Wildlife Refuge Preps to Return Sacred Remains to Tribes
Published Date: 9/16/2025
Notice
Summary
The Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge finished checking its collection of Native American human remains and related items. They found a clear connection to certain Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian groups. This means these items will be returned to the right communities soon, following important laws that protect Native heritage.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation of Native American Remains
If you are a member of an Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization named in this notice, the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge completed an inventory of human remains and associated funerary objects and determined a cultural affiliation under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Because of that determination, the human remains and associated funerary objects identified in this notice will be returned to the affiliated Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations.
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: 2025-17874, Fisheries of the Gulf of America; Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR); Public Meeting
Fishermen and seafood lovers in the Gulf of America, listen up! The SEDAR 99 team is holding online meetings to check on king mackerel fish numbers and health. These updates help make smart fishing rules to keep the fish and the fishing fun for years to come.
Next: 2025-17876, 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 follows the law and helps honor the tribes’ history, with no cost impact mentioned and actions happening soon.