Columbia U Finishes Check on Native Human Remains Collection
Published Date: 7/28/2025
Notice
Summary
Columbia University's Anthropology Department has finished checking their collection of human remains and found they belong to Native American tribes or Native Hawaiian groups. This means they’re ready to return these remains to the right communities, following important laws that protect Native heritage. If you’re part of these groups, keep an eye out for updates on how and when the returns will happen!
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Columbia Finished Inventory; Repatriation Planned
Columbia University's Department of Anthropology completed an inventory of human remains and determined the remains are culturally affiliated with Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The university is preparing to return those remains to the affiliated tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations, and members of those communities should watch for updates on how and when returns will occur.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions 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.
2026-11850 — Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessions Forms
The National Park Service is updating its forms for businesses that run services inside parks, like gift shops and food stands. These changes make it easier for companies to apply and keep things running smoothly, with no extra costs or delays expected. If you work with park concessions, keep an eye out for new form rules coming soon!
2026-11701 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return five Native Hawaiian cultural items, like stone tools, that were taken from burial sites on Oʻahu back in 1938. This repatriation will start on or after July 13, 2026, giving Native Hawaiian groups a chance to reclaim their heritage. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting and restoring Native Hawaiian history.
2026-11700 — Notice of Inventory Completion: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking its collection and found human remains and a bone tool linked to Native American tribes. Starting July 13, 2026, these items can be returned to the tribes that they belong to. If you want to request the return, you can contact the museum directly—just a heads-up, some items might need careful handling due to past pesticide use.
2026-11238 — Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
The University of Michigan has finished checking its collection and found Native American ancestral remains from a historic site in Michigan. These remains can be returned to the affiliated tribes starting July 6, 2026. This means the university is ready to give back these important cultural items, following the law, with no costs or risks involved.
2026-11232 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return four important cultural items—two baskets and two charmstones—to Native American tribes connected to them. This repatriation will start on or after July 6, 2026, honoring the tribes’ heritage and history. No money changes hands, but the university is making sure these treasures go back to their rightful communities.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-14151 — Notice of Inventory Completion Amendment: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Arizona State Office, Phoenix, AZ
The Bureau of Land Management in Arizona updated a list about Native American items they have, changing which tribes or Native Hawaiian groups are connected to them. This update helps make sure the right groups get their cultural items back. No money changes or deadlines were mentioned, but it’s a big step for respecting Native heritage.
Next: 2025-14153 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Kansas State Historical Society, Topeka, KS
The Kansas State Historical Society has finished checking its collection and found that some human remains and funeral items belong to Native American tribes. This means these items will be returned to the right tribes, respecting their culture and history. No money changes hands, but the process helps honor Native communities and follows important laws.