July 26, 2026 to August 01, 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

• Senate Indian Affairs: Hearings on prediction markets' growth and tribal implications: The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will hold an open hearing on August 4, 2026, at 8:00 PM EDT in Dirksen Senate Office Building 628, examining prediction markets and tribal implications.
• Senate Indian Affairs: Business meeting to consider multiple tribal land and mineral trust bills: On August 5, 2026, at 6:30 PM EDT in Dirksen Senate Office Building 628, the committee will consider S.239 (Crow Tribe mineral interests), S.1055 (Indian Health Care Improvement Act amendments), S.1514 (Quinault Indian Nation land), S.3219 (Indian Pueblos land transfer), and H.R.2400 (Pit River Tribe land).

Federal Government News

Final Adoption of Administration for Native Americans Program Policies and Procedures

The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) in the Department of Health and Human Services issued its final interpretive rules and statements of policy for FY 2026 Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs), effective upon publication. Key programs include Economic Advancement Grants for Local Empowerment (EAGLE), the AI3 Action Institute (Artificial Intelligence for American Indians), and the National Center for Native Training and Technical Assistance (NCNTTA). ANA responded to 32 public comment submissions, addressing concerns on cultural preservation, terminology, AI implementation, and program flexibility. New clarifications will address eligibility, beneficiary definitions, and operational guidance for activities such as microgrids. The EAGLE program replaces SEDS and SEDS-AK but retains eligibility for Alaska Native communities, ensuring region-specific access. ANA will consolidate training and technical assistance (TTA) into a single cooperative agreement, aiming for improved integration and oversight. For-profit entity eligibility varies across programs as defined by statute. ANA maintains alignment with the Native American Programs Act of 1974 and affirms continued engagement through tribal consultations and industry conferences.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Inventory Completion: Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, Division of Archaeology, Baton Rouge, LA

The Louisiana Division of Archaeology completed inventory of human remains and associated funerary objects from site 16RI13, Gold Mine, in Richland Parish, LA. Remains representing at least 100 individuals and 13 associated objects, including ceramics, originate from excavations conducted between 1978–1980. Collections transferred through several universities before donation to LDOA in 2006. The remains are affiliated with Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, Jena Band of Choctaw Indians, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, and The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Repatriation actions may commence after August 31, 2026, in accordance with Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) protocols.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Missouri, Museum of Anthropology, Columbia, MO

The University of Missouri, Museum of Anthropology, has inventoried human remains of at least four individuals, along with 25 lots of associated funerary objects, from Cahokia Mounds and nearby areas. Repatriation may begin after August 31, 2026. Associated tribes include the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, Kaw Nation, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, Quapaw Nation, Sac & Fox Nation, Shawnee Tribe, and The Osage Nation.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Inventory Completion: San Diego State University, San Diego, CA

San Diego State University announced inventory completion for human remains belonging to at least three individuals and 39 lots of associated funerary objects from archaeological sites in San Diego and Imperial counties. The remains and objects are affiliated with several Kumeyaay tribes, including Campo, Capitan Grande (Barona and Viejas), Ewiiaapaayp, Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel, Inaja, Jamul, La Posta, Manzanita, Mesa Grande, San Pasqual, and Sycuan Band. Repatriation is allowed beginning August 31, 2026, in accordance with NAGPRA requirements.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Inventory Completion: History Colorado, Denver, CO

History Colorado finalized inventory on remains of 22 individuals from multiple counties in Colorado, with two lots of funerary objects. Provenience is limited, but county coroners transferred the material for curation and review. Affiliated tribes include the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah & Ouray Reservation, and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. Repatriations are eligible to occur on or after August 31, 2026, following statutory procedures.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Pechanga Band of Indians Water Rights Settlement Technical Amendments Act

Bill 4417 addresses technical amendments to the Pechanga Band of Indians water rights settlement. Committee on Indian Affairs held hearings.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Water Rights Settlement Act

Bill 4368 focuses on water rights for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Committee on Indian Affairs held hearings.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Protecting Indian Water Rights Settlements Act of 2026

Bill 4890 seeks to enhance protections for Indian water rights settlements. Committee on Indian Affairs held hearings.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act of 2026

Bill 3617 proposes settling water rights for the Yavapai-Apache Nation. Committee on Indian Affairs held hearings.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act Amendment

Bill 3573 would modify completion extension dates for the Regional Water System under the Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act. Senate Indian Affairs held hearings.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Burglary charge could send man linked to Navajo elder's disappearance back to federal prison: AP reports federal prison implications for a man associated with Navajo elder Ella Mae Begay’s disappearance.
• Their land was taken centuries ago. Now the Pamunkey tribe is getting it back.: Washington Post covers the Pamunkey tribe’s reacquisition of 13 acres for cultural and educational uses.

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