Federal Register #2026-11714

Notice of Intended Repatriation of Cultural Items at Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

This notice announces the intended repatriation of Native American cultural items by the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, overseen by the Department of the Interior and National Park Service. - Government Buyer: - Department of the Interior - National Park Service - Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History - Scope of Notice: - Repatriation of approximately 2,224 cultural items - Items include stone, bone, shell artifacts, and other objects - Artifacts were excavated from cemetery sites on Santa Rosa Island (Ranch House SRI60A thru SRI60G) by Phil Orr in 1927 - Cultural Affiliation: - Items are classified as unassociated funerary objects - Affiliated with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians of the Santa Ynez Reservation, California - Unique Requirements: - Notice is issued under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) - No procurement of goods or services; this is a transfer of cultural property - Requests for repatriation may be submitted by lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations demonstrating cultural affiliation - No OEMs or vendors are involved, as this is not a procurement action.

Description

In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History intends to repatriate certain cultural items that meet the definition of unassociated funerary objects and that have a cultural affiliation with the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. The repatriation involves approximately 2,224 objects including stone, bone, shell artifacts, and other cultural items excavated from cemetery sites on Santa Rosa Island. Repatriation may occur on or after July 13, 2026. Requests for repatriation can be submitted by lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations showing cultural affiliation.

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