BIA and Museum Finish Inventory of 289 Native Remains and Items
Published Date: 5/12/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of the Interior and San Bernardino County Museum have finished checking and identifying Native American human remains and 289 related items from California. These remains are linked to local tribes, and starting June 11, 2026, they can be returned to the rightful Native communities. This process respects Native heritage and helps bring important cultural items back home without any cost to tribes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Determination of Cultural Affiliation
The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the San Bernardino County Museum identified human remains of at least one Native American and 289 associated funerary objects (groundstone, ceramic, lithic, worked shell, fauna, and bone fragments) from Gossip Rock (site CA-RIV-68) accessioned as SBCM-21 in 1935. They determined these remains and objects are culturally affiliated with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation, California.
Repatriation Request Rules and Timeline
The human remains and 289 associated funerary objects may be repatriated on or after June 11, 2026. Written repatriation requests must be sent to Tamara Billie, U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 1001 Indian School Road NW, Mailbox 44, Albuquerque, NM 87104, email [email protected]; requests may be submitted by the Agua Caliente Band or other listed tribes, a lineal descendant, or an Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization that shows cultural affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence. If competing requests are received, the BIA will determine the most appropriate requestor prior to repatriation, and joint requests are treated as a single request.
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.
2026-16388, Powered Micromobility Devices
The National Park Service finalizes a management framework for the use of powered micromobility devices within the National Park System. The final rule defines powered micromobility devices separately from motor vehicles, traditional bicycles, electric bicycles, and human powered coasting devices, and creates rules for where and how they may be used in units of the National Park System. Examples of powered micromobility devices include electric scooters (e- scooters), hoverboards, and Segways.
2026-15406, First State National Historical Park; Bicycling
The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to issue special regulations for First State National Historical Park to allow for bicycle use on approximately 25 miles of trails within the Brandywine Valley unit of the park.
2026-14720, Notice of Inventory Completion: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking 55 ancient items linked to Native American tribes near Croton Point, New York. Starting August 21, 2026, these items can be officially returned to the tribes that they belong to. This is a big step in respecting Native cultures and making sure their history is honored properly.
2026-14332, 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 July 4, 2026, to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. If you care about preserving cool old buildings or sites, now’s your chance to comment by July 31, 2026. This process helps protect important places without costing you a dime, but your voice matters!
2026-14165, Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return some special Native American and Native Hawaiian cultural items, like sacred baskets and pottery, to the tribes they belong to. This repatriation will start on or after August 14, 2026, and helps honor the history and traditions of these communities. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting cultural heritage.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09420, Notice of Inventory Completion: Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill, CA
Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, CA, has finished checking its collection of Native American funerary objects and confirmed they belong to certain tribes. Starting June 11, 2026, these items can be officially returned to the tribes. This process helps honor Native American heritage and involves no costs or hazards.
Next: 2026-09422, 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 some old burial items found in Kansas. These remains are linked to specific tribes, and starting June 11, 2026, they can be returned to their rightful communities. This process helps honor Native American heritage and follows important laws protecting these sacred items.