Federal Register #2026-06820

Notice of Inventory Completion for Human Remains and Funerary Objects by U.S. Department of the Navy

This notice announces the completion of an inventory of Native American human remains and associated funerary objects by the U.S. Department of the Navy, Navy Region Southwest, in compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of Defense, Department of the Navy, Navy Region Southwest - Inventory Details: - Human remains representing at least five individuals - 363 associated funerary objects, including: - Animal bones - Bone tools - Shell fishhooks - Shell beads - Stone beads - Stone pendants - Stone tools - Stone bowls - Stone mortars and pestles - Location and Custody: - Items were removed from San Nicolas Island, California, between 1905 and 1962 - Currently held by the Navy Region Southwest Cultural Resources Management Program - Cultural Affiliation: - Remains and objects are affiliated with several Indian Tribes, including: - La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians - Pala Band of Mission Indians - Pauma Band of Luiseno Mission Indians - Pechanga Band of Indians - Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians - Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Mission Indians - Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians - Notable Requirements: - No hazardous substances were used on the remains or objects, though some items were mounted with glue - This is a formal notification of inventory completion and potential repatriation under NAGPRA, not a procurement or contract opportunity

Description

The U.S. Department of Defense, Department of the Navy, Navy Region Southwest has completed an inventory of human remains and associated funerary objects in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). They have determined a cultural affiliation between these remains and objects and certain Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. The inventory includes remains of at least five individuals and 363 associated funerary objects such as animal bones, shell beads, and stone tools. Repatriation may occur on or after May 11, 2026, and requests for repatriation must be sent to the Navy's Cultural Resources Manager.

View original listing