University of Michigan to return Native American remains to tribe
Published Date: 3/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of Michigan has finished checking its collection and found one Native American individual connected to the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. Starting April 15, 2026, the university can return these remains to the tribe. This process follows important laws to respect Native American heritage, with no costs or risks involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
University to Return One Native Remains
The University of Michigan identified the physical remains of one Native American individual that it determined are culturally affiliated with the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Michigan. The university may repatriate (return) the remains to the tribe on or after April 15, 2026, and requests must be sent to Dr. Ben Secunda, NAGPRA Office Managing Director, University of Michigan (address and email provided in the notice).
Who May Request Repatriation
Written repatriation requests may be submitted by any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in the notice, or by any lineal descendant or tribe/organization not listed who shows by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or culturally affiliated. If competing requests are received, the University of Michigan must determine the most appropriate requestor, and joint requests are treated as a single request.
No Hazardous Treatment Found
The University of Michigan reports it has no record or knowledge that the Native American individual was treated with pesticides, preservatives, or other substances that would pose a potential hazard to the individual or to persons handling the remains.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions 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.
2026-06355 — Notice of Intended Repatriation: Mills College Art Museum, Northeastern University, Oakland, CA
Mills College Art Museum at Northeastern University plans to return 11 Native American cultural items, like woven baskets and ceremonial caps, to the rightful tribes starting May 4, 2026. This move respects Native heritage and follows important laws protecting these sacred objects. No money changes hands, but the museum is making sure these treasures go back home where they belong.
2026-06094 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; NPS Case and Outbreak Investigation Data Collections
The National Park Service wants to update and renew its forms for tracking cases and outbreaks in parks. This affects park staff and anyone involved in health investigations, aiming to make data collection easier and faster. Comments are open until April 29, 2026, with no new costs expected.
2026-06089 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Reporting and Recordkeeping for Snow Coaches and Snowmobiles, Yellowstone National Park
The National Park Service is renewing its paperwork rules for snow coaches and snowmobiles in Yellowstone without any changes. This affects tour operators who must keep reporting and recordkeeping as before, with no new fees or deadlines beyond the April 29, 2026 comment period. It’s all about keeping things smooth and safe on the snowy trails!
2026-05798 — Agency Information Collection Activities; National Historic Landmarks Nomination Form
The National Park Service wants to keep using the National Historic Landmarks Nomination Form and is asking for your thoughts by April 24, 2026. This form helps decide which places get special historic status, affecting property owners and history fans. There’s no new cost, just a chance to share your ideas and keep the process smooth and easy.
2026-05790 — Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for Redevelopment at the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus
The National Park Service and the District of Columbia are teaming up to plan a big makeover of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium area. They want to build new homes, shops, parks, and better roads and transit near the Anacostia River. Everyone’s invited to share their thoughts by April 24, 2026, as this project could change the neighborhood and boost the local economy.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05043 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Augusta Museum of History, Augusta, GA
The Augusta Museum of History finished checking their collection and found one funerary object—a bunch of shell beads—linked to Native American tribes. Starting April 15, 2026, these items can be returned to the right tribes. This means the museum is ready to give back important cultural items, respecting Native American heritage without any cost or risk involved.
Next: 2026-05045 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, FL
The Florida Department of State has finished checking and listing Native American human remains and related items connected to three individuals. These remains, found in Iowa but now in Florida, can be returned to Native tribes starting April 15, 2026. If you want to request the return, you need to contact the department by then—no money changes hands, just respect and care.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in