha's Vineyard Museum

This notice concerns the intended repatriation of sacred Native Hawaiian objects by the Martha's Vineyard Museum in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts, in compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). - Government buyer: - Martha's Vineyard Museum (local institution) - Notice facilitated by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior - Objects for repatriation: - Canoe (1 unit) - Grass skirt and tapa cloth (1 set) - Poi pounder (1 unit) - Cultural affiliation: - Items originally acquired in Hawaii, with a noted connection to Hui Iwi Kuamo‘o - Intended for repatriation to Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations with cultural ties - Notable requirements: - This is a statutory compliance and cultural heritage process, not a commercial procurement - Additional requests for repatriation may be submitted by lineal descendants or culturally affiliated tribes/organizations - No OEMs, vendors, or commercial products/services are involved in this notice

Description

The Martha's Vineyard Museum intends to repatriate certain cultural items that are considered sacred objects and have cultural affiliation with Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. The items include a canoe, a grass skirt and tapa cloth, and a poi pounder, which were acquired and donated to the museum at different times. The repatriation is conducted under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Repatriation may occur on or after May 26, 2026, and requests for repatriation can be submitted by lineal descendants or culturally affiliated tribes or organizations.

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