Caltrans Confirms Native Remains for Tribal Return Process
Published Date: 5/8/2025
Notice
Summary
Caltrans has finished checking and listing Native American human remains and related items they found. They’ve confirmed these remains belong to certain Native tribes or Native Hawaiian groups. This means the items will be returned to the right communities soon, with no costs or delays expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Caltrans Returns Native Remains Under NAGPRA
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) completed an inventory under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and determined that certain human remains and funerary objects are culturally affiliated with specific Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. The notice says those items will be returned to the affiliated tribes or organizations, and that no costs or delays are expected for the return.
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Previous: 2025-08042, Notice of Inventory Completion: Autry Museum of the American West, Los Angeles, CA
The Autry Museum of the American West has finished checking its collection and found that some human remains belong to Native American tribes or Native Hawaiian groups. This means those remains might be returned to their rightful communities. If you’re part of these groups, now’s the time to pay attention and get involved!
Next: 2025-08044, Notice of Intended Repatriation: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, TN
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park plans to return certain Native American cultural items to their rightful tribes, following a law that protects Native heritage. This affects Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian groups connected to these items. The repatriation process is starting soon, with no costs to the public, ensuring respect and care for these important cultural treasures.