Columbia University Returns Native American Artifacts to Tribal Descendants

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!

2026-11700 — 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.

2026-11231 — 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: 2025-23356 — Notice of Intended Disposition: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, San Juan; National Forest, Durango, CO

The U.S. Forest Service in San Juan National Forest, Colorado, plans to return human remains found near McPhee Reservoir to the rightful Native American descendants or tribes starting January 20, 2026. If no one claims them by December 21, 2026, the remains will be considered unclaimed. This notice affects Native communities connected to the area and ensures respectful handling of these remains.

Next: 2025-23358 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; The Recognition Process for Accrediting Agencies, State Approval Agencies; Evaluation of Foreign Medical, and Foreign Veterinary Accrediting Agencies (e-Recognition)

The Department of Education wants to keep collecting info from groups that approve schools and programs, including foreign medical and veterinary ones, without changing the current process. This affects accrediting agencies and state approval groups who’ll keep submitting their info as usual. You’ve got until February 17, 2026, to share your thoughts—no new costs or changes, just a smooth extension!