Space Force Base Catalogs Native American Remains for Return
Published Date: 7/29/2025
Notice
Summary
The Air Force at Vandenberg Space Force Base finished checking and listing Native American human remains and related items. They found these remains are connected to certain Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian groups. Now, they’re ready to return these important items to the right communities, following the law, with no costs or delays expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Ready for Native Remains
If you are one of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations named in this notice, the Department of the Air Force at Vandenberg Space Force Base completed an inventory under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and determined a cultural affiliation between certain human remains and associated funerary objects and your group. The Air Force is ready to return those human remains and funerary objects to the affiliated tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations, and the notice states no costs or delays are expected.
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.
2026-16388, 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 / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-14261, Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, and Naval Base Ventura County San Nicolas Island, Ventura County, CA
The University of California, Berkeley, and Naval Base Ventura County are planning to return certain Native American cultural items to the right tribes and Native Hawaiian groups. This is part of a law that protects Native American graves and cultural heritage. The process will happen soon and helps honor and respect these communities without any cost to the public.
Next: 2025-14263, Notice of Intended Disposition: U.S. Department of the Air Force, Vandenberg Space Force Base, Santa Barbara County, CA
The Air Force at Vandenberg Space Force Base plans to return human remains and cultural items found on federal land to the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. This action follows important laws protecting Native American heritage and respects the tribe’s priority rights. The process ensures these sacred items are handled with care and honor, with no cost impact to the public.