Alaska Wildlife Agency IDs and Preps Native Remains for Return
Published Date: 3/19/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Alaska finished checking old human remains and related items to figure out which Native tribes or Native Hawaiian groups they belong to. This means these groups can now ask for their ancestors’ remains and belongings to be returned. No money changes hands, but the process helps honor Native cultures and history.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
NAGPRA Inventory Completed — Repatriation
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service completed an inventory under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and determined cultural affiliation between certain human remains and funerary objects and Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. Those Tribes and organizations can now request the return (repatriation) of their ancestors’ remains and associated items. The notice says no money changes hands and the process is intended to honor Native cultures and history.
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Previous: 2025-04614, Notice of Intended Disposition: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Kobuk Valley National Park, Kotzebue, AK
The National Park Service at Kobuk Valley National Park plans to return human remains found on federal or tribal lands to the rightful Native American descendants or tribes. This action follows important laws protecting Native American heritage and respects cultural connections. The process will happen soon and ensures these remains are treated with honor and care.
Next: 2025-04616, Notice of Inventory Completion: Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids, MI
The Grand Rapids Public Museum 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 returned to the right communities. If you’re part of these tribes or groups, now’s the time to connect with the museum to learn more or claim these important cultural items.