Army Corps to Return Native Remains from Tulsa District Sites
Published Date: 12/17/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Tulsa plans to return human remains and 90 related artifacts to Native American tribes or descendants starting January 16, 2026. If no one claims them by December 17, 2026, these items will be considered unclaimed. This is part of respecting Native heritage and following important laws protecting these remains.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Has Disposition Priority
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District has determined that the Muscogee (Creek) Nation has priority for disposition of human remains representing one individual and 90 associated funerary objects recovered from the shoreline of Eufaula Lake in McIntosh County, Oklahoma.
Disposition May Occur Starting January 16, 2026
Disposition of the identified human remains and the 90 associated funerary objects may occur on or after January 16, 2026. The human remains and objects were recovered May 28, 1993, from the shoreline of Eufaula Lake, McIntosh County, Oklahoma.
Deadline: Claims Must Arrive by December 17, 2026
If no written claim for disposition is received by December 17, 2026, the human remains and the 90 associated funerary objects will be treated as unclaimed human remains and associated funerary objects.
Who May File Claims and How Competing Claims Are Handled
Written claims may be submitted by any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization; claimants not named in the notice may establish priority by a preponderance of the evidence. Competing claims must be resolved by USACE Tulsa, and joint disposition requests are treated as a single request.
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: 2025-23022, Notice of 2022 Department of State Sanctions Actions Pursuant to the Executive Order Regarding Blocking Property With Respect to Specified Harmful Foreign Activities of the Government of the Russian Federation
In 2022, the U.S. Department of State teamed up with the Treasury to block property and freeze assets of certain Russian individuals and groups involved in harmful activities. This means Americans can’t do business with these folks, and their U.S.-based assets are off-limits. These actions happened throughout 2022, aiming to hold Russia accountable and protect U.S. interests.
Next: 2025-23024, Notice of Intended Disposition: U.S Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, Russellville, AR
The Ozark-St. Francis National Forest plans to return the remains of at least six Native American individuals and related funerary items to their rightful tribes or descendants starting January 16, 2026. If no one claims them by December 17, 2026, these remains and objects will be considered unclaimed. This affects Native communities connected to Arkansas sites and ensures respectful handling of these important cultural items.