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.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions 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.
2026-11232 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return four important cultural items—two baskets and two charmstones—to Native American tribes connected to them. This repatriation will start on or after July 6, 2026, honoring the tribes’ heritage and history. No money changes hands, but the university is making sure these treasures go back to their rightful communities.
2026-11231 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
The University of California, Berkeley plans to return 24 important Native American cultural items, like beans and corn seeds, to the tribes they belong to starting July 6, 2026. These items were collected in the 1940s and hold special cultural meaning. This repatriation respects Native traditions and helps heal history without any cost to the public.
2026-11238 — Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
The University of Michigan has finished checking its collection and found Native American ancestral remains from a historic site in Michigan. These remains can be returned to the affiliated tribes starting July 6, 2026. This means the university is ready to give back these important cultural items, following the law, with no costs or risks involved.
2026-10589 — National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions
The National Park Service is asking the public to share their thoughts on historic places nominated before May 9, 2026, for the National Register of Historic Places. If you care about preserving history, now’s your chance to comment by June 12, 2026. This process helps decide which special sites get official recognition, with no cost to the public but a big impact on preserving our heritage.
2026-10592 — National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions
The National Park Service is asking the public to share their thoughts on historic places nominated before May 16, 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 speak up by June 12, 2026. This process helps protect important places without costing you a dime, but your input matters!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 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.
Next: 2026-11250 — Equitrans, L.P.; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization and Establishing Intervention and Protest Deadline
Equitrans, L.P. wants to close and stop using one of its gas wells called Pratt 3664 in Pennsylvania because it’s no longer needed. This change will help keep their storage field safer and more reliable. If you want to speak up or get involved, you have until 5 p.m. Eastern time on the deadline to file your protest or comments—no fees required!