August 09, 2026 to August 15, 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

Federal Government News

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Inventory Completion Notice

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has completed an inventory under NAGPRA, identifying cultural affiliation between human remains and associated funerary objects, and several Indian Tribes, including the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, and Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin. Remains from six individuals, alongside 62 funerary objects, were collected from sites in Winnebago County dating from the Paleoindian through post-contact periods. Repatriation requests may be submitted by September 14, 2026. If multiple requests are received, UWO will determine the most appropriate recipient as prescribed by federal regulations.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

BLM California State Office Inventory Completion Notices: Washoe and Lassen Counties

The Bureau of Land Management's California State Office submitted NAGPRA notices concerning inventories of human remains and funerary belongings from Washoe County, Nevada, and Lassen County, California. From Washoe County, remains of at least five individuals and 117 objects were collected across three sites and are affiliated with several tribes, including the Cedarville Rancheria and Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. From Lassen County, remains of two individuals and 588 objects, removed between 1982 and 1984, are affiliated with Alturas Indian Rancheria, Pit River Tribe, and Susanville Indian Rancheria. Requests for repatriation may be submitted until September 14, 2026. The BLM CA will resolve competing claims pursuant to NAGPRA.

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

Sonoma State University Inventory Completion Notice

Sonoma State University, under NAGPRA, has inventoried one lot of funerary objects derived from CA-NAP-261 in Napa County, California. The objects are affiliated with the Cachil DeHe Band of Wintun Indians, Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. Soil samples collected in 1977 during mitigation for the Napa River Flood Control Project were not previously included in the original inventory. Any additional recovered items will also be repatriated. Requests for repatriation from affiliated tribes or lineal descendants are due by September 14, 2026. Sonoma State will determine the recipient in the event of competing claims.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

University of Michigan Intended Repatriation Notice

The University of Michigan has announced the intended repatriation of three unassociated funerary objects under NAGPRA. Items include one lot of red ochre from the Muskalonge Lake site and two lots of charred textile fragments from the White site, both in New York and dating to various archaeological periods. Cultural affiliation has been determined with the Oneida Indian Nation. Repatriation requests, including joint or competing claims, may be submitted on or after September 14, 2026 to Dr. Ben Secunda at the NAGPRA Office.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

History Colorado Intended Repatriation of Oglala Sioux Items

History Colorado plans to repatriate fifteen cultural items—including ceremonial objects and objects of cultural patrimony—affiliated with the Oglala Sioux Tribe. Items acquired by Stephen Olop in the early 20th century were donated starting in 1915. Some items are potentially contaminated due to storage conditions. Written repatriation requests should be sent to Chance Ward at History Colorado; competing requests will be evaluated according to NAGPRA regulations. Repatriation may occur on or after September 14, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Bill 2677: Expanding Information Sharing on Suspected Intellectual Property Violations

Bill 2677 addresses the sharing of information with respect to suspected intellectual property rights violations in trade. The bill's latest action is 'Held at the desk', indicating it is awaiting further consideration or assignment. The policy area is Foreign Trade and International Finance. No sponsor or additional actions are listed.

Sources: www.congress.gov

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