May 31, 2026 to June 06, 2026

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.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs: Legislative Hearing on Tribal Land and Regulatory Bills: A legislative hearing is scheduled for June 9, 2026, covering H.R. 6917 (Las Vegas Tribe of Paiute Indians land trust), H.R. 8473 (Veterinary Services in Rural Communities), and H.R. 8954 (Tribal Regulatory Reform Implementation Act) at the Longworth House Office Building, Room 1324.
• House Natural Resources Committee: Markup on Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Land Exchange Act: The committee will convene on June 10, 2026, to review H.R. 3925 (Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Land Exchange Act), alongside bird habitat and mineral leasing bills, in Longworth House Office Building, Room 1324.

Federal Government News

Notice of Inventory Completion: Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA

Sonoma State University has identified 35 associated funerary objects—among them modified shell, abalone, obsidian tools, faunal bone, and a historic button—from sites in Lake County, California. The artifacts, curated since 1976, are affiliated with the Cachil DeHe Band of Wintun Indians of the Colusa Indian Community of the Colusa Rancheria, Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. The university has determined that these objects were intentionally placed with human remains and is proceeding with repatriation under NAGPRA. Requests for repatriation may be submitted by recognized descendant groups; competing requests will be reviewed for appropriate action after July 6, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Inventory Completion: Kansas State Historical Society, Topeka, KS

The Kansas State Historical Society reports the forthcoming repatriation of Native American remains, identified as 'Neolithic Mound Builder of Southern Ohio', received in 1995 and historically transferred from the University of Toledo. The remains are affiliated with the Shawnee Tribe and Wyandotte Nation, and no hazardous substances were detected. Requests for repatriation must be submitted before July 6, 2026, and competing applications will follow a review process consistent with NAGPRA requirements.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Agency Information Collection Activities: 2025 Census of Tribal Law Enforcement Agencies (CTLEA)

The Bureau of Justice Statistics has opened a 60-day comment period for the proposed reinstatement of the Census of Tribal Law Enforcement Agencies (CTLEA), now updated for 2025. The revised survey targets staffing, workload, operations, and training in tribal law enforcement agencies, with approximately 303 respondents expected. Responses are voluntary and the estimated respondent burden is 260 hours. Data collected will support published statistics and inform Congress, tribal governments, and the public about law enforcement trends. Stakeholders may submit comments until August 3, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Inventory Completion: Indiana University, Bloomington, IN

Indiana University has completed an inventory of one set of human remains, labeled 'Choctaw' with probable origins from a University of Chicago collection in the 1950s. The remains have been affiliated through consultation with the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, and The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Formal requests for repatriation are to be submitted by July 6, 2026. The university is responsible for managing competing requests as per NAGPRA procedures.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Inventory Completion: Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH

Case Western Reserve University will repatriate remains of two Native American individuals no longer associated with funerary objects. Osteological analysis suggests prehistoric and archeological origins. These remains are affiliated to the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma, Seneca Nation of Indians, Shawnee Tribe, and Wyandotte Nation. Requests for repatriation must be made by July 6, 2026, with competing applications to be reviewed in line with NAGPRA.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

H.R. 6917: To take certain land into trust for the benefit of the Las Vegas Tribe of Paiute Indians

This bill, currently referred to the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs, proposes transferring specified land into trust for the Las Vegas Tribe of Paiute Indians.

Sources: www.congress.gov

H.R. 8954: Tribal Regulatory Reform Implementation Act of 2026

Introduced and referred to the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs, this bill sets forth measures to implement regulatory reforms impacting tribal governance structures.

Sources: www.congress.gov

H.R. 8473: Veterinary Services to Improve Public Health in Rural Communities Act

H.R. 8473, targeting public health enhancement in rural regions with significant Native American populations, was sent to the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs.

Sources: www.congress.gov

H.R. 3925: Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Land Exchange Act

The House Natural Resources Committee held hearings on H.R. 3925, which concerns land exchange provisions for the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

H.R. 564: Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025

Placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar (No. 429), this bill seeks to formalize water rights settlements for the Zuni Indian Tribe.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Why 'sustainable' fish sticks hurt Native Alaskans | Opinion: Regional Alaska fisheries report impacts of commercial fish products on Native food systems and cultural practices.

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