Bureau of Indian Affairs Lists Ancestral Remains
Published Date: 7/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The Bureau of Indian Affairs and Eastern Washington University have finished checking and listing some old human remains and a funerary object found in Washington state. These remains are linked to the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and can be returned to them starting August 21, 2026. This means the tribes can soon reclaim their ancestors respectfully, with no costs mentioned.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Repatriation Authorized to Colville Tribe
The Bureau of Indian Affairs and Eastern Washington University identified human remains representing at least three individuals and one associated funerary object (a mammal bone) from site 45-OK-10 in Okanogan County, Washington. They determined these remains are culturally affiliated with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and may be returned to the tribe on or after August 21, 2026.
Who Can Request Repatriation
Written requests for repatriation may be submitted by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, any other Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization named in the notice, or any lineal descendant who shows affiliation by a preponderance of the evidence. Requests must be sent to Tamara Billie, NAGPRA Manager, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and repatriation may occur on or after August 21, 2026; if there are competing requests, the BIA will determine the appropriate recipient.
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: 2026-14718, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Abbe Museum, Bar Harbor, ME
The Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor, Maine, plans to return two 17th-century glass trade beads linked to Native American tribes, starting August 21, 2026. These items were found in an old Indian grave and belong to the Wabanaki Tribes of Maine. This repatriation continues the museum’s commitment to respecting Native heritage, with no costs or delays expected.
Next: 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.