The Prescott National Forest plans to handle the disposition of Native American human remains found on federal or tribal land, as outlined by the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The remains date back to discoveries in 2014 and 2020 in Yavapai County, Arizona. Disposition will go to the most appropriate Native American organization unless a claim is made by January 20, 2026, after which the remains will be considered unclaimed. The remains are currently held securely, and the process prioritizes cultural affiliations determined by consultations.
Simple Explanation
The government found old Native American bones in Arizona and wants to give them back to the right Native American groups, but if no group claims them by a certain date, the bones will be called "unclaimed." There are some rules about who should get the bones first, but it's not very clear how those decisions are made.