Army Corps Returns Native Remains to Tribes in Michigan
Published Date: 6/11/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Detroit and Michigan State University have finished checking and identifying human remains and related items linked to Native American tribes. Starting July 13, 2026, these remains and objects can be returned to the tribes connected to them. This process respects Native American heritage and follows important laws to make sure everything is handled properly.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Affiliation Assigned to Two Michigan Tribes
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, and Michigan State University determined the remains and objects are affiliated with the Bay Mills Indian Community, Michigan, and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Michigan. Those two tribes are explicitly identified as culturally affiliated in this inventory completion notice.
Repatriation Window Opens July 13, 2026
If you represent an eligible tribe or a lineal descendant, the human remains (at least seven individuals) and 392 associated funerary object lots described in this notice can be returned starting on July 13, 2026. Repatriation may occur on or after that date under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).
Who May Request Repatriation And Where
Written requests for repatriation may be submitted by the tribes named in this notice, any lineal descendant, or another tribe/organization that shows by a preponderance of the evidence a cultural affiliation. Requests must be sent to Curtis Sedlacek, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, 477 Michigan Avenue, 7th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226, email [email protected], and Judith Stoddart, Michigan State University, 287 Delta Court, East Lansing, MI 48824, email [email protected].
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.
2026-11700 — Notice of Inventory Completion: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History has finished checking its collection and found human remains and a bone tool linked to Native American tribes. Starting July 13, 2026, these items can be returned to the tribes that they belong to. If you want to request the return, you can contact the museum directly—just a heads-up, some items might need careful handling due to past pesticide use.
2026-11701 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return five Native Hawaiian cultural items, like stone tools, that were taken from burial sites on Oʻahu back in 1938. This repatriation will start on or after July 13, 2026, giving Native Hawaiian groups a chance to reclaim their heritage. No money changes hands, but it’s a big step in respecting and restoring Native Hawaiian history.
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.
2026-11232 — 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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-11718 — Notice of Inventory Completion: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Alaska State Office, Anchorage, AK
The Bureau of Land Management in Alaska has finished checking and identified two Native American ancestors whose remains were found at Arizona State University. These remains can be returned to the affiliated tribes starting July 13, 2026. If you want to request the return, you need to contact the BLM in Anchorage soon—no money changes hands, just respect and care for these ancestors.
Next: 2026-11727 — Availability of Retrospective Analysis of 2012 Ballast Water Discharge Standards
The Coast Guard just released a fresh look at the 2012 rules that control what ships can dump in U.S. waters to keep invasive critters out. This new report checks if the original costs and benefits still add up using updated info. Ship owners, environmental groups, and the public can weigh in by August 10, 2026, to help shape future decisions—no wallet surprises yet, just smarter rules ahead!