NY's American Museum Catalogs 27 Native Remains for Tribal Return
Published Date: 3/27/2025
Notice
Summary
The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking its collection and found 27 Native American human remains linked to specific tribes. Starting April 28, 2025, these remains can be returned to their rightful communities. This is a big step in respecting Native heritage and following important laws.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
27 Native American Remains Eligible for Repatriation
The American Museum of Natural History identified human remains representing at least 27 Native American individuals and determined they are affiliated with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians. If you are the Santa Ynez Band, a lineal descendant, or another tribe/organization that can show cultural affiliation, you may submit a written repatriation request; repatriation may occur on or after April 28, 2025. If competing requests are received, the museum will decide the most appropriate requestor; joint requests count as a single request.
No Associated Funerary Objects Identified
The museum reports that no associated funerary objects are present for the human remains described for the 27 individuals. One donor mentioned associated objects in letters, but those objects were not accessioned by the museum and their current whereabouts are unknown.
Handling Warning for Potentially Hazardous Pesticides
Museum records show that, in the past, potentially hazardous pesticides were applied to collection items but do not specify which items or chemicals were treated. The notice advises that anyone handling these human remains should follow guidance from industrial hygienists or medical personnel trained in occupational health for potentially hazardous substances.
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: 2025-05228, Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History, Eugene, OR
The University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History plans to return a special Native American coiled basket to the rightful tribes starting April 28, 2025. This basket, linked to Cahuilla, Cupeno, or Serrano groups, was donated in 2014 and is considered a sacred cultural item. This repatriation honors Native American heritage and follows important legal rules to give back what belongs to the tribes.
Next: 2025-05230, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Harvard's Peabody Museum plans to return a sacred Hawaiian feathered god statue, linked to King Kamehameha, to its rightful Native Hawaiian descendant. This special repatriation can happen starting April 28, 2025, honoring Native traditions and respecting cultural heritage. No money changes hands, but this is a big step in righting history and supporting Native Hawaiian religious practices.