Federal Register #2026-11243

Notice of Intended Repatriation of Sacred Objects from Hudson Museum

This notice concerns the repatriation of cultural items, not a procurement opportunity. - Government buyer: Department of the Interior, National Park Service - Subject: Hudson Museum at the University of Maine intends to repatriate 41 sacred objects - Items include: 8 ulu maika (bowling stones), 7 koi (adzes), 5 pohaku luhee (octopus lure sinkers), 5 mea pohaku (stone objects), 4 pohaku kui ai (poi pounders), 4 mea kui (stone pestles), 3 poho pohaku (stone bowls), 3 ala o ka maa (sling stones), 2 pohaku (stones) - All items were collected from Kauai and donated to the museum - Purpose: Repatriation to Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations with cultural affiliation - Legal basis: Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) - No commercial procurement, OEMs, or vendors involved - This is a legal and cultural process, not an acquisition of products or services

Description

The Hudson Museum intends to repatriate 41 cultural items classified as sacred objects that have cultural affiliation with Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. These items include ulu maika (bowling stones), koi (adzes), pohaku luhee (octopus lure sinkers), and other stone objects collected from Kauai and donated to the museum. The repatriation is conducted under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and may occur on or after July 6, 2026. Requests for repatriation must be submitted in writing to the Hudson Museum and may be made by lineal descendants or affiliated tribes or organizations.

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