Forest Service Finally Returns Ancient Human Remains to Tribes
Published Date: 1/17/2025
Notice
Summary
The USDA Forest Service plans to return the remains of at least eight Native American ancestors and 24 special burial items found in New Mexico back to their rightful tribes or descendants. This process starts February 18, 2025, and if no one claims them by January 20, 2026, the items will be considered unclaimed. This respectful action affects Native communities connected to the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation to Two Pueblos
The USDA Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands has determined that human remains representing at least eight Native American individuals and 24 associated funerary objects (pottery sherds, shell beads, turquoise pendants, and a bone tool) will be returned with priority to the Pueblo of Isleta and the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo. Disposition may occur on or after February 18, 2025.
Claim Deadline and Unclaimed Status
Claims for disposition must be received by January 20, 2026; if no claim is received by that date the human remains and associated funerary objects will be considered unclaimed. Disposition may occur on or after February 18, 2025, so claimants should submit written claims before January 20, 2026.
Who May Submit Claims and How
Written claims may be submitted by any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization identified in this notice, or by others who show by a preponderance of the evidence that they have disposition priority. Requests for joint disposition are treated as a single request, and competing claims will be resolved by the USDA-Cibola NF&NGs before disposition.
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