Federal Register #2026-21546

BIA Notice on Inventory and Potential Repatriation of Ancestral Human Remains

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) issued a notice about the inventory and potential repatriation of ancestral human remains. - Government entities: U.S. Department of the Interior; Bureau of Indian Affairs; National Park Service, which carries out NAGPRA administrative responsibilities. - Inventory finding: One individual’s ancestral human remains, consisting of a skull with cranium and mandible, were reportedly removed from the Fort Randall Dam area in South Dakota. - Cultural affiliation: The remains are culturally affiliated with the Yankton Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. No associated funerary objects are present. - Repatriation: Eligible lineal descendants, tribes, or other culturally affiliated requestors may submit written requests to the BIA. No products or services are being procured, and no OEMs or vendors are identified.

Description

The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), completed an inventory of human remains and determined that they are culturally affiliated with the Yankton Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. The remains are an ancestral skull, including a cranium and mandible, reportedly removed from the Fort Randall Dam area in South Dakota between 1945 and 1947. No associated funerary objects are present. Repatriation may occur on or after November 23, 2026; written requests are to be sent to the BIA representative identified in the notice.

View original listing