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: 2026-04-19 to 2026-04-25

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 🗺️ State Government News

Federal Government News

Denver Museum of Nature & Science Announces Intended Repatriation of Ceremonial Objects

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science issued a notice under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act for the repatriation of two culturally significant items, a kukui hele pō (stone lamp) currently unlocated and an ʻumeke lāʻau (wood bowl) acquired in Honolulu. The items were donated to the museum in 1978. Hui Iwi Kuamoʻo has been identified as the cultural affiliate. Requests for repatriation by lineal descendants, tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations may be submitted, with repatriation set as early as May 26, 2026. Any competing claims will be resolved by the museum. This move adheres to NAGPRA regulations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Idaho Power Company Tribal Consultation Meeting Scheduled with Umatilla Tribes

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission announced a tribal consultation meeting regarding the Hells Canyon Hydroelectric Project (No. 1971-079). Organized with Idaho Power Company and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the session is set for May 7, 2026, via teleconference at 11:00 a.m. EDT. Intervenors may attend, though discussion of sensitive archaeological or cultural information may require excusal of non-tribal participants. Summaries of the meeting, both public and privileged, will be made part of the official record.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

University of Michigan Completes NAGPRA Inventory for Berrien County Sites

The University of Michigan reported completion of an inventory for human remains and funerary objects removed from Berrien County, Michigan. Artifacts, dating from 1610 to 1830, were obtained between 1935 and 1958 and include remains of seven individuals. Cultural affiliation has been determined with multiple tribes, including Bay Mills Indian Community, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Hannahville Indian Community, and Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, among others. Repatriation requests will be accepted until May 26, 2026, with competing submissions handled by the university per NAGPRA guidelines.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

San Bernardino County Museum Moves to Repatriate Cultural Objects to Morongo Band

The San Bernardino County Museum, Redlands, CA, announced plans to repatriate 14 objects of cultural patrimony in accordance with NAGPRA. The collection includes shell beads, ceramics, spindle whorls, and lithics gathered from county sites between 1962 and 1981. Repatriation is scheduled for May 26, 2026, and written requests may be submitted by Morongo Band of Mission Indians, lineal descendants, or other qualified groups. The museum will notify potential claimants and resolve competing submissions.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Yale Peabody Museum to Repatriate Eight Cultural Items to Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribes

Yale Peabody Museum in New Haven announced its intention to repatriate eight cultural items, categorized as unassociated funerary objects, to the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Tribe and the Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut. The objects were removed from the Tubbs Site in Niantic by archaeological teams between 1932 and 1946. Interested tribes and consulting parties may submit written requests for the objects before May 26, 2026. The museum will resolve competing requests and is responsible for notification of all stakeholders under NAGPRA.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Modernization Act of 2026

Bill 8092 was introduced to modernize the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act. The sponsor delivered introductory remarks on the measure (CR H3080).

Sources: www.congress.gov

Settlement of Water Rights Claims for Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians

Bill 4368 seeks to approve the settlement of water rights claims for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. The legislation was read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs, with sponsor remarks (CR S1937).

Sources: www.congress.gov

Conveyance of Clear Creek Hatchery Infrastructure to Nisqually Indian Tribe

Bill 7515 directs the Secretary of Interior to convey Clear Creek Hatchery infrastructure to the Nisqually Indian Tribe. The bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Reauthorization of Indian Reservation Drinking Water Program

Bill 4381 aims to amend the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, reauthorizing the Indian Reservation Drinking Water Program. The bill was read twice and sent to the Committee on Indian Affairs. A companion bill, 8461, was referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Energy and Commerce for review.

Sources: www.congress.gov, www.congress.gov

Land Trust for Barona Group of Capitan Grande Band of Mission Indians

Bill 8483 addresses the transfer of certain California land into trust for the Barona Group of Capitan Grande Band of Mission Indians. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

California Officially Joins International Union for Conservation of Nature

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the state's formal acceptance into the IUCN, positioning California among the world's largest environmental networks and opening opportunities for expanded tribal stewardship and international conservation collaboration.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

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