Iowa Archaeologists Inventory Ancient Remains from New Mexico Ruins
Published Date: 2/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of Iowa’s Office of the State Archaeologist has finished checking some ancient human bones found at Aztec Ruins in New Mexico. These remains, linked to Native American tribes, can be returned to their communities starting March 13, 2026. This means respectful repatriation is on the way, with no costs or delays expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Availability Date Set
The Office of the State Archaeologist says the human remains described may be repatriated on or after March 13, 2026. Written requests must be sent to Dr. Lara Noldner at the Office of the State Archaeologist Bioarchaeology Program, University of Iowa (700 S Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA 52242) or the provided email address.
Who Can Request Repatriation
The notice says repatriation requests may be submitted by any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations named in the notice, or by any lineal descendant or other Indian Tribe/Native Hawaiian organization that shows by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Joint requests are treated as a single request; if competing requests arise, the OSA BP will decide the most appropriate requestor.
Determination of Cultural Affiliation
The OSA Bioarchaeology Program determined the human remains have a reasonable cultural affiliation with a list of named tribes, including the Hopi Tribe; Jicarilla Apache Nation; Mescalero Apache Tribe; Navajo Nation; Ohkay Owingeh; Pueblo of Acoma; Pueblo of Cochiti; Pueblo of Isleta; Pueblo of Jemez; Pueblo of Laguna; Pueblo of Nambe; Pueblo of Picuris; Pueblo of Pojoaque; Pueblo of San Felipe; Pueblo of San Ildefonso; Pueblo of Sandia; Pueblo of Santa Ana; Pueblo of Santa Clara; Pueblo of Taos; Pueblo of Tesuque; Pueblo of Zia; Santo Domingo Pueblo; Southern Ute Indian Tribe; Ute Mountain Ute Tribe; Ysleta del Sur Pueblo; and the Zuni Tribe.
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: 2026-02704, Notice of Inventory Completion: Office of the State Archaeologist, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
The University of Iowa’s Office of the State Archaeologist has finished checking out some ancient human remains found in Iowa. They’ve confirmed these remains belong to Native American tribes and are ready to return them starting March 13, 2026. This means tribes can now ask to have their ancestors’ remains sent back respectfully, with no costs mentioned.
Next: 2026-02706, Notice of Inventory Completion: Office of the State Archaeologist, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
The University of Iowa’s Office of the State Archaeologist has finished checking and listing 13 ancient human remains and 20 related artifacts found in Iowa. These remains are linked to Native American tribes, and starting March 13, 2026, they can be returned to those tribes. This process helps honor Native American heritage and involves no costs for the public.