UCLA Museum Prepares to Return 62 Native American Remains to Tribes
Published Date: 5/5/2026
Notice
Summary
The Fowler Museum at UCLA has finished checking its collection and found 62 Native American human remains and 7 pottery pieces linked to tribes from Illinois. Starting June 4, 2026, these remains and objects can be returned to the rightful Native American groups. This important step respects cultural heritage and follows federal law, with no costs or hazards involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
62 Native American Remains Identified
The Fowler Museum at UCLA identified human remains representing at least 62 Native American individuals and seven associated ceramic sherds excavated from the Fisher Site in Will County, Illinois. The museum determined these remains and objects are culturally affiliated with a long list of tribes named in the notice.
Repatriation Effective June 4, 2026
The human remains and associated funerary objects may be repatriated to requestors on or after June 4, 2026. Repatriation actions cannot occur before that date according to this notice.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Repatriation requests may be submitted by any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations listed in the notice, or by a lineal descendant or other Indian Tribe/organization not listed that shows by a preponderance of the evidence a cultural affiliation. If competing requests are received, the Fowler Museum must determine the most appropriate requestor; joint requests count as a single request.
No Known Hazardous Exposure
The notice states there is no known exposure to hazardous substances for this collection of human remains and associated funerary objects. This indicates no identified health or contamination hazard associated with handling or transfer.
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.
2026-20013, Agency Information Collection Activities; Archeology Permit Applications and Reports
The National Park Service wants to keep collecting info for archeology permits and reports, making sure the process stays smooth and clear. This affects archeologists and anyone applying for permits to dig or study artifacts in parks. They’re asking for comments by October 30, 2026, but no changes to fees or big costs are planned.
2026-20015, Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessions Forms
The National Park Service is asking to keep using their current forms for park concessions, like shops and services, without changes. This affects businesses working with the parks and helps reduce paperwork hassle. You’ve got until October 30, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees or new costs involved!
2026-19996, Notice of Intended Repatriation: California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
California State University, Sacramento plans to return over 8,500 cultural items to Native American tribes connected to northern Tehama County. These items include stones, bones, pigments, and historic materials, and the repatriation can start on or after October 30, 2026. This move respects Native heritage and involves no cost to the public but honors important cultural ties.
2026-19002, National Park Service Alaska Region Subsistence Resource Commission Program; Notice of Public Meetings
The National Park Service is holding meetings for Alaska's Subsistence Resource Commissions to discuss local hunting, fishing, and gathering rules. These meetings affect residents who rely on park resources and will happen mostly in October and November 2026, with one in February 2027. No big costs are expected, but these talks help keep subsistence traditions alive and fair.
2026-18306, Official Trail Marker for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail
This notice issues the official trail marker insignia for the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail in the National Trails System. The original graphic image for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail was developed in 2026 with the completion of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail Comprehensive Plan. The National Park Service and related agencies have officially adopted and use this insignia to help mark all designated alignments of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-08751, Monosodium Glutamate From China and Indonesia
The U.S. International Trade Commission decided to keep special taxes on monosodium glutamate (MSG) from China and Indonesia. This means U.S. MSG makers are protected from unfairly cheap imports that could hurt their business. The decision was finalized on May 1, 2026, so these duties will continue for now, helping U.S. companies stay competitive.
Next: 2026-08754, Notice of Inventory Completion: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, Santa Barbara, CA
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has finished checking and identifying Native American human remains found in Placer County, CA. These remains belong to at least four individuals and are linked to local Native tribes. Starting June 4, 2026, the museum can return these remains to the tribes, following official requests.