Notice of Intended Repatriation: Ball State University, Muncie, IN

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service [N7301; NPS-WASO-NAGPRA-NPS0043198; PPWOCRADN0-PCU00RP14.R50000] Notice of Intended Repatriation: Ball State University, Muncie, IN AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Ball State University intends to repatriate a certain cultural item that meets the definition of an object of cultural patrimony and that has a cultural affiliation with the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice. DATES: Repatriation of the cultural item in this notice may occur on or after August 14, 2026. ADDRESSES: Send additional, written requests for repatriation of the cultural item in this notice to Chyan Gilaspy, Ball State University, Applied Anthropology Laboratories, 2000 W Riverside Avenue, Muncie, IN 47306, email NAGPRA@bsu.edu. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice is published as part of the National Park Service's administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA. The determinations in this notice are the sole responsibility of the Ball State University and additional information on the determinations in this notice, including the results of consultation, can be found in the summary or related records. The National Park Service is not responsible for the determinations in this notice. Abstract of Information Available A total of one cultural item has been requested for repatriation. The one object of cultural patrimony is a bandolier bag. The bandolier bag (catalog number 2018.051.006) is described as a Potawatomi Bandolier Bag. The cultural item was donated to the institution by a private donor in 2018, who acquired the item at an unknown date and location. Ball State University has no records indicating the item was treated with hazardous substances, however, XRF testing of the item was positive for potentially hazardous substances. Determinations The Ball State University has determined that: • The one object of cultural patrimony described in this notice has ongoing historical, traditional, or cultural importance central to the Native American group, including any constituent sub-group (such as a band, clan, lineage, ceremonial society, or other subdivision), according to the Native American traditional knowledge of an Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization. • There is a connection between the cultural item described in this notice and the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Oklahoma; Forest County Potawatomi Community, Wisconsin; Hannahville Indian Community, Michigan; Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi (previously listed as Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians of Michigan); Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, Michigan; Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, Michigan and Indiana; and the Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation. Requests for Repatriation Additional, written requests for repatriation of the cultural item in this notice must be sent to the authorized representative identified in this notice under ADDRESSES . Requests for repatriation may be submitted by any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice who shows, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the requestor is a lineal descendant or a culturally affiliated Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization. Repatriation of the cultural item in this notice to a requestor may occur on or after August 14, 2026. If competing requests for repatriation are received, the Ball State University must determine the most appropriate requestor prior to repatriation. Requests for joint repatriation of the cultural item are considered a single request and not competing requests. The Ball State University is responsible for sending a copy of this notice to the Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations identified in this notice and to any other consulting parties. Authority: Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, 25 U.S.C. 3004 and the implementing regulations, 43 CFR 10.9. Dated: July 7, 2026. Melanie O'Brien, Manager, National NAGPRA Program. [FR Doc. 2026-14164 Filed 7-14-26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4312-52-P