Pennsylvania Western University Catalogs Native Remains for Tribal Repatriation
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Notice
Summary
Pennsylvania Western University-California has finished checking and listing Native American human remains and special burial items found in Pennsylvania. These remains and objects belong to Native American tribes and can be returned starting January 20, 2026. If you want to request the return, contact the university soon—no money changes hands, but timing is key!
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Native Remains Available for Repatriation
Pennsylvania Western University–California has identified human remains from at least two Native American individuals and 50 associated funerary objects that are culturally affiliated with the Delaware Nation (Oklahoma); Delaware Tribe of Indians; Seneca Nation of Indians; Seneca‑Cayuga Nation; The Osage Nation; and the Tonawanda Band of Seneca. Those tribes, any lineal descendant, or another tribe or Native Hawaiian organization that shows by a preponderance of the evidence that it is affiliated may submit written requests for repatriation. Repatriation may occur on or after January 20, 2026; written requests must be sent to Cassandra Kuba at Pennsylvania Western University (250 University Avenue, Box #45, California, PA 15419) or emailed to the address listed in the notice.
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.
2026-11700 — 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.
2026-11701 — 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.
2026-11238 — 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.
2026-11231 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return 24 important Native American cultural items, like beans and corn seeds, to the tribes they belong to starting July 6, 2026. These items were collected in the 1940s and hold special cultural meaning. This repatriation respects Native traditions and helps heal history without any cost to the public.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23350 — Notice of Inventory Completion: The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
The University of Kansas has finished checking its collection and found Native American human remains linked to several tribes, including the Delaware Nation and Shinnecock Indian Nation. Starting January 20, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes that are connected to them. This is part of a respectful effort to honor Native American heritage and make sure the remains go back to their rightful communities.
Next: 2025-23352 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma State University plans to return 205 cultural items, mostly obsidian artifacts, to Native American tribes connected to Placer County, California. This repatriation will start on or after January 20, 2026, honoring the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. The university is making sure these important cultural treasures go back to their rightful communities, with no cost impacts mentioned.