Erie University Updates List of Tribal Cultural Items
Published Date: 12/16/2025
Notice
Summary
Mercyhurst University has finished checking its collection and found human remains linked to Native American tribes. These remains can be returned to the tribes starting January 15, 2026. If you want to request the return, you can contact Mercyhurst University by mail or email.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Human Remains Eligible for Repatriation
Mercyhurst University completed an inventory and determined that human remains (at least one individual) are culturally affiliated with the Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations named in this notice. Those remains may be repatriated to the identified tribes or organizations on or after January 15, 2026.
Who May Request Repatriation
Written requests for repatriation may be submitted by any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations listed in the notice, or by any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not listed that shows by a preponderance of the evidence a cultural affiliation. Repatriation to an approved requestor may occur on or after January 15, 2026.
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.
2026-20013, Agency Information Collection Activities; Archeology Permit Applications and Reports
The National Park Service wants to keep collecting info for archeology permits and reports, making sure the process stays smooth and clear. This affects archeologists and anyone applying for permits to dig or study artifacts in parks. They’re asking for comments by October 30, 2026, but no changes to fees or big costs are planned.
2026-20015, Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessions Forms
The National Park Service is asking to keep using their current forms for park concessions, like shops and services, without changes. This affects businesses working with the parks and helps reduce paperwork hassle. You’ve got until October 30, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees or new costs involved!
2026-19996, Notice of Intended Repatriation: California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
California State University, Sacramento plans to return over 8,500 cultural items to Native American tribes connected to northern Tehama County. These items include stones, bones, pigments, and historic materials, and the repatriation can start on or after October 30, 2026. This move respects Native heritage and involves no cost to the public but honors important cultural ties.
2026-19002, National Park Service Alaska Region Subsistence Resource Commission Program; Notice of Public Meetings
The National Park Service is holding meetings for Alaska's Subsistence Resource Commissions to discuss local hunting, fishing, and gathering rules. These meetings affect residents who rely on park resources and will happen mostly in October and November 2026, with one in February 2027. No big costs are expected, but these talks help keep subsistence traditions alive and fair.
2026-18306, Official Trail Marker for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail
This notice issues the official trail marker insignia for the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail in the National Trails System. The original graphic image for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail was developed in 2026 with the completion of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail Comprehensive Plan. The National Park Service and related agencies have officially adopted and use this insignia to help mark all designated alignments of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22887, Notice of Inventory Completion: Mercyhurst University, Erie, PA
Mercyhurst University has finished checking and listing human remains from old burial sites in Ohio, linked to Native American tribes. Starting January 15, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes who are connected to them. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage, with no money involved but important for cultural respect and history.
Next: 2025-22889, Notice of Intended Repatriation: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument, Mountainair, NM
The National Park Service at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument plans to return a tiny ceramic vessel linked to Native American tribes. This special item was found on display by accident and will be repatriated starting January 15, 2026. This respectful move honors Native American heritage and follows important laws protecting cultural items.