Federal Register #2026-09413

Notice of Intended Repatriation of Sacred Basket by Kalamazoo Valley Museum

This notice concerns the intended repatriation of a sacred cultural item by the Kalamazoo Valley Museum in Michigan. - Government buyer: - Kalamazoo Valley Museum (local government museum) - Oversight referenced: National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior - Products/services requested: - Repatriation of a single bowl-shaped, coiled basket - Description: Tan willow body with fire and arrow designs - Quantity: 1 - Cultural affiliation: Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation (formerly San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, California) - Unique or notable requirements: - The basket is classified as a sacred object and object of cultural patrimony - Repatriation is conducted under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) - Only lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations with demonstrated cultural affiliation may request repatriation - No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved; this is a legal and cultural process, not a procurement or contract opportunity - The process is managed by the museum, with federal oversight for compliance

Description

The Kalamazoo Valley Museum intends to repatriate a cultural item classified as a sacred object/object of cultural patrimony under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The item is a basket with specific design features and cultural affiliation with the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. Repatriation may occur on or after June 11, 2026, and requests for repatriation can be submitted by lineal descendants or culturally affiliated Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations.

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