Corps of Engineers to Repatriate Native Child's Remains
Published Date: 1/28/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Walla Walla, WA, plans to return the remains of a Native American child found near Finley to the rightful tribes starting February 27, 2026. If no tribe claims the remains by January 28, 2027, they’ll be considered unclaimed. This respectful action affects the Yakama, Colville, Umatilla, and Nez Perce tribes and honors Native American heritage.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Claim Deadline: January 28, 2027
If no claim for disposition is received by January 28, 2027, the human remains will be considered unclaimed human remains. After that date, the remains will no longer be held for claim by parties listed in this notice.
Specific Tribes Have Priority Claim
The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and the Nez Perce Tribe have priority to claim the Native American human remains described in this notice.
Disposition May Begin February 27, 2026
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may carry out disposition of the human remains on or after February 27, 2026. This is the earliest date when the remains can be transferred to an entitled claimant.
Wanapum Band May Join Tribal Requests
The Wanapum Band of Priest Rapids, a non-federally recognized Indian group, may be included in a claim if it is joined to a request from one or more of the Indian Tribes identified in this notice.
Who May Submit a Claim for Disposition
Claims for disposition may be submitted by any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization identified in the notice, or by others who can show by a preponderance of the evidence that they have priority. Written claims must be sent to the named Corps official at the Walla Walla District.
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Key Dates
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