Museum Completes Inventory of Native American Human Remains for Return
Published Date: 3/19/2026
Notice
Summary
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has finished checking its collection and found human remains linked to Native American tribes. Starting April 20, 2026, these remains can be returned to the tribes or organizations that have a cultural connection. This process helps honor Native heritage and involves no money changes, just respectful repatriation.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Museum Identifies 21 Native American Remains
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History says it has human remains representing at least 21 Native American individuals. The museum has identified a cultural affiliation with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians, and these remains (including several crania and bone fragments) may be returned to affiliated tribes or lineal descendants.
Who Can Request Repatriation and How
Repatriation requests may be submitted in writing to Luke Swetland, President and CEO, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, or by email at [email protected]. Eligible requestors include the Indian Tribe identified in the notice (the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians), any lineal descendant, or any tribe/organization that proves cultural affiliation; repatriation may occur on or after April 20, 2026, and the museum must resolve competing requests before transfer.
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: 2026-05369 — Notice of Inventory Completion: Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum, Blanding, UT
The Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum in Utah has finished listing 48 Native American human remains and 820 related artifacts, like pottery and tools. These items are linked to Ancestral Puebloan tribes and can be returned to them starting April 20, 2026. If you want to request repatriation, contact the museum soon to honor this important cultural connection.
Next: 2026-05371 — Notice of Inventory Completion: University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
UC Davis has finished checking and listing Native American human remains and related burial items found at the Capay Valley Site. These remains and objects are linked to local tribes, and they can be returned starting April 20, 2026. If you want to request the return, contact UC Davis soon—this is a big step in respecting Native heritage with no cost involved.
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