September 13, 2026 to September 19, 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

• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• Senate Indian Affairs: Business Meeting and Hearings on Tribal Bills: The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs is scheduled for a business meeting on September 23, 2026, to consider S.5354 (Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act reauthorization), followed by hearings on multiple Tribal bills, including S.1750, S.3859, S.4053, and H.R.226, relating to Tribal recognition, land claims, and trust land transfers.

Federal Government News

NPS Seeks Comment on Information Collection for Tribal Plant Gathering in National Parks

The National Park Service has issued a Federal Register notice proposing to extend an information collection related to the gathering of certain plants or plant parts by federally recognized Indian Tribes for traditional purposes within national parks. This collection supports implementation of gathering agreements under 36 CFR 2.6 and documentation for appeals. Comments are due by October 19, 2026. The notice provides a summary of the reporting requirements, the methodology for data collection, and the estimated burden on respondents. According to the NPS, the purpose is to maintain accurate information and uphold Tribal sovereignty in park resource management. No public comments were received during the earlier 60-day notice.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Inventory Completion: Indiana University, Bloomington, IN

Indiana University in Bloomington has completed an inventory of Native American human remains and an associated funerary object from a 1941 Montana archaeological survey. Cultural affiliation has been established with the Blackfeet Tribe, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes (Oklahoma), Crow Tribe, and several other groups. Requests for repatriation must be submitted by October 16, 2026. The National Park Service is not responsible for the determination; inquiries can be sent to Dr. Jayne-Leigh Thomas at Indiana University.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Inventory Completion: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Tongass National Forest, Ketchikan, AK

The Tongass National Forest in Alaska announced completion of an inventory of human remains from at least 10 individuals and nine associated funerary objects, with likely origin tracing to Krugloi Point, Halleck Island. The mortuary items and human remains are affiliated with the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, as determined by consultation and geographic acquisition records. Repatriation is scheduled to occur on or after October 16, 2026, following any potential claims under NAGPRA provisions. Requests must be directed to Janelle Crocker, Acting Forest Supervisor.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Upcoming Public Meeting: Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee

The National Park Service announced a public meeting of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee to be held via videoconference on September 30, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Eastern). The meeting agenda includes a report from the NAGPRA Program, discussion of the committee's report to Congress, and consultation with Tribes, museums, and agencies on NAGPRA-related matters. Details and materials are available on the National NAGPRA Program website.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Recap: Tribal Policies and Federal Recognition in North Carolina

President Trump issued a release detailing North Carolina-focused initiatives, citing federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe, rural health investments, and disaster recovery funds post-Hurricane Helene. The communication also notes criminal enforcement initiatives, tax reforms, tariffs in the furniture sector, and restoration of Fort Bragg's name. According to the administration, such measures support public safety and economic development within the state, with specific impacts on Tribal and rural communities.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• A Christian pastor called Arapaho ceremonies 'idol worship.' Now the tribe wants her church gone: The Arapaho Tribe seeks to expel a church after a pastor denounced their ceremonies as idol worship.
• Uranium mines pose first test for state-recognized Mount Taylor cultural landscape in New Mexico: New Mexico's state-recognized cultural landscape faces its first major challenge from uranium mining proposals.

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