Illinois Museum Ready to Repatriate Native American Remains
Published Date: 3/17/2025
Notice
Summary
The Illinois State Museum has finished checking its collection and found that some human remains and funeral items belong to Native American tribes or Native Hawaiian groups. This means these items will be officially returned to the right communities. If you’re part of these groups, now’s the time to pay attention and get ready for the handover process.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation of Native Remains and Items
The Illinois State Museum completed an inventory under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and determined that certain human remains and associated funerary objects are culturally affiliated with Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. Those remains and funerary items will be officially returned to the affiliated tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations, and members of those groups should prepare for the handover process.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-04606, Alaska; Hunting and Trapping in National Preserves
The National Park Service wants to update hunting and trapping rules in Alaska’s national preserves to bring back long-standing practices that support state-authorized wildlife harvests and public access. These changes affect hunters, trappers, and anyone using Alaska park lands, aiming to balance conservation with local traditions. You’ve got until April 9, 2026, to share your thoughts—no new fees or costs are expected.
2026-17186, Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return a special ceramic smoking pipe with a human face to the Stockbridge Munsee Community, as it’s linked to their Mohican ancestors. This repatriation may happen on or after September 23, 2026, following Native American laws protecting cultural items. No money changes hands, but the museum is making sure history and respect go hand in hand!
2026-17198, Gulf Islands National Seashore; Personal Watercraft
The National Park Service revises special regulations governing the use of personal watercraft at Gulf Islands National Seashore. This rule reduces the distance of flat wake speed zones from certain shorelines and codifies existing closures at West Petit Bois Island and the Fort Pickens ferry pier.
2026-16388, Powered Micromobility Devices
The National Park Service finalizes a management framework for the use of powered micromobility devices within the National Park System. The final rule defines powered micromobility devices separately from motor vehicles, traditional bicycles, electric bicycles, and human powered coasting devices, and creates rules for where and how they may be used in units of the National Park System. Examples of powered micromobility devices include electric scooters (e- scooters), hoverboards, and Segways.
2026-15406, First State National Historical Park; Bicycling
The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to issue special regulations for First State National Historical Park to allow for bicycle use on approximately 25 miles of trails within the Brandywine Valley unit of the park.
2026-14720, Notice of Inventory Completion: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking 55 ancient items linked to Native American tribes near Croton Point, New York. Starting August 21, 2026, these items can be officially returned to the tribes that they belong to. This is a big step in respecting Native cultures and making sure their history is honored properly.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-04173, Notice of Intended Disposition: U.S. Department of Defense, Navy, Naval Base Coronado San Clemente Island, San Diego, CA
The Navy at Naval Base Coronado plans to return important Native American and Native Hawaiian cultural items to their rightful families and tribes. This move follows a law that protects these sacred objects and ensures they go back to the people they belong to. The process will happen soon and respects the history and traditions of Native communities.
Next: 2025-04175, Notice of Intended Disposition: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Tonto National Forest, Phoenix, AZ
The Tonto National Forest is planning to return important Native American items and human remains to the right tribes or descendants, following special laws that protect these cultural treasures. This affects Native communities connected to these objects and will happen soon to honor their heritage respectfully. No money changes hands, but the timing is key to making sure everything goes to the right people.