June 07, 2026 to June 13, 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

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

Federal Government News

President Signs ARTIST Act Enabling Alaska Native Ivory Commerce

On June 12, 2026, the President signed S. 254, the 'Alaska’s Right to Ivory Sales and Tradition Act' (ARTIST Act) into law. This legislation amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to prohibit states from restricting interstate commerce, importation, or sale of marine mammal ivory, bone, or baleen when sourced from authentic handicrafts and clothing produced by Alaska Native artisans. The statutory change preserves traditional practices and is intended to protect the economic interests and cultural expression of Alaska Native communities.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Interior Department Begins Renewal of Plant Gathering Information Collection

On June 11, the National Park Service issued a notice of information collection renewal regarding the gathering of plants or plant parts by federally recognized Indian Tribes within national parks. The extension pertains to agreements under 36 CFR 2.1(c) and 2.6(f), allowing tribes with historical connections predating park establishment to gather plants for traditional, non-commercial purposes. The annual collection supports tribal sovereignty and consistent NPS practices, requiring approximately 30 annual responses and an estimated 530 burden hours. Comments are due August 10.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

HUD Announces Disaster Relief Flexibilities for Tribal Housing Programs in 2026

The Department of Housing and Urban Development detailed waivers and regulatory flexibilities for Indian Housing Block Grant, Indian Community Development Block Grant, and Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grant grantees located in presidentially declared disaster areas for calendar year 2026. Waivers cover development cost limits, income verification procedures, assistance to middle-income families, emergency payments, suspension of public services cap, and eligibility for new housing construction. Grantees must notify HUD prior to utilizing these waivers, which are effective for specific periods depending on the waiver type.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Proposed Revision to ACF-700 Tribal Annual Report Reduces Reporting Burden

The Administration for Children and Families is seeking comments on proposed changes to the ACF-700 Tribal Annual Report for Child Care and Development Fund grantees. Revisions reduce annual burden hours by 40%—partly by eliminating repetitive narrative questions and American Rescue Plan data collection. The average completion time per tribal grantee is now estimated at 13 hours, applied to all respondents regardless of allocation size. Deadline for comments is August 7, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Multiple NAGPRA Notices Announce Inventories and Repatriations Across Institutions

Between June 11 and June 13, several institutions issued NAGPRA notices announcing inventory completion and intended repatriations of human remains, funerary objects, sacred items, and objects of cultural patrimony. Notices from Alaska, Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky, South Dakota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Montana, New Jersey, and New York involve institutions such as the Bureau of Land Management (Anchorage), Indiana State University, University of Missouri Museum of Anthropology, William S. Webb Museum of Anthropology (University of Kentucky), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Omaha and Detroit Districts), Milwaukee Public Museum, Gilcrease Museum, American Museum of Natural History, Montclair Art Museum, and others. Tribes and tribal organizations mentioned include Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska, Absentee Shawnee, Potawatomi, Miami, Quapaw Nation, Cherokee Nation, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Bay Mills Indian Community, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe, Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, Pawnee Nation, Blackfeet Tribe, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, and affiliated groups. Repatriations may occur on or after July 13, 2026, with competing requests evaluated prior to transfer.

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

Legislative Updates

Veterinary Services to Improve Public Health in Rural Communities Act

Bill 8473 focuses on native American communities and public health in rural areas. The latest action was subcommittee hearings held.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To take certain land into trust for the benefit of the Las Vegas Tribe of Paiute Indians

Bill 6917 would transfer land into trust for the Las Vegas Tribe of Paiute Indians. Subcommittee hearings were recently held.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Tribal Regulatory Reform Implementation Act of 2026

Bill 8954 aims to address tribal regulatory reform. Subcommittee hearings have been held as part of the legislative process.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Land Exchange Act

Bill 3925 involves a land exchange impacting the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. The bill was ordered to be reported in the nature of a substitute, amended, by unanimous consent.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A bill to establish the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians and Jefferson College as affiliated areas of the National Park System

Bill 3878 designates Grand Village of the Natchez Indians and Jefferson College as affiliated areas of the National Park System. The committee ordered the bill to be reported without amendment favorably.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• In Brazil’s Cerrado region, Indigenous fire practices reshape wildfire strategy: Indigenous-led burning techniques influence wildfire management in Brazil’s Cerrado savanna.

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