Notice of Intended Repatriation: Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences, Buffalo Museum of Science, Buffalo, NY

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service [N7329; NPS-WASO-NAGPRA-NPS0043271; PPWOCRADN0-PCU00RP14.R50000] Notice of Intended Repatriation: Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences, Buffalo Museum of Science, Buffalo, NY AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences 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 21, 2026. ADDRESSES: Send additional, written requests for repatriation of the cultural item in this notice to Kathryn H. Leacock, Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences, Buffalo Museum of Science, 1020 Humboldt Parkway, Buffalo, NY 14211, email kleacock@sciencebuff.org. 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 Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences 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 object of cultural patrimony is known as catalog number C13450 and is made of woven plant fiber. Museum catalog records indicate that C13450 was received by the Buffalo Museum of Science in 1940 as part of an exchange with the Denver Art Museum. No provenance information was provided and it was received as an “Osage Mat”. Through consultation, it was determined that this belonging is an object of cultural patrimony consecrated and used during ceremonies conducted by Osage clan priests. Determinations The Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences 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 Osage 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 21, 2026. If competing requests for repatriation are received, the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences 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 Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences 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 15, 2026. Melanie O'Brien, Manager, National NAGPRA Program. [FR Doc. 2026-14736 Filed 7-21-26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4312-52-P