The Chugach National Forest, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, plans to repatriate unassociated funerary objects found at an archaeological site in Alaska. These items, including pieces of hide and carved wooden slats, are linked to Native American burial practices. According to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Native Village of Chenega and the Native Village of Tatitlek have priority for claiming these objects. If no claims are made by January 16, 2026, the objects will be considered unclaimed.
Simple Explanation
The Forest Service in Alaska wants to give back some special objects found on their land, like parts of old hides and carved wood, to Native American groups they belong to. They are following important rules to make sure everything is done fairly, and if no one asks for the objects by next year, they'll be considered without an owner.