Federal Register #2026-09399

Notice of Intended Repatriation of Native American Cultural Items by Two Museums

This notice concerns the intended repatriation of Native American cultural items by two museums under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA): - Government Buyer: - National Park Service, Department of the Interior - National NAGPRA Program - Museums Involved: - J.B. Speed Art Museum (Louisville, KY) - Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History (Los Angeles, CA) - Products/Items for Repatriation: - J.B. Speed Art Museum: 24 cultural items affiliated with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes - 1 Sundance rattle - 1 Beaded pipe bag - 1 Beaded turtle amulet - 8 Beaded pouches - 5 Beaded bags - 5 Pairs of moccasins - 1 Coupstick - 1 Cradleboard - 1 Lance - Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History: 11 objects of cultural patrimony affiliated with the Tejon Indian Tribe - Lithics (various lots) - Groundstone and modified stone fragments - Glass beads - Pottery sherds - Lead - 2 Arrow shaft straighteners - 1 Pillow (small printed cloth bag) - Unique/Notable Requirements: - All items are classified as sacred objects or objects of cultural patrimony with ongoing historical, traditional, or cultural importance to the respective tribes - Repatriation is in accordance with NAGPRA and may occur after a specified date - No commercial products, OEMs, or vendors are involved; this is a legal and administrative action, not a procurement opportunity - Locations: - Museums: J.B. Speed Art Museum (Louisville, KY), Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History (Los Angeles, CA) - Items originated from various locations in Kern County, CA, including Tehachapi Pass, Tehachapi Mountains, Walkers Pass, Horse Canyon, Grapevine Cave, Jawbone Canyon, Sand Canyon, Maricopa Brea, and Saline Valley

Description

In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History (LACMNH) intends to repatriate certain cultural items that meet the definition of objects of cultural patrimony and have a cultural affiliation with Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. A total of 11 cultural items including lithics, groundstone, glass beads, pottery sherds, lead, arrow shaft straighteners, and a pillow are involved. These items were removed from various locations in Kern County, California, and have ongoing historical, traditional, or cultural importance central to the Native American group, specifically the Tejon Indian Tribe. Repatriation may occur on or after June 11, 2026.

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