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.
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.
2026-11850 — 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 / 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.