Search Results for agency_names:"Interior Department"

The Quincy Museum Inc., located in Quincy, Illinois, plans to return four cultural items to a Native American tribe under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). These items, which include a tubular pipe, an abalone shell pendant, and two beaded shell necklaces, are linked to the Wilton Rancheria tribe in California. The repatriation process can begin on or after January 6, 2025. If other tribes or descendants claim the items, the museum will decide the most appropriate requestor based on evidence.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is announcing proposed adjustments to the irrigation assessment rates for irrigation projects on or associated with Indian reservations in the United States. These adjustments aim to recover costs for administration, operations, maintenance, and rehabilitation necessary for managing these projects. Stakeholders are invited to submit their comments on these adjustments before February 24, 2025. The changes are scheduled to take effect in the calendar year 2026, and further information on the projects and rates can be sought through BIA's regional offices.

In response to a Presidential Memorandum issued on January 20, 2025, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is delaying the effective dates of two regulatory program amendments in Wyoming and Montana. These amendments were initially published in January 2025 and were set to take effect soon. The Wyoming amendment addresses the disposal of wind turbine blades and towers in surface coal mining sites, while the Montana amendment deals with definitions and permit requirements related to environmental regulations. The delay is meant to provide time for further review and consideration without public input, as seeking such input would be impractical given the time constraints.

The National Indian Gaming Commission is updating its rules to adjust civil monetary penalties for inflation, as required by a 2015 federal law. This adjustment aims to keep penalties effective and ensure they still act as a deterrent. The new penalty amount of $65,655 will apply starting January 15, 2025. The adjustments are routine, and the rule change won't significantly impact small businesses or other major aspects of the economy or government operations.

The Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) Kaneohe Bay plans to handle the transfer of human remains found on federal or tribal lands back to the rightful Native Hawaiian descendants or organizations, as required by the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). These remains, representing at least one Native Hawaiian individual, were found during an archaeological test in January 2024. If a claim isn't made by March 19, 2026, the remains will be considered unclaimed. Several Native Hawaiian organizations and individuals have been prioritized for receiving the remains, but others can also submit claims by proving they have a right to do so.

Michigan State University plans to return 40 cultural items to Native American tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). These items, which include ceramics and metal artifacts, were originally removed from a burial site on Mackinac Island, Michigan in 1969. The university has identified a connection between these items and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Michigan. Other eligible tribes or organizations can also request repatriation of the items by showing cultural affiliation, with the repatriation process beginning as soon as April 16, 2025.

In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, the Kikuchi Center at Kaua`i Community College has completed an inventory of human remains and a bone fish hook associated with them. They determined a cultural link between these remains and Native Hawaiian organizations. Repatriation to the rightful tribes or organizations may begin as early as January 6, 2025, with requests needing to be sent to Jason Ford at the Kikuchi Center. If there are competing claims, the Kikuchi Center will decide the most appropriate recipient prior to repatriation.

Northwestern University has completed an inventory of human remains and associated funerary objects under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and has identified cultural connections to multiple Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations. The remains, originating from the Fisher Mounds Site in Illinois, represent 44 Native American individuals and include a ceramic pot rim as an associated funerary object. Repatriation of these items may start on or after February 18, 2025, and requests for repatriation can be made by the listed tribes or other eligible parties. The National Park Service has no responsibility for the determinations made in this notice.

In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Kikuchi Center at Kaua'i Community College has completed an inventory of human remains and associated funerary objects. They have established a cultural affiliation between these items and Native Hawaiian organizations. Repatriation of these items to the identified groups may occur on or after January 13, 2025. The Kikuchi Center will handle any requests for repatriation and has established a process to ensure the remains are returned to the appropriate cultural groups.

The Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association has completed an inventory of human remains in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). They have determined that these remains have a cultural connection to the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, and the Shawnee Tribe. Repatriation of the remains could start on or after April 16, 2025. If there are competing claims for the remains, the Association will decide who should receive them.