Tennessee Agency Readies Remains for Tribal Return
Published Date: 3/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has finished checking human remains found near the Tennessee River and confirmed they belong to Native American ancestors linked to local tribes. Starting April 17, 2026, these remains can be returned to the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas and other affiliated tribes. This important step respects Native American heritage and follows legal rules, with no costs mentioned.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
TDEC-DOA Finds Native American Affiliation
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Archaeology (TDEC-DOA) determined that human remains from site 40HR587 (Hardin County, Tennessee) are of Native American ancestry and are culturally affiliated with the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas; Cherokee Nation; Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; Poarch Band of Creek Indians; The Chickasaw Nation; The Muscogee (Creek) Nation; Thlopthlocco Tribal Town; and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma.
Repatriation Eligible Starting April 17, 2026
Repatriation of the remains may occur on or after April 17, 2026. Written requests must be sent to the TDEC-DOA contact listed in the notice, and may be submitted by any one or more of the named Indian Tribes or by a lineal descendant or other tribe/organization that proves cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence; joint requests are treated as a single request, and if competing requests are received TDEC-DOA will decide the most appropriate requestor before repatriation.
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: 2026-05294, Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA
The University of California San Diego plans to return two important historic ledger drawings to the Kiowa Tribe, who have a deep cultural connection to these items. This repatriation will start on or after April 17, 2026, honoring Native American heritage and history. No costs or hazards are involved, just a respectful handover of these treasured cultural pieces.
Next: 2026-05296, Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V TOP CAT
The government is checking if a foreign-built small passenger boat called M/V TOP CAT can be used for U.S. coastal trips carrying up to 12 paying passengers. They want to make sure this won’t hurt American boat builders or businesses using U.S.-built vessels. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until April 17, 2026, to share them—so don’t miss out!