South Carolina to Return Cherokee Artifacts Unearthed Decades Ago

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.

2026-11850 — 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!

2026-11701 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY

The American Museum of Natural History plans to return five Native Hawaiian cultural items, like stone tools, that were taken from burial sites on Oʻahu back in 1938. This repatriation will start on or after July 13, 2026, giving Native Hawaiian groups a chance to reclaim their heritage. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting and restoring Native Hawaiian history.

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.

2026-11238 — Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

The University of Michigan has finished checking its collection and found Native American ancestral remains from a historic site in Michigan. These remains can be returned to the affiliated tribes starting July 6, 2026. This means the university is ready to give back these important cultural items, following the law, with no costs or risks involved.

2026-11232 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA

The University of California, Berkeley plans to return four important cultural items—two baskets and two charmstones—to Native American tribes connected to them. This repatriation will start on or after July 6, 2026, honoring the tribes’ heritage and history. No money changes hands, but the university is making sure these treasures go back to their rightful communities.

Previous: 2025-23160 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

Harvard’s Peabody Museum has finished checking its collection and found 14 Native Hawaiian human remains, mostly hair clippings from teens collected about 100 years ago. These remains are now officially linked to Native Hawaiian groups and can be returned starting January 20, 2026. If you want to request repatriation, you can contact the museum directly—no money changes hands, just respect and care for these important cultural items.

Next: 2025-23162 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, The State Museum of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, PA

The State Museum of Pennsylvania plans to return two sacred Native American items—a gourd rattle and organic powder—back to the Seneca Nation. These items, taken from the Allegany Reservation in 1925, are important for traditional ceremonies and will be repatriated starting January 20, 2026. This move respects Native American culture and strengthens ties with the Seneca people, with no cost impact mentioned.