The Tonto National Forest plans to repatriate human remains and cultural items from Federal or Tribal lands to Native American tribes, following the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The notice states that the disposition may take place after April 16, 2025, but the items will be deemed unclaimed if no claim is made by March 17, 2026. The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community has priority, but other descendants or tribes with evidence can also submit claims. If there are competing claims, the Tonto National Forest will decide the most suitable recipient.
Simple Explanation
The Tonto National Forest is planning to return old human bones and special items found on their land back to Native American tribes, following a law called NAGPRA, starting after April 16, 2025. If no one claims them by March 17, 2026, they might be left without an owner, but the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Tribe has first choice to claim these items.