October 11, 2026 to October 17, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act Signed

On October 15, 2026, the President signed S. 240, the Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025. The law modifies the 2010 Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act to provide increased flexibility for implementing water projects within the Crow Tribe's reservation in Montana. These amendments include updates to project eligibility and administrative procedures, enabling more streamlined execution for tribal water initiatives. The act is expected to affect ongoing and future water management infrastructure on reservation lands. Additional bills signed at this time are S. 283 and S. 2403, unrelated to tribal affairs.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

HHS Proposes Regulatory Amendments to Native American Programs Act

The Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, issued a proposed rule to revise 45 CFR Part 1336 under the Native American Programs Act. The changes aim to simplify regulatory language, remove duplicative sections, and reorganize definitions. Updates include revised notice and appeals procedures aligned with Departmental Appeals Board processes, amendments to cost-sharing and matching requirements, clarification of waiver processes for non-Federal shares and maintenance of effort, formalization of project operations delegation agreements, prohibition on ANA funds for purchasing real property, and guidance for executive office costs linked to ANA projects. The proposed rule is open for comment until November 13, 2026, following tribal consultation.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Indian Gaming Compact Between Stillaguamish Tribe and State of Washington Approved

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has approved by operation of law a revised gaming compact between the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians and the Washington State Gambling Commission. The agreement updates Appendix E, increasing single scratch ticket and online wager limits to $50 for class III gaming. As the Secretary of the Interior took no action within the statutory 45-day review period, the compact is deemed approved in compliance with IGRA. The compact entered into effect October 14, 2026. For inquiries, contact Troy Woodward, Acting Director, Office of Indian Gaming.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NAGPRA Notices of Inventory Completion and Intended Repatriation Issued

A series of Federal Register notices dated October 16, 2026, announce completion of inventories and intended repatriation actions under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Niles History Center in Michigan has completed an inventory of two ceramics affiliated with multiple tribes, including Potawatomi and Miami, with repatriation possible after November 16, 2026. Indiana University has inventoried human remains affiliated with Coeur D'Alene and Kootenai tribes for repatriation. Grand Rapids Public Museum catalogued remains of 21 individuals and 174 objects, seeking tribal input for missing items. Sauk County Historical Society aims to repatriate objects to the Native Village of Barrow Inupiat Traditional Government. The Maxwell Museum in New Mexico, Hudson Museum in Maine, Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and Yale Peabody Museum each issued notices covering remains and objects linked to regional tribes. Written requests for repatriation are required, with competing requests reviewed by hosting institutions.

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

FEMA Proposes Information Collection for Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced a proposed information collection related to Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program (THSGP) preparedness grants. The request invites comment on the planned data requirements for tribal entities participating in THSGP. Details regarding application procedures and federal requirements are available in the Federal Register notice.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Court backs EPA giving Oklahoma authority over environmental rules on tribal lands: Appeals court decision grants Oklahoma regulatory powers over tribal land environmental standards.
• Shiyazh Pete, first Navajo NFL player, recognized on Indigenous Peoples Day: Shiyazh Pete, the NFL's first Navajo player, was honored during Indigenous Peoples Day ceremonies.
• This Copper Mine Led to a Civil War. Can Reopening It Fund a New Nation?: Bougainville considers reopening Panguna copper mine for economic development amid environmental concerns and political ambitions.

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