Opportunity
Federal Register #2026-17171
Notice of Intended Repatriation of Cultural Items by Mississippi Department of Archives and History
Posted
August 24, 2026
Identifier
2026-17171
NAICS
712190
This notice concerns the intended repatriation of cultural items by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH), in partnership with the Department of the Interior and National Park Service. - Government Buyer: - Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) - Coordination with Department of the Interior and National Park Service - Cultural Items Requested for Repatriation: - Unassociated funerary objects (primarily lithics) - Items originate from two sites: - 22WI500 (Nanih Waiya) - 22NE632 (Nanih Waiya Cave) - Collections recovered by a private individual; lack detailed provenience - Tribal Consultation and Affiliation: - Items identified as culturally affiliated with: - The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma - Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians - Jena Band of Choctaw Indians - Unique Requirements: - No hazardous substances used in treatment of objects - Written requests for repatriation invited from lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations (including those not specifically named) able to demonstrate cultural affiliation - Process governed by Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) - Products/Services: - Repatriation of two lots of lithic artifacts classified as unassociated funerary objects - No commercial OEMs or vendors involved; items are cultural artifacts, not manufactured products
Description
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) intends to repatriate certain cultural items classified as unassociated funerary objects. These items have cultural affiliations with the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations specified in the notice. The repatriation process is in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Repatriation may occur on or after September 23, 2026, and written requests for repatriation must be sent to the authorized representative at MDAH.