Cherokee Textiles Scheduled for Standard Tribal Return
Published Date: 7/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of Tennessee and the McClung Museum plan to return 18 groups of historic Cherokee items, like textiles and plant samples, taken from burial sites in Tennessee back to Native American tribes. This repatriation will start on or after August 21, 2026, honoring cultural traditions and respecting Native heritage. No money changes hands, but the process strengthens important connections between the university and Native communities.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
18 Historic Cherokee Items Returned
The University of Tennessee plans to return 18 lots of historic Cherokee cultural items (including textiles and botanical samples) that were removed in a 1938 Works Progress Administration project at site 40PK1 (Ocoee, Polk County, Tennessee). These items are identified as Historic Cherokee and have a cultural affiliation with the Cherokee Nation; Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma. Repatriation may occur on or after August 21, 2026, and the notice states that no money changes hands as part of the transfer.
Who May Request Repatriation
Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not named in the notice can submit a written request for repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. Requests must be sent to Dr. Ellen Lofaro, University of Tennessee, Office of Repatriation, 5723 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37996, or by email to [email protected]. If competing requests are received, UTK will determine the most appropriate requestor; joint requests are treated as a single request. Repatriation to a requestor may occur on or after August 21, 2026.
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.
2026-18306, 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.
2026-17902, Bicycle Use in Park Areas
The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to modify the procedural requirements in existing NPS regulations for the designation of roads and trails for bicycle use within park areas. The changes would align NPS regulations with applicable Federal law and policy, remove unnecessary requirements, and ensure public involvement when needed. The changes in this rule would allow the NPS to manage its resources and allocate taxpayer funds more efficiently and streamline the approval of new and expanded opportunities for use and enjoyment of park areas by the American public.
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!
2026-17198, 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.
2026-16388, 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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-14721, Notice of Inventory Completion: The University of Tennessee, Department of Anthropology, Knoxville, TN, and the Frank H. McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture, Knoxville, TN
The University of Tennessee and the McClung Museum have finished listing human remains and artifacts linked to the Historic Cherokee from a 1938 excavation in Tennessee. These items are ready to be returned to the Native American tribes starting August 21, 2026. This important step respects cultural heritage and follows federal law, with no costs mentioned for the public.
Next: 2026-14723, Notice of Inventory Completion: The University of Tennessee, Department of Anthropology, Knoxville, TN, and the Frank H. McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture, Knoxville, TN
The University of Tennessee and the McClung Museum have finished listing 33 Native American ancestors and their belongings from two historic sites in Tennessee. These remains and items, linked to local tribes, are ready to be returned starting August 21, 2026. This important step honors Native cultures and follows federal law, with no costs mentioned for the public.