June 21, 2026 to June 27, 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

School of Social Science and Global Studies, University of Southern Mississippi: Repatriation Notice

The University of Southern Mississippi has completed an inventory under NAGPRA involving the remains of one individual, with cultural affiliation established to several tribes including the Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Repatriation may proceed after July 22, 2026. Requests must be submitted in writing to the designated university representative, and competing claims will be addressed pursuant to NAGPRA guidelines.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Murray State University Archaeology Laboratory, KY: Multiple Repatriation Notices

Murray State University has issued repatriation notices for several inventories, including remains from the Savage Cave site, Ballard County, Stewart County, and Backusburg site. Affiliations were identified with Cherokee Nation, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, The Chickasaw Nation, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Shawnee Tribe, and The Osage Nation. The Backusburg site notice additionally references four associated funerary objects. Repatriation is scheduled for after July 22, 2026, with details addressed to the university laboratory.

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

Robert S. Peabody Institute of Archaeology, MA: Unassociated Funerary Objects Repatriation

The Robert S. Peabody Institute of Archaeology intends to repatriate 44 lots of ceramic vessels and sherds from Arkansas sites, culturally affiliated with the Quapaw Nation. Repatriation may occur after July 22, 2026, and requests require written submission. The Institute is responsible for notifying all relevant tribes and organizations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

University of Pennsylvania Museum: Mohegan and Quinnipiac Remains Scheduled for Repatriation

The Penn Museum plans repatriation for human remains identified as Quinnipiac and Mohegan, originally removed from East Haven, Connecticut prior to 1835. The remains were acquired by Dr. Samuel G. Morton and transferred through multiple collections until their current status. Repatriation requests will be processed after July 22, 2026, in accordance with NAGPRA procedures, with notifications sent to the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Tribe and Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Oregon: Repatriation Notices

BLM Lakeview District, OR, issued a notice concerning remains from Connley Cave, Lake County, with cultural affiliation to Burns Paiute Tribe, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Fort Bidwell Indian Community, and Klamath Tribes. Roseburg District has a separate notice for remains removed from near Elk Grove, CA, linking them to multiple Miwok tribes and the Wilton Rancheria. Repatriation requests will be accepted until July 22, 2026.

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

Legislative Updates

Bill 9425: Food and Nutrition Act Tribal Consultation Amendment

Bill 9425 proposes amendments to the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, mandating Tribal consultation and representation for the Food Distribution Program on Indian reservations. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture for review.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 7396: Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act

The Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act addresses policies supporting Native American entrepreneurship. It has been received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 4869: Indian School Equalization Formula Reform

Bill 4869 aims to revise the Indian School Equalization Formula managed by the Bureau of Indian Education. The bill was read twice and sent to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 4890: Indian Water Rights Settlement Completion Fund Amendments

Bill 4890 would establish subaccounts within the Indian Water Rights Settlement Completion Fund under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 4938: Bering Sea Bycatch and Habitat Protection

Bill 4938 proposes measures to reduce trawl gear impacts, establish new standards, improve council participation, and support habitat protection in Alaska fisheries. The bill was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 9374: Find Our Families Act of 2026

Bill 9374, the Find Our Families Act of 2026, was introduced with sponsor remarks entered in the Congressional Record (CR H4228).

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• The Native Leader Who Tied His People’s Fate to the Patriot Cause: Feature on the Oneida leader Good Peter and tribal engagement during the American Revolution.
• Canada Eyes Arctic Projects to Ramp Up North’s Resource Potential: Canada discusses new Arctic projects to expand resource development in the North.

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