Federal Agencies Return Ancient Remains to Tribes
Published Date: 6/4/2026
Notice
Summary
The Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation have finished checking human remains and funerary items found near Navajo Reservoir. They confirmed these items belong to certain Native American tribes, and starting July 6, 2026, these remains and objects can be returned to their rightful communities. This respectful step honors Native American heritage and involves no costs to the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation of Navajo Reservoir Remains
The Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation have determined that human remains representing at least six individuals and four lots of associated funerary objects from sites near Navajo Reservoir are culturally affiliated with a list of Native American Tribes. These remains and objects may be returned to the named Tribes or qualifying lineal descendants on or after July 6, 2026; items are in custody of the Museum of New Mexico, Museum of Indian Arts and Culture (Santa Fe, NM) and Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ). Written requests for repatriation must be sent to the BLM and Reclamation contacts named in the notice; requests may be made by any of the Tribes listed or by others who show affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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