BLM Colorado Offers Native Remains for Tribal Claim
Published Date: 3/2/2026
Notice
Summary
The Bureau of Land Management in Colorado plans to return Native American human remains and cultural items found in Rio Blanco County back to the rightful tribes or descendants starting April 1, 2026. If no one claims them by March 2, 2027, these items will be considered unclaimed. This is a respectful step to honor Native heritage and follows important federal laws.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation of Native Remains to Tribes
The BLM Colorado State Office intends to return Native American human remains and cultural items from Rio Blanco County (site 5RB104) to lineal descendants or the tribes listed in this notice beginning April 1, 2026. The Hopi Tribe; Pueblo of Jemez; Pueblo of Zia; Southern Ute Indian Tribe; Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah & Ouray; and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe have priority for disposition. If no written claim is received by March 2, 2027, the items will be considered unclaimed.
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