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.
2026-20013, Agency Information Collection Activities; Archeology Permit Applications and Reports
The National Park Service wants to keep collecting info for archeology permits and reports, making sure the process stays smooth and clear. This affects archeologists and anyone applying for permits to dig or study artifacts in parks. They’re asking for comments by October 30, 2026, but no changes to fees or big costs are planned.
2026-20015, Agency Information Collection Activities; National Park Service Concessions Forms
The National Park Service is asking to keep using their current forms for park concessions, like shops and services, without changes. This affects businesses working with the parks and helps reduce paperwork hassle. You’ve got until October 30, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees or new costs involved!
2026-19996, Notice of Intended Repatriation: California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, CA
California State University, Sacramento plans to return over 8,500 cultural items to Native American tribes connected to northern Tehama County. These items include stones, bones, pigments, and historic materials, and the repatriation can start on or after October 30, 2026. This move respects Native heritage and involves no cost to the public but honors important cultural ties.
2026-19002, National Park Service Alaska Region Subsistence Resource Commission Program; Notice of Public Meetings
The National Park Service is holding meetings for Alaska's Subsistence Resource Commissions to discuss local hunting, fishing, and gathering rules. These meetings affect residents who rely on park resources and will happen mostly in October and November 2026, with one in February 2027. No big costs are expected, but these talks help keep subsistence traditions alive and fair.
2026-18306, Official Trail Marker for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail
This notice issues the official trail marker insignia for the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail in the National Trails System. The original graphic image for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail was developed in 2026 with the completion of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail Comprehensive Plan. The National Park Service and related agencies have officially adopted and use this insignia to help mark all designated alignments of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail.
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.