Denver Theology School Returns Native Ancestral Remains
Published Date: 8/24/2026
Notice
Summary
In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Iliff School of Theology has completed an inventory of human remains and associated funerary objects and has determined that there is a cultural affiliation between the human remains and associated funerary objects and Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations in this notice.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Tribes Can Request Repatriation After Sept 23, 2026
The Iliff School of Theology says the physical remains of one Native American and one associated funerary object—a Latin book titled Lavrentii Moshemii Institvtionvm historiae Christianae compendivm (accession number 18098443, catalogue BR143.M674 1752)—are culturally affiliated with the Delaware Nation (Oklahoma), Delaware Tribe of Indians, and the Stockbridge Munsee Community (Wisconsin). Those three tribes may request repatriation of the human remains and the book on or after September 23, 2026 by sending a written request to the Iliff School of Theology's authorized representative.
Who Else May Request Repatriation and How
Any other lineal descendant, Indian Tribe, or Native Hawaiian organization not named in this notice may also submit a repatriation request if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or have cultural affiliation. If competing requests are received, the Iliff School of Theology must decide the most appropriate requestor; joint repatriation requests are treated as a single request.
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.
2026-17186, 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.
2026-15406, First State National Historical Park; Bicycling
The National Park Service (NPS) proposes to issue special regulations for First State National Historical Park to allow for bicycle use on approximately 25 miles of trails within the Brandywine Valley unit of the park.
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-17176, Notice of Intended Repatriation: Yager Museum of Art & Culture, Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY
The Yager Museum at Hartwick College plans to return 31 Native American cultural items, like pipes and pottery, to the tribes they belong to. These items were collected from burial sites in New York and Pennsylvania long ago. The repatriation will start on or after September 23, 2026, with no costs mentioned, making it a respectful step toward honoring Native heritage.
Next: 2026-17178, Notice of Inventory Completion: Field Museum, Chicago, IL
The Field Museum in Chicago has finished checking its collection and found hair clippings from one Native American individual linked to the Ottawa tribes. Starting September 23, 2026, these remains can be returned to the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. This is part of a respectful effort to give back important cultural items without any cost or delay to the tribes.