Park Sets Deadline for Tribal Claims on Artifacts
Published Date: 7/2/2026
Notice
Summary
Joshua Tree National Park plans to return the remains of two Native American individuals and 104 related artifacts to the rightful tribes, following the law that protects Native American graves. This process can start after August 3, 2026, and tribes have until July 2, 2027, to claim them. If no claims come in, the remains and objects will be considered unclaimed.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation of remains and artifacts
Joshua Tree National Park intends to return the physical remains of two Native American individuals and 104 associated funerary objects. Priority for disposition is given to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation, the Cahuilla Band of Indians, and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. The 104 objects include pottery sherds, manos, a metate fragment, non-human bone fragments, lithics, and a projectile point.
Claim window and unclaimed outcome
Disposition may occur on or after August 3, 2026, and written claims for disposition must be received by July 2, 2027. Claims may be submitted by any Indian Tribe named in the notice, or by a lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not named that shows priority; if no claim is received by July 2, 2027, the remains and objects will become unclaimed.
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: 2026-13328, Notice of Inventory Completion: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Joshua Tree National Park, Twentynine Palms, CA
Joshua Tree National Park has finished checking its collections and found human remains and 173 related items linked to Native American tribes. Starting August 3, 2026, these remains and objects can be returned to the tribes that they belong to. This process respects Native American heritage and follows important laws to make sure everything is done right.
Next: 2026-13330, Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Philadelphia, PA
The University of Pennsylvania Museum has finished checking its collection and found human remains linked to Native American tribes. These remains, from three individuals found in New York long ago, can be returned to the tribes starting August 3, 2026. If you want to request the return, contact the museum soon—this is a respectful step toward honoring Native heritage.