BLM and Reclamation Finish Inventory of Utah's Ancient Native Remains
Published Date: 3/27/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation have finished checking and identifying Native American human remains and burial items from the Glen Canyon area in Utah. These items, held by museums in Utah, New York, and Arizona, will be returned to the affiliated tribes starting April 28, 2025. This respectful step honors Native American heritage and strengthens cultural connections without any cost impact to the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation may begin April 28, 2025
The Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Reclamation completed an inventory and the human remains and associated funerary objects may be repatriated on or after April 28, 2025. The notice establishes that repatriation actions can begin from that date forward.
At least 60 remains and 374 objects identified
The notice identifies the physical remains of at least 60 Native American individuals and 374 associated funerary objects or lots that are culturally affiliated with named tribes. These remains and objects are held by the Utah Museum of Natural History (University of Utah), the American Museum of Natural History (New York, NY), and the Museum of Northern Arizona (Flagstaff, AZ).
Who can request repatriation and resolution rules
Repatriation requests may be submitted by any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in the notice, or by lineal descendants or other tribes/organizations that show cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence. If competing requests are received, BLM and Reclamation will determine the most appropriate requestor, and joint requests are treated as a single request.
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.
2026-20013, 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 / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-05225, Notice of Inventory Completion: Oregon Historical Society, Portland, OR
The Oregon Historical Society has finished checking its collection and found Native American human remains linked to three Oregon tribes. These remains were dug up near Salem a long time ago and can be returned to the tribes starting April 28, 2025. If you’re part of the tribes or interested, you can ask for the remains to be sent back by contacting the Society.
Next: 2025-05227, Notice of Inventory Completion: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, Mobile, AL
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Mobile, AL, finished checking old Native American human remains and artifacts from two mound sites. They found a clear connection to local Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian groups. Starting April 28, 2025, these remains and items can be returned to their rightful communities, with no costs or delays mentioned.