BLM Colorado Returns 1977-Found Remains to Hopi and Ute Tribes
Published Date: 4/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The Bureau of Land Management in Colorado has finished checking human remains found in 1977 and linked them to several Native American tribes, including the Hopi and Ute. Starting May 18, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes for proper care. This process respects Native cultures and follows important laws protecting their heritage.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Determined cultural affiliation to tribes
The Bureau of Land Management (Colorado State Office) determined that human remains collected in 1977 from archaeological site 5MF607 in Moffat County, Colorado (representing at least one individual, with no associated funerary objects), are culturally affiliated with the Hopi Tribe; Pueblo of Jemez; Pueblo of Zia; Southern Ute Indian Tribe; Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah & Ouray Reservation; and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.
Repatriation eligible starting May 18, 2026
The human remains may be repatriated on or after May 18, 2026; written requests must be sent to Natalie Clark, Deputy Preservation Officer, BLM Colorado State Office, 2815 H Road, Grand Junction, CO 81506, or email [email protected]. Requests may be submitted by any one or more of the named tribes, by a lineal descendant, or by an unlisted tribe/organization that proves cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence; if competing requests are received, BLM Colorado State Office will determine the most appropriate requestor.
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