Wisconsin University Clears Path for Tribal Returns
Published Date: 7/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has finished checking its collection of Native American human remains and related items. These remains, linked to local tribes, can be returned starting August 21, 2026. If you want to request repatriation, now’s the time to reach out—no money changes hands, just respect and care for history.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Remains Eligible for Repatriation
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has identified the physical remains of 41 Native American individuals and 247 associated funerary objects that are culturally affiliated with the Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations named in this notice. These human remains and objects may be repatriated on or after August 21, 2026.
Who May Request and How
Written requests for repatriation must be sent to Adrienne Frie at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, 800 Algoma Blvd., Oshkosh, WI 54901, or by email to [email protected]. Requests may be submitted by any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations listed in the notice, or by a lineal descendant or other Tribe/organization who shows by a preponderance of the evidence that they are culturally affiliated; repatriation 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: 2026-14733, Notice of Inventory Completion: Yale Peabody Museum, Yale University, New Haven, CT
The Yale Peabody Museum has finished checking its collection and found Native American human remains linked to the Comanche Nation in Oklahoma. Starting August 21, 2026, the museum can return these remains to the tribe if they ask for them. This is part of a law that helps respect Native American heritage and make sure their ancestors are treated right.
Next: 2026-14735, Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of New Mexico, Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, Albuquerque, NM
The University of New Mexico’s Maxwell Museum is getting ready to return 17 sacred Native American cultural items to the tribes and Native Hawaiian groups they belong to. These special objects, like rattles, drums, and masks, will be repatriated starting August 21, 2026. This respectful move honors Native traditions and strengthens cultural connections without any cost to the public.