Utah Museum Identifies Remains for Tribal Return
Published Date: 6/4/2026
Notice
Summary
The Natural History Museum of Utah has finished checking its collection and found human remains and special objects linked to Native American tribes. Starting July 6, 2026, these remains and items can be returned to the tribes. This is part of a respectful effort to honor Native American heritage, with no costs or delays expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Eligible Starting July 6, 2026
Human remains representing six Native American individuals and associated funerary objects may be returned to affiliated tribes or lineal descendants on or after July 6, 2026. The Natural History Museum of Utah, University of Utah completed the inventory under NAGPRA and identified a cultural affiliation with multiple tribes including the Hopi Tribe; Jicarilla Apache Nation; Navajo Nation; Southern Ute; Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah & Ouray; Ute Mountain Ute; Ysleta del Sur Pueblo; Zuni Tribe; and many Pueblo tribes of New Mexico.
Who May Request Repatriation
Requests for repatriation may be submitted by any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations named in the notice, or by any lineal descendant or tribe/organization not listed that shows by a preponderance of the evidence it is culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, the Natural History Museum of Utah must decide the most appropriate requestor; joint requests are treated as a single request.
Inventory Details and Object Conditions
The notice lists three lots of associated funerary objects: about 38 ceramic vessels, more than 200 ceramic sherds, and one gourd bowl; one ceramic vessel and the gourd bowl could not currently be located and the museum continues to search. Records show some associated funerary objects were fumigated, but the fumigant is not recorded; human remains from one site were excavated in 1930 and transferred to the University of Utah in 1957, and one individual was presented to the University in 1908.
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.
2026-14720, 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.
2026-13984, 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 June 20, 2026, to be officially recognized. If you care about preserving cool old buildings or neighborhoods, now’s your chance to speak up by July 27, 2026. This process helps decide which spots get special protection, with no cost to the public but big benefits for history lovers everywhere!
2026-13255, Agency Information Collection Activities; Office of Public Health Disease Reporting and Surveillance Forms
The National Park Service wants to keep using its health and disease reporting forms to track illnesses in parks. They’re asking for public feedback by August 31, 2026, to make sure the forms aren’t too much work and still get the job done. This helps keep visitors safe without wasting time or money on paperwork.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-11243, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Hudson Museum, University of Maine, Orono, ME
The Hudson Museum at the University of Maine plans to return 41 sacred Native Hawaiian cultural items to the affiliated tribes starting July 6, 2026. These special objects include bowling stones, adzes, and stone bowls collected decades ago. This respectful repatriation honors Native Hawaiian heritage with no cost impact to the public.
Next: 2026-11245, Notice of Intended Disposition: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Upper Colorado Basin Region, Salt Lake City, UT
The Bureau of Reclamation in Salt Lake City plans to return the remains of at least seven Native American individuals and their funerary items found near Navajo Reservoir to their rightful tribes or descendants starting July 6, 2026. If no one claims them by June 4, 2027, these remains and objects will be considered unclaimed. This action affects Native American tribes connected to these lands and honors their cultural heritage.