This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning tribal affairs, the BIA, reservation lands, tribal statistical areas, and treaty rights. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to see GR activities in areas related to Tribal Affairs? Don't miss this week's updates in Social Issues and Environment. Also consider subscribing to our Indigenous Affairs - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

Dates: 2026-03-29 to 2026-04-04

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 🗺️ State Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Proposed Waivers and Extensions for American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program

The Department of Education has issued a proposed rule to grant waivers and extensions for 43 American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services (AIVRS) projects and one American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Training and Technical Assistance Center (AIVRTTAC), permitting additional funding through September 30, 2027. The proposal waives regulatory limits on project periods exceeding five years and the obligation of additional federal funds, pending public comments by May 4, 2026. Each grantee is required to certify its capacity to continue activities, and continuation awards would not exceed their fifth-year planned allocation. The action aims to maintain continuity of vocational rehabilitation services for American Indians with disabilities. Any extension activities must remain consistent with originally approved projects, with FY 2027 appropriations potentially triggering new competitions. Eligible AIVRS grantees are listed by tribal entity and award amounts in the Federal Register notice.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Intended Repatriation: Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University

The Peabody Museum at Harvard University has issued notice of intended repatriation under NAGPRA, covering eight sacred objects and three objects of cultural patrimony, culturally affiliated with the Tejon Indian Tribe. The sacred objects—eight lots of baskets from Inyo and Kern Counties collected by several individuals between 1855 and 1928—are recognized as necessary for traditional religious practices. Additional items such as a brush for cleaning baskets and ground stone fragments, also culturally significant, are included. Repatriation is scheduled no earlier than May 4, 2026; requests must be submitted in writing to the museum. Notification will be provided to the Tejon Indian Tribe and other concerned parties, as mandated by NAGPRA regulations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Inventory Completion: Auburn University at Montgomery, Alabama

Auburn University at Montgomery has completed a NAGPRA inventory linking remains of 49 individuals and 10,431 funerary objects from 12 archeological sites in Montgomery County, Alabama, to eleven Tribes including the Alabama-Coushatta, Jena Band of Choctaw, Mississippi Band of Choctaw, Poarch Band of Creek, Seminole, Muscogee (Creek), and others. Items were excavated between 1963 and 1984 and are housed at AUM’s Archaeology Laboratory. No hazardous substances are present. Repatriation will occur after May 4, 2026, upon written request, with competing and joint requests processed according to NAGPRA protocols.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Inventory Completion: Field Museum, Chicago, IL

The Field Museum has issued a NAGPRA notice for hair clippings identified with 'Chippewa' and 'Ojibway' tribes, representing 30 individuals. Collected for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, these remains were accessioned in 1939 and lack individual identifiers. Affiliated Tribes include Bad River Band, Bay Mills Indian Community, Keweenaw Bay, Lac Courte Oreilles, Saginaw Chippewa, and others. Written repatriation requests must be submitted; the museum will determine the recipient if competing claims arise. No associated funerary objects or hazardous substances were reported.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Intended Repatriation: California State University, Fullerton, CA

California State University, Fullerton has announced intent to repatriate 14 objects of cultural patrimony to the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation (previously San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, California). Items removed from sites in San Bernardino County include lots of ceramics, charcoal, shell, faunal bones, lithics, and organic materials, acquired via excavation and donation in the 1980s-1990s. Repatriation is slated for May 4, 2026, pending written requests from eligible parties; competing and joint requests processed per NAGPRA.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

To take certain land in California into trust for the Pechanga Band of Indians

Bill 5682 seeks to place specified California land into trust for the Pechanga Band of Indians, advancing tribal land rights. The bill was placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 505.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To amend the Catawba Indian Tribe of South Carolina Land Claims Settlement Act of 1993

Bill 4463 proposes amendments to the Catawba Indian Tribe's Land Claims Settlement Act. The latest action is placement on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 503.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation Act

Bill 41 addresses recognition and compensation for unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native communities, aiming at federal acknowledgment. Latest action: placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 499.

Sources: www.congress.gov

North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act of 2026

Bill 2252, titled the North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act, covers public lands and natural resource issues related to trust lands. Latest action: placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 501.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To remove certain limitations with respect to road grading under Tribal transportation programs

Bill 8188 would lift constraints on road grading within Tribal transportation initiatives and mandate a study of the effects. It was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Natural Resources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

California Broadband Network Connects Bishop Paiute Tribe

Governor Gavin Newsom announced the launch of California’s Middle-Mile Broadband Network, with the Bishop Paiute Tribe as its first customer. The tribe will serve as a tribally-owned provider, independently managing its broadband services for the community.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Opinion | The Wages of ‘Land Acknowledgments’: WSJ opinion explores the meaning and consequences of land acknowledgment practices in government and institutions.
• Tribes in Montana lose millions after USDA kills farm grants: AP reports Montana Tribes lost millions after the USDA terminated farm grant programs.

.