Arizona State Uni Returns 277 Sacred Native Items After 70 Years
Published Date: 1/16/2026
Notice
Summary
Arizona State University’s archaeology center plans to return 277 Native American cultural items, including sacred objects and funerary items, to the affiliated tribes starting February 17, 2026. This important step respects Native heritage and follows federal law, with no costs mentioned. The items were originally collected from a site in Maricopa County, Arizona, back in 1955.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
ASU to Return 277 Cultural Items
Arizona State University’s Center for Archaeology and Society intends to return 277 Native American cultural items — 73 unassociated funerary objects and 204 sacred objects/objects of cultural patrimony — to affiliated groups. The items were removed from the Sce:dagi Mu:val Vaaki site in Maricopa County, Arizona in field seasons from 1955 and 1972, and repatriation may occur on or after February 17, 2026.
Six Tribes Identified as Affiliates
The notice identifies a connection between the cultural items and these groups: Ak-Chin Indian Community; Gila River Indian Community of the Gila River Reservation, Arizona; Hopi Tribe of Arizona; Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community of the Salt River Reservation, Arizona; Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona; and the Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation, New Mexico. Those named groups are thereby recognized as culturally affiliated with the items described.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in the notice may submit a written request for repatriation by showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they are culturally affiliated or a lineal descendant. Requests must be sent to the ASU authorized representatives listed in the notice, and repatriation may occur on or after February 17, 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.
2026-16388, 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: 2026-00861, Notice of Inventory Completion: Arizona State University, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Tempe, AZ
Arizona State University has finished checking and listing human remains and related items found at an Arizona archaeological site. These remains belong to at least six people and are connected to Native American tribes. Starting February 17, 2026, these remains and objects can be returned to the tribes, making this a respectful step toward honoring their heritage.
Next: 2026-00863, Notice of Inventory Completion: Arizona State University, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Tempe, AZ
Arizona State University has finished checking and listing 31 ancient human remains and their burial items found at the Cashion site in Arizona. These remains are linked to Native American tribes, and starting February 17, 2026, they can be returned to their rightful communities. This important step respects Native heritage and follows federal law, with no costs mentioned.