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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Dates: 2026-02-22 to 2026-02-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Land Conveyance Decision for Eklutna, Inc.

The Bureau of Land Management has issued an appealable decision to convey 2,594.14 acres of surface estate to Eklutna, Inc., for the Native Village of Eklutna under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). The subsurface estate will be conveyed to Cook Inlet Region, Inc. after the transfer. This action addresses public access easements as outlined in section 17(b) of ANCSA and is published in the Federal Register as required by regulation. Interested parties must file appeals by March 30, 2026, or within 30 days of receipt by certified mail.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Revisions to Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program Data Collection

The Administration for Children and Families proposes a three-year extension with revisions to its data reporting instruments for the Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program. The Demographic and Service Utilization Data Report has updated reporting tables and terminology, while the Performance Measurement Data Report is extended with updated reporting burden. The Quarterly Performance Report is discontinued. These changes will affect reporting requirements for 68 Tribal MIECHV grant recipients, with updated annual burden estimates totaling 20,227 hours. Public comments are due by April 27, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

DOT ROUTES Initiative Request for Information on Rural and Tribal Transportation Needs

The U.S. Department of Transportation announces a Request for Information as part of the Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (ROUTES) Initiative. ROUTES seeks comments on unmet transportation infrastructure needs in Tribal and rural communities, barriers faced, and opportunities for improving DOT technical assistance. The RFI is open for 60 days from publication, with input requested on infrastructure conditions, safety, technology, grant processes, and definitions affecting Tribal stakeholders. Comments may be submitted via regulations.gov using Docket No. DOT-OST-2026-0298.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NAGPRA Repatriation Notices Affecting Multiple Tribes and Museums

Multiple museums and institutions have published NAGPRA notices regarding the completion of inventories and intended repatriation of human remains, sacred objects, and objects of cultural patrimony. Affected entities include Missouri Historical Society, La Sierra University Museum, Turtle Bay Exploration Park, Salt River Project, University of California Berkeley, Beloit College Logan Museum, Milwaukee Public Museum, Illinois State Museum, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Division of Archaeology, University of Connecticut, Haffenreffer Museum at Brown University, and additional institutions. Cultural affiliations are identified with tribes such as Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians, Hui Iwi Kuamo‘o, Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria, Gila River Indian Community, Pala Band of Mission Indians, Pueblo of Santa Ana, Stockbridge Munsee Community, Absentee-Shawnee and other Cherokee and Creek affiliated groups, Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, Mohegan Tribe, and Native Hawaiian organizations. Repatriation requests may be submitted prior to March 25, 2026; museums must resolve competing requests as outlined in respective notices.

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, SOURCE NOT FOUND

What We're Reading This Week

• With only 3 women left, an Amazon tribe faced extinction. An unexpected birth now brings hope: The Akuntsu in Brazil experienced a rare birth after years of population decline amid deforestation threats.
• What others can learn from how Minnesota helped its most vulnerable residents during the ICE surge: Mutual aid networks and tribal partnerships supported Minnesota’s vulnerable populations in the face of extreme winter and ICE disruptions.

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