Tonto Forest to Return Ancient Bones and Beads to Tribes
Published Date: 4/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The Tonto National Forest in Arizona plans to return over 2,000 cultural items, including bones, beads, and pottery, to Native American tribes starting May 18, 2026. This repatriation respects tribal heritage and follows important laws protecting sacred objects. If you want to request more info or get involved, now’s the time to reach out!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
2,027 Cultural Items to Be Repatriated
The Tonto National Forest intends to return 2,027 cultural items (including bones, beads, pottery, and other funerary and sacred objects) to affiliated Native American groups. Repatriation may occur on or after May 18, 2026.
Tribes Identified as Culturally Affiliated
The Tonto National Forest has determined a reasonable connection between the listed cultural items and the Hopi Tribe of Arizona and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community of the Salt River Reservation, Arizona. Those tribes are identified as culturally affiliated in this notice.
How To Request Repatriation and Competing Claims
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may submit a written request for repatriation to Ericka Luna at the Tonto National Forest Supervisor's Office (2324 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85006) or by the email address provided in the notice. Requests must show affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence; if competing requests are received, the Tonto National Forest will determine the most appropriate requestor. Repatriation may occur on or after May 18, 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 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: 2026-07379 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Kansas State Historical Society, Topeka, KS
The Kansas State Historical Society has finished checking and listing Native American human remains and related items from several Kansas counties. They’ve confirmed these remains belong to specific tribes, and starting May 18, 2026, these items can be returned to the tribes. This process helps honor Native American heritage and involves no costs for the public.
Next: 2026-07381 — Unleashing American Drone Dominance
The FCC wants to help American drone makers and users soar by cutting red tape, freeing up more airwaves for testing, and boosting investments in cool new drone tech. They’re also planning special drone zones and clearer rules to keep the U.S. flying high in drone innovation. Comments are open until May 1, 2026, so everyone involved has a chance to weigh in on these game-changing moves.