Federal Register #2026-19487

Notice of Intended Repatriation of Cultural Items by Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

This notice concerns the intended repatriation of Native American cultural items by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, as published by the National Park Service (Department of the Interior). - Government Buyer: - Department of the Interior - National Park Service - No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved; this is not a procurement opportunity. - Items for Repatriation: - Headdress frontlet (wood and abalone, 19th or early 20th century) - Raven rattle (wood and pigment, circa 1890) - Halibut grease dish (carved and painted alder wood, made prior to 1943) - All items are culturally affiliated with the Tsimshian people of the Metlakatla Indian Community. - Additional repatriation actions are noted for Ball State University and Auburn University at Montgomery, involving other cultural items and human remains. - This notice is issued in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). - No products, services, or contract opportunities are being solicited; the notice is strictly informational regarding cultural repatriation.

Description

In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts intends to repatriate certain cultural items that meet the definition of objects of cultural patrimony and that have a cultural affiliation with the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. The items include a headdress frontlet, a raven rattle, and a halibut grease dish, all culturally affiliated with the Tsimshian people. Repatriation may occur on or after October 23, 2026, and requests for repatriation must be sent to the museum's authorized representative.

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