Indiana University Set to Return Native Remains
Published Date: 6/4/2026
Notice
Summary
Indiana University has finished checking its collection and found one Native American individual’s remains linked to the Choctaw tribes. Starting July 6, 2026, these remains can be officially returned to the Choctaw groups who are connected to them. If you’re part of those tribes, you can request the return by contacting the university soon!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Remains available for Choctaw repatriation
Indiana University has identified the human remains of at least one Native American individual affiliated with the Choctaw. Those remains may be repatriated to the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians; Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians; or The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma on or after July 6, 2026.
How to request repatriation
Written requests for repatriation must be sent to Dr. Jayne-Leigh Thomas, Executive Director, Office of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, Indiana University (Student Building 318, 701 E Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405) or by email at [email protected]. Eligible requestors include any one or more of the tribes named in this notice or any lineal descendant or tribe that shows by a preponderance of the evidence a cultural affiliation.
No associated funerary objects present
Indiana University reports that no associated funerary objects are present with the human remains. This means only the human remains (and not associated objects) are identified for repatriation in this notice.
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: 2026-11245, 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.
Next: 2026-11247, Notice of Intended Repatriation: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Office, Santa Fe, NM, and U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Upper Colorado Basin Region, Salt Lake City, UT
The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management in New Mexico and the Bureau of Reclamation in Utah plan to return certain Native American cultural items starting July 6, 2026. These items, linked to Native tribes and organizations, were found during archaeological work related to the Navajo Dam project. This repatriation respects Native heritage and follows important legal rules, with no direct cost impact to the public.