In accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, intends to return human remains and cultural items found in the Coronado National Forest. These items, which include ceramics, stone tools, and other artifacts, are linked to Native American heritage and will be rehomed with the communities currently holding priority, such as the Ak-Chin Indian Community and the Tohono O'odham Nation. Claims for these items must be submitted by March 19, 2026, and if multiple claims are made, the Forest Service will determine the rightful owners. The process is managed by the National Park Service and is supported by federal law.
Simple Explanation
The Forest Service wants to give back some old Native American things, like pottery and tools, that they found in a forest to the right people, and they have until 2026 to figure out who should get them.