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.

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Dates: 2026-04-12 to 2026-04-18

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Oversight Hearing on 'Tribal Natural Resource Development: Barriers and Successes' Scheduled for April 22, 2026: The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs will convene an oversight hearing titled “Tribal Natural Resource Development: Barriers and Successes” on April 22, 2026, at 2:15 p.m. (ET) in Longworth House Office Building, Room 1334.
• House Natural Resources Committee to Mark Up 'Albuquerque Indian School Act' and Other Measures on April 21, 2026: The House Natural Resources Committee will hold a markup session on April 21, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. (ET) in Longworth House Office Building, Room 1324, which will include H.R. 6162, the 'Albuquerque Indian School Act of 2025,' along with seven other bills.

Federal Government News

HHS Tribal Consultation Session on Head Start Services for AIAN Communities

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through its Office of Head Start (OHS) under the Administration for Children and Families, announced a Tribal Consultation session scheduled for June 18, 2026 in Costa Mesa, California. The meeting invites elected or appointed leaders from tribal governments operating Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Discussions will address funding allocations, distribution formulas, and other challenges in delivering Head Start services to American Indian and Alaska Native children and families. Tribes may submit written testimony prior to or within 30 days after the session. A report summarizing consultation outcomes will be issued within 45 days and circulated to all affected tribal governments.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

HHS Office of Minority Health Solicits Nominations for Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Tribal Advisory Committee

The Office of Minority Health (OMH), HHS, called for nominations to fill primary and alternate delegate positions on the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Tribal Advisory Committee (CIIH TAC). The committee, established under Congressional directives, provides a forum for Tribal leaders to advise on OMH activities in research, education, service, and policy development impacting AI/AN and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations. All Indian Health Service geographic areas have committee vacancies, with nominations accepted until positions are filled, and an initial deadline of May 18, 2026. Nominees require formal support from elected Tribal officials with authority to represent their communities, and delegates are appointed for two-year terms.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

BIA Information Collection: Waiver Requests for Standards and Accountability in BIE Schools Open for Public Comment

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has proposed to renew its information collection process related to standards, assessments, and accountability system waiver requests for schools funded by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE). This renewal process supports implementation of waiver provisions in the Every Student Succeeds Act. Tribal governing bodies and school boards may propose alternatives to the Secretary’s accountability requirements, pending joint approval by the Secretaries of Interior and Education. The notice requests public comments by June 15, 2026, on the necessity and burden of the collection, which is estimated to affect approximately two respondents per year.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NAGPRA Notices: Multiple Institutional Inventories and Repatriation Determinations

This week, several institutions issued Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) inventory notices. The Center for American Archeology in Illinois completed inventory for remains and associated funerary objects from Pike County, determining affiliations with multiple Potawatomi, Shawnee, and other Tribes. California State University, Sacramento listed ground and stone items for repatriation to Wilton Rancheria. The University of Wyoming will repatriate objects from archaeological sites in Wyoming to the Assiniboine, Sioux, Cheyenne River Sioux, Chippewa Cree, Crow, Eastern Shoshone, and other Tribes. Kansas State Historical Society identified nearly 1,000 objects for transfer to the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, Kaw Nation, and Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma. Notices also cover inventory and intended transfers by Eastern Washington University, San Diego State University, California Polytechnic State University Pomona, and the Dayton Society of Natural History, including sacred or patrimonial objects and funerary goods from sites in California, Washington, Colorado, Arizona, Wyoming, and Hawaii. Repatriation actions may occur on or after May 18, 2026, following written requests from eligible parties.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov, www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Senate Bill 4315: State and Tribal Hemp Law Protection

Bill 4315 seeks to amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to ensure continued recognition of existing State and Tribal laws relating to hemp. The bill was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Sources: www.congress.gov

House Bill 8360: Commission on Advancing Restorative Justice in Education

H.R. 8360 authorizes the Secretary of Education, in collaboration with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to establish an interagency Commission on Advancing Restorative Justice in Elementary and Secondary Education. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Senate Bill 4321: YouthBuild Program Reauthorization

Senate Bill 4321 would reauthorize the YouthBuild program. It was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

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