Federal Agency Identifies Remains From Oregon Cave
Published Date: 6/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The Bureau of Land Management in Lakeview, Oregon, finished checking and identifying human remains and related items found in Connley Cave #3. These remains belong to at least three individuals connected to Native American tribes. Starting July 22, 2026, these items can be returned to the tribes, with no money involved—just respect and care for history.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation of Remains Authorized July 22, 2026
The Bureau of Land Management completed an inventory of human remains from Connley Cave #3 that represent at least three individuals and four associated funerary objects. These remains and objects may be repatriated to affiliated Indian Tribes on or after July 22, 2026; the BLM identified cultural affiliation with the Burns Paiute Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, Fort Bidwell Indian Community, and the Klamath Tribes.
Who May Request Repatriation
Requests to receive the remains and funerary objects may be submitted by any one or more of the tribes named in this notice, or by any lineal descendant or Indian Tribe not named who shows by a preponderance of the evidence that they are culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, the BLM will determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation; requests may be sent to the Lakeview District Manager as listed in the notice.
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Previous: 2026-12381 — Notice of Inventory Completion: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Oregon/Washington State Office, Roseburg District Office, Roseburg, OR
The Bureau of Land Management in Roseburg, Oregon, has finished checking some old human remains found near Elk Grove, California, and confirmed they belong to Native American tribes. Starting July 22, 2026, these remains can be returned to the right tribes. This process helps honor Native American heritage and involves no costs or hazards.
Next: 2026-12383 — Notice of Inventory Completion: School of Social Science and Global Studies, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS
The University of Southern Mississippi has finished checking their collection and found Native American human remains linked to several tribes. Starting July 22, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes that are connected to them. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage and follows important laws protecting their ancestors.