College Inventory Leads to Native Remains Return
Published Date: 7/15/2026
Notice
Summary
Skidmore College has finished checking its collection and found human remains and special objects linked to Native American tribes. Starting August 14, 2026, these remains and items can be returned to the tribes that they belong to. This is a respectful step to honor Native American heritage, with no costs or deadlines beyond the start date for repatriation.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Available Beginning August 14, 2026
Skidmore College finished its inventory and identified human remains representing at least five individuals and 24 associated funerary objects. Those remains and objects may be returned to affiliated tribes or lineal descendants on or after August 14, 2026; written repatriation requests should be sent to Siobhan Hart at Skidmore College (815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, email [email protected]).
Cultural Affiliation Identified
Skidmore College determined there is a cultural affiliation between the described human remains and associated funerary objects and the Stockbridge Munsee Community, Wisconsin. The determination is based on geographic location and acquisition history described in the inventory.
Who May Request Repatriation
Repatriation requests may be submitted by any of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in the notice, or by any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not identified that shows by a preponderance of the evidence it is a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, Skidmore College must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation.
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.
2026-17198, Gulf Islands National Seashore; Personal Watercraft
The National Park Service revises special regulations governing the use of personal watercraft at Gulf Islands National Seashore. This rule reduces the distance of flat wake speed zones from certain shorelines and codifies existing closures at West Petit Bois Island and the Fort Pickens ferry pier.
2026-17186, Notice of Intended Repatriation: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History plans to return a special ceramic smoking pipe with a human face to the Stockbridge Munsee Community, as it’s linked to their Mohican ancestors. This repatriation may happen on or after September 23, 2026, following Native American laws protecting cultural items. No money changes hands, but the museum is making sure history and respect go hand in hand!
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 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.
Next: 2026-14167, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY
Skidmore College in New York plans to return four Native American cultural items, like a copper pendant and a gorget, to the tribes they belong to starting August 14, 2026. These items were found in local archaeological sites and are connected to Native American burial practices. This repatriation respects Native traditions and helps heal history without any cost to the tribes.