Federal Register #2026-10569

Notice of Intended Repatriation of Sacred Tsimshian Headdress by Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

This notice announces the intended repatriation of a sacred cultural item by the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. - Government Buyer: - Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History (Santa Barbara, California) - Item for Repatriation: - Tsimshian amhalaayt (chiefly headdress) - Quantity: 1 - Description: Sacred object/object of cultural patrimony affiliated with the Metlakatla Indian Community, Annette Island Reserve - Notable Details: - The item was originally purchased by Major Max Fleischmann from the W.C. Waters Bear Totem Store in Wrangell, Alaska, in 1939 - The notice is issued in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) - No procurement of goods or services is involved; this is a legal notice regarding cultural heritage - The process is outlined for lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations to submit repatriation requests - No OEMs, vendors, or commercial products are involved in this notice

Description

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History intends to repatriate a cultural item defined as a sacred object/object of cultural patrimony. This item is culturally affiliated with the Metlakatla Indian Community, Annette Island Reserve. The item is a Tsimshian amhalaayt (chiefly headdress) purchased in 1939 and donated to the museum. Repatriation may occur on or after June 29, 2026, and requests for repatriation must be sent to the museum's authorized representative.

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