Alabama Site Artifacts Cleared for Tribal Return
Published Date: 7/2/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the University of Alabama have finished checking and listing Native American human remains and artifacts found at the Smith's Ferry site in Alabama. These items, linked to Native tribes, are ready to be returned starting August 3, 2026. This process respects Native heritage and involves no costs or deadlines beyond the repatriation date.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Native Remains Identified for Repatriation
Human remains representing a minimum of 76 Native American individuals and 22,309 associated funerary objects from the Smith's Ferry (1GR1x1) and Craigs Landing (1GR2) sites have been inventoried and are culturally affiliated with The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. These items may be repatriated on or after August 3, 2026.
Who May Request Repatriation
Requests for repatriation may be submitted by any of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in this notice, or by any lineal descendant or tribe/organization not identified that shows by a preponderance of the evidence a cultural affiliation. If competing requests are received, the Mobile District must determine the most appropriate requestor; joint repatriation requests are treated as a single (non-competing) request.
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.
2026-16388, Powered Micromobility Devices
The National Park Service finalizes a management framework for the use of powered micromobility devices within the National Park System. The final rule defines powered micromobility devices separately from motor vehicles, traditional bicycles, electric bicycles, and human powered coasting devices, and creates rules for where and how they may be used in units of the National Park System. Examples of powered micromobility devices include electric scooters (e- scooters), hoverboards, and Segways.
2026-15406, First State National Historical Park; Bicycling
The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to issue special regulations for First State National Historical Park to allow for bicycle use on approximately 25 miles of trails within the Brandywine Valley unit of the park.
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-13319, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha, NE
The Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha plans to return two sacred Native Hawaiian cultural items to the Protect Keopuka Ohana group starting August 3, 2026. These special objects are important for traditional Native Hawaiian religious practices. This repatriation honors Native American heritage and shows the museum’s commitment to doing the right thing.
Next: 2026-13321, Notice of Inventory Completion: U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency, National Museum of Health and Medicine, Silver Spring, MD
The Defense Health Agency’s National Museum of Health and Medicine has finished checking its collection and found two Native American human remains from New Mexico. These remains can be returned to the affiliated tribes starting August 3, 2026. If you’re part of a tribe or Native Hawaiian group, you can request repatriation by contacting the museum—no money changes hands, just respect and care for history.