Grays Harbor College Library Discovers and Prepares to Return Ancestral Remains
Published Date: 8/21/2025
Notice
Summary
The John Spellman Library at Grays Harbor College finished checking its collection and found human remains linked to Native American tribes. This means the library is ready to return these remains to the right tribes, following important laws. If you’re part of a tribe or interested, now’s the time to pay attention—this process respects culture and history without any cost to tribes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Library Completes NAGPRA Repatriation
If you are a member of an Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization, the John Spellman Library at Grays Harbor College completed an inventory of human remains under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and found a cultural affiliation. The library is ready to return those remains to affiliated tribes or organizations, and the notice says this repatriation process is carried out without cost to tribes.
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.
2026-13255 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Office of Public Health Disease Reporting and Surveillance Forms
The National Park Service wants to keep using its health and disease reporting forms to track illnesses in parks. They’re asking for public feedback by August 31, 2026, to make sure the forms aren’t too much work and still get the job done. This helps keep visitors safe without wasting time or money on paperwork.
2026-12391 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return a special wooden mask to the Oneida Tribe, honoring their cultural heritage. This mask, used in maternity ceremonies, will be repatriated starting July 22, 2026. This respectful handover helps preserve Native traditions and involves careful handling due to past pesticide use on museum items.
2026-12380 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Wesleyan University, Archaeology & Anthropology Collections, Middletown, CT
Wesleyan University plans to return 13 sacred Native Hawaiian cultural items to the rightful tribes starting July 22, 2026. These special objects, like decorated gourds and stone tools, were once traded between museums but now will go back home. This repatriation respects Native traditions and doesn’t involve any money changes, just honoring heritage.
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!
2026-11700 — 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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-15969 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Santa Barbara, Repository for Archaeological and Ethnographic Collections, Santa Barbara, CA
The University of California, Santa Barbara is planning to return important cultural items to Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian groups. This is part of a law that respects and protects their heritage. The process will happen soon and helps honor the history and traditions of these communities without any cost to them.
Next: 2025-15971 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma State University is planning to return important cultural items to Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian groups. These items include sacred objects and things connected to their heritage. This repatriation helps honor their history and will happen soon, with no cost to the tribes.