Air Force Base Seeks Claimants for Native Remains and Pottery Unearthed in 1991
Published Date: 5/12/2026
Notice
Summary
The Air Force at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming plans to return the remains of one Native American ancestor and five pottery pieces found in 1991 to their rightful Native tribe or descendants. If no one claims them by May 12, 2027, these items will be considered unclaimed. This process starts June 11, 2026, and is part of respecting Native American heritage under the law.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Listed Tribes Have Priority Claim
The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes (Oklahoma), Crow Tribe of Montana, Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe (South Dakota), Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians (Montana), Northern Arapaho Tribe (Wind River Reservation, Wyoming), Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma, Rosebud Sioux Tribe (South Dakota), and Southern Ute Indian Tribe (Colorado) have priority for disposition of the human remains and associated funerary objects described in this notice.
Who May Submit a Claim
You may submit a written claim if you are a lineal descendant, an Indian Tribe, or a Native Hawaiian organization identified in this notice, or if you are a lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified here who can show you have priority for disposition. Claims must be sent to the official at F.E. Warren AFB at the address or email listed in the notice.
Claim Deadline and Unclaimed Status
Claims for disposition must be received by May 12, 2027. If no claim is received by that date, the human remains and associated funerary objects described in this notice will become unclaimed human remains and associated funerary objects.
Disposition May Begin June 11, 2026
Disposition of the human remains and associated funerary objects may occur on or after June 11, 2026. If competing claims are received, F.E. Warren AFB will determine the most appropriate claimant before disposition.
Items Identified for Repatriation
The notice identifies one set of human remains (one bone fragment representing one Native American individual) and five cord-marked pottery sherds found at archaeological site 48LA277 in Laramie County, Wyoming, removed in 1991. These five pottery sherds are identified as associated funerary objects.
No Apparent Hazardous Substance Treatment
The notice states there is no apparent treatment of the human remains or associated funerary objects with any hazardous substances.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous: 2026-09409, Notice of Inventory Completion: U.S. Department of the Air Force, Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, Laramie County, WY
The Air Force at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base found two Native American human remains from Wyoming and confirmed they belong to several tribes, including the Cheyenne and Arapaho. Starting June 11, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes that are connected to them. This is part of a respectful effort to honor Native American heritage with no costs involved.
Next: 2026-09411, Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO
The University of Northern Colorado finished checking its collection of Native American human remains and found they belong to certain tribes. Starting June 11, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes that are connected to them. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage, with no money involved but important cultural care in action.