More Native Remains Cleared for August Return
Published Date: 7/8/2026
Notice
Summary
The Arizona State Museum at the University of Arizona has finished checking its collection of Native American human remains and related items. They found some remains linked to local tribes and are ready to return them starting August 7, 2026. This means tribes can now ask for these important cultural items back, with no cost involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Available Starting August 7, 2026
Tribes or lineal descendants may request return of human remains and funerary objects beginning August 7, 2026. The Arizona State Museum says the collections include remains from 84 individuals and 130 associated funerary objects, and requests for repatriation may be submitted as described in the notice (the summary states there is no cost involved).
Museum Identifies Affiliated Tribes
The Arizona State Museum determined a reasonable cultural affiliation between the remains/objects and the Ak-Chin Indian Community; Gila River Indian Community; Hopi Tribe; Salt River Pima‑Maricopa Indian Community; Tohono O'odham Nation; and the Zuni Tribe. Those named tribes are identified as having a connection to the items described in this notice.
Who Can Request and How Claims Are Resolved
Repatriation requests may be filed by any one or more of the tribes named in the notice, or by any lineal descendant or other tribe/organization that shows by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, the Arizona State Museum must determine the most appropriate requestor; joint repatriation 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: 2026-13746, Notice of Intended Repatriation: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Sacramento, CA
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection plans to return eight special cultural items linked to Native American tribes. These items, found during surveys in Sacramento County, will be repatriated starting August 7, 2026. This respectful move helps honor Native heritage with no costs or delays expected.
Next: 2026-13748, Notice of Inventory Completion: Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
The Arizona State Museum at the University of Arizona has finished checking its collection and found Native American human remains linked to local tribes. Starting August 7, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes for proper care. This is part of a respectful effort to honor Native American heritage and history.