Harvard Peabody Museum Ships Back Native American Hair Clippings

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.

2026-20013, Agency Information Collection Activities; Archeology Permit Applications and Reports

The National Park Service wants to keep collecting info for archeology permits and reports, making sure the process stays smooth and clear. This affects archeologists and anyone applying for permits to dig or study artifacts in parks. They’re asking for comments by October 30, 2026, but no changes to fees or big costs are planned.

2026-20015, Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessions Forms

The National Park Service is asking to keep using their current forms for park concessions, like shops and services, without changes. This affects businesses working with the parks and helps reduce paperwork hassle. You’ve got until October 30, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees or new costs involved!

2026-19996, Notice of Intended Repatriation: California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA

California State University, Sacramento plans to return over 8,500 cultural items to Native American tribes connected to northern Tehama County. These items include stones, bones, pigments, and historic materials, and the repatriation can start on or after October 30, 2026. This move respects Native heritage and involves no cost to the public but honors important cultural ties.

2026-19002, National Park Service Alaska Region Subsistence Resource Commission Program; Notice of Public Meetings

The National Park Service is holding meetings for Alaska's Subsistence Resource Commissions to discuss local hunting, fishing, and gathering rules. These meetings affect residents who rely on park resources and will happen mostly in October and November 2026, with one in February 2027. No big costs are expected, but these talks help keep subsistence traditions alive and fair.

2026-18306, Official Trail Marker for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail

This notice issues the official trail marker insignia for the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail in the National Trails System. The original graphic image for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail was developed in 2026 with the completion of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail Comprehensive Plan. The National Park Service and related agencies have officially adopted and use this insignia to help mark all designated alignments of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail.

Previous: 2025-04177, Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL

The University of Alabama at Birmingham has finished checking its collection and found Native American human remains and related items from a cave in Alabama. These remains and objects are linked to local Native tribes and can be returned starting April 16, 2025. This means the university is ready to give these important cultural items back to the rightful communities, with no costs or risks involved.

Next: 2025-04179, Notice of Inventory Completion: Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

Harvard's Peabody Museum has finished checking its collection and found hair samples from Native American teens linked to tribes like the Eel River and Pomo. These remains, collected decades ago from schools in California and Nevada, are set to be returned to their communities starting April 16, 2025. This means important cultural items are coming home, with no costs or delays expected.