University Completes Required Native Remains Inventory
Published Date: 7/22/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Return of 33 Native American Ancestors
The University of Tennessee and the Frank H. McClung Museum will return human remains representing 33 Native American individuals and 39 lots of associated funerary objects from two Polk County, Tennessee sites (40PK1/Ocoee and 40PK16). The remains and items are identified as culturally affiliated with the Cherokee Nation; Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; The Muscogee (Creek) Nation; and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma and may be repatriated on or after August 21, 2026. Written repatriation requests must be sent to Dr. Ellen Lofaro, University of Tennessee, Office of 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: 2026-14722, Notice of Intended Repatriation: 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 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.
Next: 2026-14724, Notice of Intended Repatriation: 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 plan to return six groups of Native American cultural items to the tribes they belong to. These items, found in Tennessee and linked to the Mississippian period, will be repatriated starting August 21, 2026. This respectful return honors Native American traditions and involves no cost to the public.