Sonoma State University Readies Native Artifacts for Tribal Return

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.

2026-16388, Powered Micromobility Devices

The National Park Service finalizes a management framework for the use of powered micromobility devices within the National Park System. The final rule defines powered micromobility devices separately from motor vehicles, traditional bicycles, electric bicycles, and human powered coasting devices, and creates rules for where and how they may be used in units of the National Park System. Examples of powered micromobility devices include electric scooters (e- scooters), hoverboards, and Segways.

2026-15406, First State National Historical Park; Bicycling

The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to issue special regulations for First State National Historical Park to allow for bicycle use on approximately 25 miles of trails within the Brandywine Valley unit of the park.

2026-14720, Notice of Inventory Completion: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY

The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking 55 ancient items linked to Native American tribes near Croton Point, New York. Starting August 21, 2026, these items can be officially returned to the tribes that they belong to. This is a big step in respecting Native cultures and making sure their history is honored properly.

2026-14332, National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions

The National Park Service is asking for your thoughts on historic places nominated before July 4, 2026, to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. If you care about preserving cool old buildings or sites, now’s your chance to comment by July 31, 2026. This process helps protect important places without costing you a dime, but your voice matters!

2026-14165, Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA

The University of California, Berkeley plans to return some special Native American and Native Hawaiian cultural items, like sacred baskets and pottery, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after August 14, 2026, and helps honor the history and traditions of these communities. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting cultural heritage.

Previous: 2025-11141, Notice of Inventory Completion: Archaeological Survey of Idaho Western Repository, Idaho State Historical Society, Boise, ID

The Idaho State Historical Society finished checking old human remains and burial items at the Idaho Western Repository. They found these remains are connected to certain Native American tribes. This means those tribes can now work with the Society to care for and possibly return these important items.

Next: 2025-11143, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver, CO

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is planning to return a sacred cultural item to Native American tribes or Native Hawaiian groups, following the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). This means the museum is giving back something important to its rightful community. No money changes hands, but this respectful act helps honor cultural heritage.