The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Los Padres National Forest plans to return human remains found on federal land to the appropriate descendants or tribal organizations, as guided by the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). These remains, discovered in Monterey County, California, belong to a Native American individual, specifically prioritized for return to the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians. If no claims are made by March 18, 2026, the remains will be considered unclaimed. Claims can be made by eligible descendants or tribes showing proof of priority.
Simple Explanation
The U.S. Forest Service found some old bones in California, and they want to give them back to the right Native American tribe. If no one claims them by next March, they’ll be considered unclaimed.