# 2026-16481: Michigan Returns Red Ochre, Burnt Textiles to Native Tribe

2026-16481, Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, is a Federal Register notice from Interior Department, National Park Service published 2026-08-13, effective 2026-09-14 (as of 2026-08-20).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-16481
- As of: 2026-08-20
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-16481
- Title: Notice of Intended Repatriation: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
- Type: Notice
- Agencies: Interior Department; National Park Service
- Citation: 91 FR 52332
- Published: 2026-08-13
- Effective: 2026-09-14
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: no
- Regulation identifier numbers: none
- Last updated: 2026-08-20

## In one line

Michigan Returns Red Ochre, Burnt Textiles to Native Tribe

## Summary

The University of Michigan plans to return three important Native American cultural items—red ochre and charred textile fragments—to the affiliated tribe starting September 14, 2026. These items were collected decades ago from sites in New York and are now ready to go back home. This repatriation respects Native heritage and involves no costs or risks to anyone handling the items.

## Abstract

In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the University of Michigan intends to repatriate certain cultural items that meet the definition of unassociated funerary objects and that have a cultural affiliation with the Indian Tribe in this notice.

## Effects PRIA read

- Three Native Items Set for Return: benefit, low. The University of Michigan intends to return three Native American cultural items — one lot of red ochre and two lots of charred textile fragments — that are affiliated with the Oneida Indian Nation. The repatriation may occur on or after September 14, 2026, and the items were collected from sites…
- Who Can Request Repatriation: benefit, low. Any lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization (not identified in this notice) may submit a written request to receive these items by showing, by a preponderance of the evidence, that they are culturally affiliated. Requests should be sent to Dr. Ben Secunda, NAGPRA Office Man…
- No Hazardous Treatment Found: benefit, low. The University of Michigan states it has no record or knowledge that the three cultural items were treated with pesticides, preservatives, or other substances that would pose a hazard. The notice says there are no costs or risks to persons handling the collections.

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## Sources
- [2026-16481 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/13/2026-16481/notice-of-intended-repatriation-university-of-michigan-ann-arbor-mi)
- [2026-16481 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-08-13/pdf/2026-16481.pdf)

## Related
- [Previous: 2026-16480, Notice of Inventory Completion: The University of Tennessee, Department of Anth…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-16480)
- [Next: 2026-16482, Notice of Inventory Completion: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-16482)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-16481 (as of 2026-08-20).