The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests plans to return human remains and funerary items to descendants, an Indian Tribe, or a Native Hawaiian organization, in line with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). These remains and items, found in Navajo County, Arizona, have cultural ties to the Hopi of Arizona, Pueblo of Acoma, and Zuni Tribe. Claims for these items are accepted until January 20, 2026. If there are multiple claims, the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests will decide who receives them based on evidence.
Simple Explanation
The government wants to give back special old things and bones that were found in Arizona to the right people or groups, like certain Native American tribes, by a certain date in 2026. If more than one group asks for the same things, they will decide who gets them by looking at the facts.