Federal Register #2026-11229

Notice of Intended Repatriation of Cultural Items at Kansas State University

This notice concerns the intended repatriation of cultural items by Kansas State University, in partnership with the National Park Service (Department of the Interior): - Government buyer: - Kansas State University (K-State) - National Park Service, Department of the Interior (administrative oversight) - No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved, as this is not a procurement or purchase - Products/services requested: - Repatriation of two reconstructed pots from the Ralph Bell Collection - Items are classified as unassociated funerary objects - Believed to be culturally affiliated with the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma (with consent from the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes) - Items likely originated from a Central Plains tradition site (Smoky Hill phase, circa 1100–1350 CE) in Saline County, KS - Unique or notable requirements: - Notice issued under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) - Requests for repatriation may be submitted by lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations with demonstrated cultural affiliation - The presence of hazardous substances in the items is unknown - No contract, procurement, or purchase is involved—this is a legal and cultural process

Description

Kansas State University (K-State) intends to repatriate certain cultural items defined as unassociated funerary objects that have cultural affiliation with Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. The items include two reconstructed pots from the Ralph Bell Collection, believed to be associated with human remains from a Central Plains tradition site in Saline County, KS. The repatriation is in accordance with 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 designated NAGPRA Coordinator at K-State.

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