Air Force Base to Hand Over Ancient Remains to Chumash Tribe
Published Date: 7/29/2025
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of Remains to Santa Ynez Tribe
In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Department of the Air Force at Vandenberg Space Force Base intends to return human remains and cultural items removed from Federal land to the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, who have priority for disposition. The notice states the items will be handled with care and honor during disposition.
No Public Cost for Disposition
The notice states this disposition of human remains and cultural items will be carried out with no cost impact to the public. The Department of the Air Force intends to follow NAGPRA procedures without imposing public costs.
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Key Dates
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-14262, Notice of Inventory Completion: U.S. Department of the Air Force, Vandenberg Space Force Base, Santa Barbara County, CA
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.
Next: 2025-14264, 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 Native American human remains and related items to the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians. This respectful action follows important laws protecting Native American heritage. It affects the tribe and shows the government’s commitment to honoring cultural history without any cost impact to the public.