UNC to Return 136 Items to Quapaw Nation
Published Date: 7/2/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill plans to return 136 Native American cultural items to the Quapaw Nation, including pottery shards and tools, starting August 3, 2026. These items were collected decades ago from a site in Arkansas linked to the Quapaw people. This repatriation honors Native heritage and follows careful research and consultation, with no costs or deadlines for the public to worry about.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
University to Return 136 Cultural Items
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will return 136 Native American cultural items to the Quapaw Nation, including 104 potsherds, tools, faunal bones, shells, and a bag of charcoal. The repatriation may occur on or after August 3, 2026 under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).
How Others May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization may send a written request for repatriation to Claire Auerbach at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (207 East Cameron Avenue, Suite 108, Chapel Hill, NC 27514; email cauerb@unc.edu). Repatriation may occur on or after August 3, 2026; if competing requests are received the University must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation, and joint requests are treated as a single 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: 2026-13333, Notice of Inventory Completion: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has finished checking its collection and found human remains linked to the Quapaw Nation from Arkansas. Starting August 3, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribe, following important cultural and legal steps. This process respects Native American heritage and helps heal history.
Next: 2026-13335, Notice of Inventory Completion: Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA
Eastern Washington University has finished checking and identifying some ancient human remains found in Okanogan County, WA. These remains are linked to the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. Starting August 3, 2026, the university can return these remains to the tribes, honoring their history and culture.