June 28, 2026 to July 04, 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.

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📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Justice Department Initiates Census of Tribal Court Systems Survey

The Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Statistics is requesting public comments on plans to reinstate and update the Census of Tribal Court Systems (CTCS). The 2026 survey, aimed at 378 tribal court respondents, will provide comprehensive data on staffing, caseloads, and judicial functions, building on the last administration in 2014. Annual burden for respondents is estimated at 417 hours, with participation set for January-April 2027. The collected information is intended for Congressional, Executive, and public use, and feedback on the necessity, accuracy, and burden minimization of the survey is open until August 28, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Interior Department Seeks Input on Class III Tribal-State Gaming Compact Collection

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is soliciting public comments regarding the renewal of the information collection process for Class III Tribal-State Gaming Compacts. The review concerns the impact and utility of collecting compacts and amendments under 25 CFR 293 and the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Respondents are Indian Tribes and State governments, with an estimated 40 responses annually and 8,000 total annual burden hours. Written comments on burden and quality must be submitted by August 31, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Federal NAGPRA Notices—Repatriation Actions Across Multiple Institutions

The National Park Service published several NAGPRA notices between July 2, 2026, and July 3, 2026, detailing inventories, intended repatriations, or returns of Native American ancestral remains and cultural items. Notices include the University of Michigan’s inventory completion for remains from Corpus Christi, Texas (linked with the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe and others), Beloit College’s planned repatriation of Hawaiian sacred objects, University of North Carolina’s transfer of remains affiliated with the Quapaw Nation, University of Rhode Island’s return of 39 individuals and funerary objects to the Narragansett Indian Tribe, Eastern Washington University’s repatriation to the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Los Rios Community College District’s repatriation of Hawaiian items, Peabody Museum’s planned return of six items to the Grand Portage Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, Haffenreffer Museum’s return of 80 individuals to Mashpee Wampanoag, Narragansett, and Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribes, and multiple repatriations from the Department of Defense’s National Museum of Health and Medicine to the San Carlos Apache, Blackfeet Tribe, Pueblo of Acoma, Zuni Tribe, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, and a range of Chippewa communities.

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, www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Ocmulgee Mounds National Park Redesignation Act Advances

Bill 9416, seeking to redesignate Ocmulgee Mounds to national park status, held hearings in subcommittee during the week. The legislation pertains to public lands and natural resources with potential implications for tribal stewardship and recognition in the region.

Sources: www.congress.gov

HEIRS Act of 2025 Progresses to House Reporting

Bill 1640—known as the HEIRS Act of 2025—addresses housing and community development issues, progressing in the House with a recorded 51-0 vote to report the legislation, amended. The bill’s subject matter could intersect with land claim and housing concerns within tribal communities.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Tribes hope Farm Bill can feed more people and preserve Indigenous culture: Tribes discuss using the Farm Bill to improve food access and sustain Indigenous traditions.
• Native American nations divided over America's 250th anniversary: Native nations debate participation in commemorations of the country's 250th anniversary.
• Indigenous food producer hopes Farm Bill will restore programs: An Indigenous food producer anticipates Farm Bill renewal to resume specific federal programs.

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