Missouri Society Catalogs Ancient Remains for Tribal Reclamation
Published Date: 2/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The Missouri Historical Society has finished checking and listing Native American human remains and special burial items from Sacramento County, California. These remains and objects are linked to certain Indian Tribes and could be returned starting March 25, 2026. If you want to request their return, you can contact the Missouri Historical Society soon!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Two Native Ancestors Identified
The Missouri Historical Society has documented human remains representing at least two Native American individuals from Sacramento County, California, along with 34 associated funerary objects. The objects are listed in the notice (for example: bird bone whistles, stone and obsidian projectile points, baked clay items, shell beads, and a drilled abalone shell).
Tribes Named as Culturally Affiliated
The Missouri Historical Society determined cultural affiliation between the remains/objects and these groups: Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California; California Valley Miwok Tribe, California; Ione Band of Miwok Indians of California; Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians (Verona Tract), California; United Auburn Indian Community of the Auburn Rancheria of California; and the Wilton Rancheria, California. Those named may request repatriation.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Repatriation requests may be submitted by any one or more of the tribes named in the notice, or by any lineal descendant, tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization (not named) that shows by a preponderance of the evidence a cultural affiliation. Repatriation may occur on or after March 25, 2026, and competing requests must be resolved by the Missouri Historical Society before repatriation.
How to Submit a Repatriation Request
Written repatriation requests must be sent to Brady Wolf at the Missouri Historical Society, 225 S Skinker Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63105, or by the provided email address. Repatriation actions may begin on or after March 25, 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: 2026-03555 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Salt River Agricultural Improvement and Power District, Tempe, AZ
The Salt River Agricultural Improvement and Power District in Tempe, AZ, plans to return 231 important Native American cultural items, including sacred objects and funerary items, to the rightful tribes starting March 25, 2026. These items were collected decades ago and now will be respectfully sent back, honoring Native traditions and history. No money changes hands, but this is a big step for cultural respect and healing.
Next: 2026-03557 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Fowler Museum at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
The Fowler Museum at UCLA has finished checking a collection of old Native American items found near Buena Vista Lake, California. These items belong to the Tejon Indian Tribe and the Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Yokut Tribe. Starting March 25, 2026, the museum can return these cultural treasures to the tribes, honoring their history and heritage.