University to repatriate Native American child's remains to Navajo
Published Date: 4/9/2026
Notice
Summary
Case Western Reserve University has finished checking its collection and found the remains of a Native American child linked to the Navajo Nation. Starting May 11, 2026, these remains can be officially returned to the tribe. If you want to request the return, you need to contact the university soon—no money changes hands, just respect and care.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Remains linked to Navajo Nation
Case Western Reserve University identified human remains as those of a 4‑year‑old Native American boy from Newcomb, New Mexico, donated in 1930, and determined a cultural affiliation with the Navajo Nation. Those remains may be repatriated to the Navajo Nation starting on or after May 11, 2026.
Who may request and how
Written requests for repatriation must be sent to Jennifer Kangas Berendt, Assistant Director of Agreements, Case Western Reserve University (10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106; email [email protected]). Requests may be submitted by the Navajo Nation or other identified tribes, a lineal descendant, or another tribe/descendant that shows cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence; competing requests will be resolved by the university and joint requests are treated as a single request.
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 rules about hunting, trapping, and fishing in Alaska’s national preserves to bring back long-standing practices that support both state and federal laws. These changes affect hunters, trappers, and anyone using Alaska park lands, aiming to balance access and conservation. You’ve got until April 9, 2026, to share your thoughts—no money changes are expected, just clearer, fairer rules.
2026-09583 — Request for Nominations for the Acadia National Park Advisory Commission
The National Park Service is looking for awesome people to join the Acadia National Park Advisory Commission. If you live in or love the Mount Desert Island area or nearby towns, this is your chance to help shape the park’s future! Send your nomination by June 15, 2026, and get ready to make a difference without any pay but with plenty of pride.
2026-09558 — National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions
The National Park Service is asking the public to share their thoughts on historic places nominated for the National Register before May 2, 2026. If you care about preserving cool old buildings or sites, now’s your chance to speak up by May 28, 2026. This process helps decide which places get special recognition, but it doesn’t cost you anything to join in!
2026-09407 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
UC Davis plans to return three special Native American baskets to the Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe and related groups starting June 11, 2026. These baskets are important cultural items connected to the Hoopa Valley and Tsnungwe people. No big costs or risks are expected, but the university is making sure everything is safe and respectful.
2026-09401 — 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 linked to certain tribes. These remains can be returned to the tribes starting June 11, 2026. This process helps honor Native American heritage and involves no costs or risks to the public.
2026-08948 — 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 April 18, 2026, to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. If you care about preserving history, now’s your chance to comment by May 21, 2026. This process helps protect important sites without costing you a dime but could impact communities by recognizing their special landmarks.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-06822 — Notice of Inventory Completion: U.S. Department of Defense, Department of the Navy, Washington, DC
The U.S. Navy has finished checking its collection of human remains from San Nicolas Island and found they belong to Native American tribes. Starting May 11, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes who are connected to them. This is part of a respectful effort to honor Native heritage, with no costs or delays expected.
Next: 2026-06824 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH
Case Western Reserve University has finished checking and identifying two Native American human remains linked to the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians. Starting May 11, 2026, these remains can be officially returned to the tribe. This process respects Native American heritage and involves no costs or hazards.