Gila National Forest Issues Deadline for Claiming Ancient Human Remains
Published Date: 3/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The Gila National Forest in New Mexico plans to return human remains and special burial items found in a rock shelter to Native American tribes or descendants starting April 17, 2025. If no one claims them by March 18, 2026, these remains and items will be considered unclaimed. This affects tribes connected to the area and honors their heritage with respectful care.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of 79 Native American Remains and 116 Objects
The Gila National Forest plans to return human remains representing 79 Native American individuals and 116 associated funerary objects to lineal descendants or Indian Tribes. The Hopi Tribe of Arizona, Pueblo of Acoma (New Mexico), and the Zuni Tribe have priority for disposition.
Claims Deadline and Disposition Process
Claims to receive the remains or objects may be submitted by lineal descendants, the named Tribes, or other Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations that demonstrate priority; disposition may occur on or after April 17, 2025. If no claim is received by March 18, 2026, the remains and objects will be considered unclaimed; the Gila National Forest will resolve competing claims and treats joint requests as a single request.
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