Fed Agencies Ready Native Remains for Tribal Return
Published Date: 10/8/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of the Interior and the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture have finished checking and identifying human remains and special items found in Colorado. These remains belong to Native American tribes, and they’re ready to be returned starting November 9, 2026. This means tribes can now ask to have their ancestors and belongings sent back respectfully.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Southern Ute Cultural Affiliation Found
The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture determined the human remains and three associated funerary objects from archaeological site LA 2605 in La Plata County, Colorado, are culturally affiliated with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. The notice identifies three individuals and three objects removed in 1953 and says the Southern Ute Indian Tribe has a connection to these remains.
Repatriation Eligible Beginning November 9, 2026
The notice says repatriation of the three human remains and three associated funerary objects may occur on or after November 9, 2026. Requests for repatriation must be sent to Tamara Billie at the Bureau of Indian Affairs, 1001 Indian School Road NW, Mailbox 44, Albuquerque, NM 87104, or by the listed email address.
Who May Request Repatriation and How Claims Are Resolved
You may request repatriation if you are one of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in this notice, a lineal descendant, or an Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization that shows by a preponderance of the evidence a cultural affiliation. If multiple parties submit competing requests, the Bureau of Indian Affairs will decide the most appropriate requestor before repatriation.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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